Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web Development)

Course Instance ID:	444444444
Description:	Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web Development)
Duration:	1 year
NFQ Level:	Level 8
Brochure:	Download Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web Development) brochure

The course teaches students the computing fundamentals, complemented with detailed knowledge, problem-solving and specialised technical skills required for designing, developing and deploying software.

The course offers a specialisation in Web Development, which brings the participants quickly to the graduate standard in this area.

The Web Development stream provides learners with technical and development skills in core topics of web programming covering topics such as advanced client side development, cloud application development and DevOpsSec.

This course is funded under the Springboard+ initiative, click on the Springboard+ tab below for more information.

Course details

Springboard+

This course is offered under Springboard+ meaning you can join this course for free if you are currently unemployed or for a reduced cost of €540 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply:

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web Development) - 1 Year, Blended/Online. Applications for this programme are now closed.

Visit the Springboard+ website for information on eligibility criteria.

Applying as a non-Springboard+ Student

If you are not eligible for a place on this Springboard+ funded programme but still wish to apply, please click here.

Who is the course for?

This course will appeal to graduates with a level 8 degree from different backgrounds who would wish to change their non-ICT qualification into the computer science field through a level 8 award in computing. Nonetheless, it is noted that the course is technical in nature and will entail a significant amount of independent study. Given the content and the timescale you will need to have a strong commitment to the course and a willingness to fully engage with the technical content.

Career Prospects

Graduates from NCI’s Higher Diploma in Computing programmes have progressed to successful roles in a wide variety of technical and nontechnical roles. This web development specialisation opens up particular opportunities in a broad range of web development roles.

Award and Progression

For all streams regardless of specialisation your final award will be a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing as awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Students who successfully complete this course may be eligible to progress to a major award at level 9 on the NFQ.

Entry Requirements

A level 8 degree or its equivalent in a non-cognate discipline. Non-standard applications will be also considered on an individual basis.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on extensive relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed through a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, an interview and assessment.

Laptop Requirements

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a laptop computer with a substantial hardware configuration. A suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their laptop is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights to the machine. NCI IT does not provide support for personal devices.

The course requires internet access you will be required to ensure you have sufficient broadband speed and reliable connectivity from your place of study.

Free Laptop loan for eligible students on this course: Students who are eligible for HEA funding for this course may also be eligible for a free laptop provided on a loan basis for the duration of the programme. This will be a suitable specification machine for completion of the programme but must be returned once you have finished your course. Overall numbers of laptops available are subject to maximum numbers and no other alternatives can be offered.

Check our Student Laptop Loan page for updates on the next opening date for applications.

Course Content

Semester 1

Software Development
Object Oriented Software Engineering
Introduction to Databases
Web Design and Client Side Scripting

Semester 2

Cloud Application Development
Computer Architecture Operating Systems and Networks
Advanced Client-Side Development
DevOpsSec
Career Bridge

Semester 3

Project

Springboard Careers Advisors will proactively support you to find relevant employment during the course or following completion of the course.

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

Course Delivery

This is an online learning course that features Directed E-Learning activities such as live online classroom sessions and tutorials/videos on the College’s e-learning system. This allows for online class time to be interactive, practical, and focused, with theorybased content being covered outside of class time with self-paced tutorials/videos, and practical content being covered in live online classes with support from lecturers and lab assistants.

Indicative Schedule

Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 22.00.

There will also be up to five hours self-directed learning through the college e-learning system weekly. These will not show on your timetable. Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester 2 from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed.

Assessment

The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessments and/or project work and exams. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings and at weekends.

Duration

3 semesters delivered over 1 calendar year - January to May 2024, May to August 2024 and September to December 2024.

The course is expected to start in the week commencing 22nd January 2024.

Course Fee

Springboard+ Student Fees

A student contribution fee of €540 is applicable if you are in employment. No fees applicable if you are unemployed. The scheme does not cover any allowance for books and materials. See the Springboard+ tab above for further information.

If a student contribution fee is applicable this must be paid in full no later than Friday 8th of March 2024.

Non-Springboard+ Student Fees

€4,725

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

International Students

International students can apply for the full-time Higher Diploma in Science in Computing here.

About this Course

This course will appeal to graduates with a qualification in another area but would like to bridge the gap into a career in ICT and to focus on the development of websites and web applications. The first semester will give you a solid grounding in the computing fundamentals allowing you to move in the second semester onto more specialist modules in the area of web development. The course provides the opportunity to work in a wide variety of IT roles or to apply web development skills to your current industry sector.

Note: The prospective students are required to specify the specialisation they would like to follow when they apply for a place within the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing programme. It is not possible to transfer course streams post registration.