Computing

You will learn computing fundamentals, complemented with detailed knowledge, problem-solving and specialised technical skills required for designing, developing and deploying software. The course offers specialisations in the second semester to choose from. The streams are Mobile Application Development, Cloud Computing, Software Development, Computing Infrastructure, Mobile Cloud Gaming, Internet of Things, Cyber Security, and Software Quality and Testing. The stream element is a focused set of modules to bring you quickly to the industry entry standard for the chosen specialisation.

The Mobile Application Development stream provides further knowledge and skills on wireless and mobile communication technologies (e.g. Wimax, wi-fi, bluetooth), and mobile applications development for Android and/or iOS devices.

The Cloud Computing stream provides a rigorous yet highly-practical education in the core topics of cloud computing including business, technical (SaaS: software as a Service) and legal aspects of cloud computing.

The Software Development stream offers learners detailed knowledge, problemsolving and technical skills in the area of software development using, for example, the Java programming language and the Ruby on Rails framework.

The Computing Infrastructure stream provides a rigorous education in the core topics of computing infrastructure including the technical, analysis, and management aspects of computing infrastructure.

The Mobile Cloud Gaming stream exposes learners to the mobile gaming area and provides skills on the development of mobile and cloud-based games using technologies such as Unity and OpenGL.

The Internet of Things stream provides a through pathway from IoT novice to a graduate who can take up a key position in this rapidly expanding area. Learners will be imparted firm foundation knowledge of the technology which underlies the IoT and it is augmented by a highly practical project development and implementation.

The Cybersecurity stream provides detailed knowledge, problem-solving and specialised technical skills required for application security development, forensic investigation, application/service vulnerability detection and incident detection.

The Software Quality and Testing stream provides practical and specialised technical skills required for testing software at all levels of development. Semester two consists of a focused set of modules to bring the participants quickly to the industry entry standard for the Software Quality and Testing specialisation.

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. It will also appeal to technical and nontechnical professionals who would like to upgrade their skills in one of the specialisations provided by this course, helping them to progress faster in their employment or to apply the knowledge in their current role.

Award and Progression
The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is 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.