• » Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Conversion course into Computing)

    Programme Title  Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Conversion course into Computing)
    CAO Code  
    LYIT internal code  LY_KCOMP_G
    Duration  9 months
    Standard Code Places:  20
    National Framework Level  8
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    This is a level 8 honours-degree-equivalent conversion-style Higher Diploma in Computing designed to take graduates in non-computing fields and cross-skill them to allow them to begin a career in the computing industry.
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Letterkenny Institute of Technology has obtained approval to run a level 8 honours-degree-equivalent conversion-style Higher Diploma in Computing. The objective of the course is to take graduates in non-computing fields and augment their skills and knowledge in readiness to begin a career in the computing industry. It is designed to ensure that graduates are given both a base for continuing self-development and a set of skills which are transferable to the broader computing industry. These skill sets are reinforced with a strong emphasis on teamwork. The main aim of the course is to produce graduates with the required theoretical and hands-on skills to allow them to work and participate effectively in a commercial IT environment.
    For more information on converting to an IT career with an IT conversion course follow this link.
    Please note that this course has been accepted for funding under the Springboard fund. This means that fees are free if you have been getting an unemployment payment for at least three months in a row before joining the programme. For further information on the Springboard see: www.qualifax.ie.
    For some general information about why you might consider a career in computing: Careers Evenings and Computers.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    All applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements of an honours degree or equivalent in a non-computing discipline are eligible to apply by Direct entry to Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
    Please find the Direct Entry application form on the following link Direct Entry Application Form.
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Software Design 1 Mandatory  10  5
     Database Technology Mandatory  10  5
     Computer Systems Mandatory  10  5
     1/2  Software Design 2 Mandatory  10  5
     Software Engineering Mandatory  10  5
     Internet Applications Development and Project Mandatory  10  5
    Learning Outcomes
    On completion of this programme the graduate will be able to:
    • Analyse and evaluate information and based on that information be able to formulate and appraise solutions;
    • Make decisions and justify those decisions in relation to the task;
    • Draw on ‘best practice’ in their decision making process;
    • Design and development of computer systems;
    • Plan and organise work and interact effectively as part of a team;
    • Develop and formalise original ideas using a range of tools;
    • Demonstrate proficiency in a range of specialist computing skills required for working in a commercial computing environment.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression to programs leading to Masters Degree (taught or by research) or a Doctoral Degree (by research), is available internally at LYIT or through a range of other institutes of technology and universities in Ireland and abroad. Progression internationally to some second cycle (e.g. ‘Bologna Masters’) degree programs is possible.
    Career Opportunities
    Currently employment prospects for computing graduates remains healthy. The most recent reports on employment in the Irish economy commissioned since the beginning of the current economic down-turn continue to point to the strength of the IT sector in Ireland and abroad and the positive opportunities for employment in the sector. IT Services continue to be one of the growth areas in the Irish economy with growth in IT Services exports continuing to grow throughout the past year.
    During the past decade, Ireland has gained increasing recognition as Europe’s premier location for software development. Since the 1980s, most leading US software vendors, including Microsoft, Oracle, Google, Facebook and Symantec, have based their European operations centres in Ireland. The country has also become the number one site for software development in Europe. All the big players such as Microsoft, Google, EBay, Symantec and Amazon are now based in Ireland.
    Alongside the big international players Ireland also has a thriving software development industry that has been created in Ireland by Irish computer graduates. It comprises of over 600 companies, about 250 of which have significant levels of overseas sales. Ireland has now overtaken the USA as the biggest exporter of software in the world. 60% of all software sold in Europe originates in Ireland.
    For independent information on employment and salaries in the IT industry see the following report which covers 2010-2011: Jobs and Salaries in IT. For the latest update on employment in the IT Sector see 2,500 Unfilled Jobs in Irish Tech Sector.
    For articles from 2012 which you might find helpful see:
    High-tech sector better for jobs than traditional areas, says IDA
    Increase in demand for IT professionals at the end of 2011 - report
    State ignoring tech skills gap at its peril
    Financial Support for Students Taking This Course.
    Applicants may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance, subject to the usual conditions. You may find the 7-step guide on studentfinance.ie useful in helping you work out whether you are eligible for financial support under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.
    If you are still unsure if you qualify for financial support feel free to contact LYIT for further information.
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact Thomas Dowling, Head of Department of Computing, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: thomas.dowling@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6304