• » Higher Certificate in Computing in Information Technology Support

    Programme Title  Higher Certificate in Computing in Information Technology Support
    CAO Code  ATP Programme, not available via CAO
    LYIT internal code  LY_KITSW_C (January Intake)
     LY_KITSS_C (June Intake)
    Duration  18 months
    Standard Code Places:  24
    National Framework Level  6
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Ireland is the worlds' largest exporter of Computer Software. This means that there are excellent opportunities for finding well-paid employment when you graduate. Additionally, because computers are used in almost every area of modern life, the range of opportunities and types of jobs which are open to computing graduates means that the chances of having a career you enjoy are excellent.
    This programme is an ATP (Accelerated Technician Programme), in which students can gain a Higher Certificate in 18 months. Students spend 6 months in college, followed by 6 months on work placement, followed by another 6 months months in college. lt will suit people returning to the work force and those seeking a change of career. There are normally two intakes per year, one in January (LYITSW_C) and one in June (LYITSS_C). The programme is designed to provide the graduate with the skills required to operate as a first line Information Technology Support person in a wide range of industry and business environments. The tasks would include knowledge of MS Office and being capable of designing/commissioning computer systems and networks.
    Note that this course leads on to an ordinary degree and an honours degree in Computing Services Management which is approved by the Teaching Council on its list of Degree/Teacher Education Programmes Recognised for Post-Primary Registration Purposes. Go to TC Publications and click on List of Recognized Qualifications (Post-Primary).
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    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Most applicants will be mature students (over 23 in January of the year you are applying for the course. Mature applicants do not need a leaving certificate.
    Alternative
    If you are not a mature applicant the basic entry requirement for this programme is five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including Mathematics and English or Irish, or an equivalent qualification.
    All applicants are interviewed in order to assess suitability for the course. This course is particularly targeted at mature students who may not require a Leaving Certificate qualification.
    Additional Information
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Computer Applications Mandatory  5  5
     Computer Systems Mandatory  5  5
     Operating Systems 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Software Development 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Interpersonal Communications Mandatory  5  5
     Computer Networks 1 Mandatory  5  5
     1/2 Industrial Placement 6 months Mandatory  60  
     2/3  Computer Networks 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Operating Systems 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Training & Support Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematics Mandatory  5  5
     Software Development 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Multimedia Elective  5  5
     Database Technology Elective  5  5
    Learning Outcomes
    On completion of this programme, the graduate will be capable of:
    • Installing and trouble shooting local area networks.
    • Installing software packages and setting the system parameters for same.
    • Managing user accounts on server systems.
    • Providing user support, including help-desk operation.
    • Providing hardware support, PC’s and peripherals.
    • Providing support to the software development environment.
    • Providing user training.
    • Monitoring system and network performance.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    Progression is available to a one year Level 7 Bachelor Degree in Computer in Information Technology Support internally at LYIT. See: course details page. After that students can progress to a one year level 8 Honours Degree in Computer Service Management internally at LYIT.
    Career Opportunities
    Current forecasts about the future of the computing industry in Ireland are excellent. It is projected that students who enter third level colleges this year are likely to find there are more professional computing jobs available when they graduate than there are computing graduates to fill them.
    In addition to the national demand for computing graduates there are several large computing companies in the Northwest such as Pramerica which is based in Letterkenny, Northbrook which has operations in Derry and Strabane and SITA which is owned by the air transport industry and has recently announced a major jobs expansion. Also, there are also numerous small and medium sized computer companies such as Torc Interactive which develops tools to write computer games.
    So what kind of job would you like to do? Install and manage computer systems, manage the security of computer networks, work in internet service providers, work as software developers, develop and manage web sites. All of these careers are open to our computing graduates; it's your choice.
    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 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
    This course begins in January and June each year. If you are interested in applying for this course please contact the Admissions Office or the Head of Department of Computing Mr Thomas Dowling. Recruitment for the January intake normally begins in November and recruitment of the June intake normally begins in April.
    IT Support Application Form
    Guidelines on How to Apply and a Complete List of Direct Entry Courses
    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