Why should I study Computing?
The continuing growth in the computer and software industries in Ireland and abroad has lead to exceptional demand for graduates at all levels within these disciplines. There is a national and international shortage of well qualified computer professionals. This shortfall will persist for the foreseeable future, due to the increasing role of computer and software systems in all aspects of business, commerce and industry. The proposed award is designed to meet this anticipated shortage of computer professionals.

Course Overview
This programme, which leads to the award of HETAC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing, is designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to be successful computer professionals in a growing and dynamically changing computer industry. The learning outcomes designed for this programme ensure students gain great experience in both software and hardware development. Students study 12 modules that cover a wide variety of objectives, over the two year period. Individual and Group-based projects ensures students are well prepared for the work force or further studies. It is envisioned that graduates will be able to fulfil a wide range of roles within these industries.

Transfer Opportunities
On successful completion of this certificate students may transfer to many different colleges within both Ireland and England. Students may be exempt from year 1 and year 2 of any Computer Science Degree programme within Ireland or England.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course will be able to function over a wide range of areas within the business, commerce and industrial sectors. They are no longer restricted to the traditional fields of large and small computer installations, software houses and computer service companies. As the proliferation of computing technology increases graduates can expect to find themselves in such diverse areas as:

• Software Engineering Companies
• Electronics Companies
• Telecommunications Organisations
• Financial Institutions
• Manufacturers
• Retail Companies

Ireland has developed as a world centre for software development. Locally, nationally and internationally the expanding software and computer applications in the industrial and public sector offer excellent career prospects, with an unusually wide range of jobs in different types of organizations.

What will I study?

Programme Structure
Modules for Year 1

• Introduction to Programming and Data Structures
• Networks and Administration
• Information  and Office Technology
• Mathematics 1
• Business Communications
• Systems Analysis

Modules for Year 2

• Computer Systems
• Database Design & Programming & Human Computer Interaction Concepts
• Mathematics 2
• e-Business Strategy
• Programming for the Internet
• Final Year Research Project

Entry Requirements

• The minimum entry requirements for entry to the Higher Certificate in Science in Computing are 5 passes at Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

• Mature applicants do not have to compete with school leavers in terms of academic achievement, provided they can demonstrate from their work/life experiences that they are able to pursue and benefit from their chosen programme.

• Students must apply for this programme through the CAO.

• Non-EU applicants should apply directly to the college for this course. The acceptability of their qualifications will be determined by the academic board.

• All applicants are expected to be competent in both written and spoken english. For more information on admission click here.