Course Description
Software Development
Duration
This is a Full time one year course, which runs from September to May.
Overview
This Pre-University computer science course provides students with an entry point to a future career in the technology sector. With the increase in the use of technology in almost every industry, the education of IT professionals is becoming more important, in a society that is heavily technology-orientated. Our staff have sector-specific experience which will ensure that you acquire the skills to design, create and maintain websites, databases and computer networks, as well as the fundamentals of computer programming using Java, C#. PHP, Javascript, Visual Basic using Visual Studio, software architecture and technical support. This course is supported by FIT (Fast Track into IT) which is a unique IT-led initiative that offers students the opportunity to acquire essential skills to gain employment in the thriving IT sector. Students are given training in job interview techniques and CV preparation.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate – (LC Established, LCVP, LCA) or equivalent
- A Full QQI Level 4 Award (or equivalent)
- For Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) – Appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. Note: Mature applicants may be entitled to VTOS funding. For details about VTOS, please contact the college.
Certification
- Level 5 QQI Award Software Development (5M0529)
- CompTIA Certification (Optional)
Special Features
Free Full Suit of Adobe Software for all students on this course for one year to facilitate assessment.
Work Experience
Students will be required to undertake a period work placement in an organisation connected to their vocational area during the academic year. Work Experience is mandatory for all of our full-time Level 5 courses. Students are required to source their own work placement but will be assisted in this by the work experience teacher. The work placement is usually for a period of 10 days or a minimum of 60 hours. Students usually find the work experience element of the course to be invaluable and should bear in mind that a successful work placement can sometimes lead to further opportunities.
Additional Information
This course is delivered through a blended learning approach which is a combination of classroom and online learning.
This course is supported by FIT, which offers students the opportunity to acquire essential skills to gain employment. Students are given training in job interview techniques and CV preparation.
Assessment
Assessment techniques will be used to assess the knowledge and skills that students will have achieved on successful completion of modules:
- Student Record
- Collection of Work
- Assignments
- Examination Written or Practical
- Project
- Skills Demonstration
A full major award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a pass, a merit or a distinction grade. See www.qqi.ie for more details
Progression Opportunities
DFEi: Graduates may progress to the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Software Development and Networking at DFEi.
Elsewhere: Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes, at Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities using their full QQI Level 5 major award. Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. It is the students’ responsibility to consult with the relevant HEI for information on the admissions process and any specific entry requirements. Students may also refer to the individual HEI prospectus or may also refer to the QQI FET section of the CAO website. www.cao.ie
Examples of CAO progression opportunities are listed below.
Progression Examples
BSc Computer Science (DN201)
University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie
BSc Computer Science (through Science) (MH602)
BSc Computer Science (through Arts) (MH601)
BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices (MH306)
Maynooth University – www.nuimaynooth.ie
BSc Creative Computing (DL836)
IADT, Dún Laoghaire – www.iadt.ie
BSc Computer Science (TU856, TU857)
BSc Business Computing (TU914)
BSc Cloud Computing (TU865)
Technological University Dublin – www.tud.ie
BSc Computing (NC003)
National College of Ireland – www.nci.ie
BSC Computer Science (CK401)
University College Cork – www.ucc.ie
BSc Computing in Software Development (DK821)
Dundalk Institute of Technology – www.dkit.ie
BSc Software Development (CW207, CW238)
Institute of Technology Carlow – www.itcarlow.ie
Career Paths
There are a number of possible job opportunities for students with a solid programming background. The key areas of employment include: junior programmer, software developer, website design/maintenance, IT user support technician, network administration, and network security.
| College | Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute |
| Course Location | Dublin |
| Location Postcode | Co. Dublin |
| Course Category | Software Development, IT |
| Course Type | Classroom Based |
| Course Qualification | Level 5 Certificate |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| Awarding Body Details | Level 5 QQI Award Software Development (5M0529) |
| Course Start Date | 16th September 2024 |
| Course End Date | 30th May 2025 |
| Course Duration | 1 year Full time |
| Course Time | This is a Full time one year course, which runs from September to May. |
| Course Fee | 50.00 |
| Entry Requirements | One of the following: • Leaving Certificate (LC Established, LCVP, LCA) or equivalent • A Full Level 4 QQI Award (or Equivalent) • For Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) - appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications are welcome. Note: Mature applicants may be entitled to VTOS funding. For details about VTOS, please contact the college. For applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements, please contact DFEi |
| Carear Path | There are a number of possible job opportunities for students with a solid programming background. The key areas of employment include: junior programmer, software developer, website design/maintenance, IT user support technician, network administration and network security. |
| Phone | 01 2809676 |
| Course Code | 5M0529 |
Course Provider
Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute
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Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute
Dún Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
Republic of Ireland
