Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (2 years part-time)

The Higher Diploma in Computing is a postgraduate programme designed for learners with either a level 7 degree in ICT, which is normally 5 years old or above, or a level 8 degree in a subject with a strong numerate, IT, or technical element such as accounting, engineering, science, digital media, etc. The programme enables learners to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies required to earn a level 8 award in computing.

The programme aims to provide an opportunity for learners with level 7 degrees in ICT, to up-skill their knowledge and gain a competitive advantage in the computing sector. Additionally, the programme aims to provide an opportunity for learners with level 8 degrees outside the computing arena to reskill, moving their career trajectories to align with the computing sector,

Course Overview

The overall aim of this programme, leading to the (Major) award of Higher Diploma is to provide learners with the necessary theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and competence, to gain a comprehensive, strong and specialised, foundation and practical understanding of the area of computing.

On successful completion of this programme, graduates should be able to successfully secure professional roles at entry to mid-level positions in Computing and Computing-related industries and progress to leadership or research roles using skills related to those learned in the programme curriculum. The programme consists of 60 credits of taught modules and 15 credits of project or work-placement.

Course Content

This programme is delivered over 4 academic semesters, 2 calendar years:

Semester 1

• Software Development Fundamentals
• Web Development
• Databases
• Networking & Virtualisation

Semester 2

• Software Development Fundamentals
• Operating Systems & Architecture
• Strategic Business IT
• Professional Practice in IT

Semester 3

• Algorithms and Constructs
• Mobile Development
• Cloud Based Web Applications

Semester 4

• Guided Technology Project (Elective)
• Work Placement (Elective)

Assessment

CCT will utilise a variety of assessment methods to help ensure that the learning outcomes of each subject will be achieved, for example, Written Examination compiled of long or short term essays, Objective Tests, Presentations, Group Projects, Practical Assignments, Oral Examinations and final examinations where applicable.

Awarding Body

This programme is validated by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI), as a Level 8 award on the
Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

Mechanisms for Giving and Receiving Feedback on Learning Progress

CCT constantly encourages feedback from its learners on a formal and informal basis. Learners have an opportunity to give informal and formal feedback on the college, programme, faculty, facilities, administration, student services, admissions and course induction through verification surveys, such as: 1) Learner Verification survey; 2) Student Services and Support survey; and 3) Admissions and Course Induction survey. Learners also receive ongoing feedback on their progress from their faculty in person, through Moodle, and through assessment correction. At the end of each semester all learners receive module results, along with more detailed formal progress feedback.

Duration / Commencement Dates / Irish NQF Level

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is a four semester/two calendar years higher diploma programme. The Irish NQF Level of this course is Level 8. The programme is offered commencing in February and September.

Academic Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be entitled to transfer or progress to a range of level 8 (transfer to) and level 9 (progress onto) programmes in a related field, at the discretion of the programme provider.

Transfer options may include any level 8 Higher Diploma in Science in Computing related programme.

Graduates may be eligible to further their studies at level 9 (Postgraduate Diploma or Masters) in Computing or one of many Computing-related disciplines (in Ireland or abroad), such as Computer Science, Computational Science, Information Systems, IT Management, Technology and Innovation Management, Information Security & Digital Forensics, Information Systems Processes, and others.

Entry Requirements

CCT has identified entry criteria and processes that will enable it to determine an applicant’s potential to succeed on the proposed programme.

Learners submitting a direct entry application to the proposed programme should provide supporting documentation for application consideration, in line with any one of the below Access arrangements or minimum entry requirements:

Applicants should submit an application with evidence of the following:

a) A Level 7 Ordinary degree award in the discipline of Information Communications Technology (normally 5 years old or greater)

OR

b) A Level 8 Honours degree award in a cognate discipline of Information Communications Technology,

OR

c) Submission of an application based on Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning

For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence must be provided of English Language proficiency equivalent to or greater than B2+ in the CERFL. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge etc. will be accepted as evidence for equivalence assessment purposes.

Applicants may have limited, narrow, or no experience in computing. In cases where an applicant is experienced and may be granted exemptions, this will be managed in accordance with the CCT policy and, in all cases, a minimum of 60 credits of new learning must be successfully completed in order to receive the award of Higher Diploma.