Course Details

Course Code(s):
HDSODETFAD
Available:
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year
Award:
Higher Diploma
Qualification:
NFQ Level 8 Major Award
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Springboard
Email: springboard@ul.ie
Express interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

The Higher Diploma in Software Development is a fulltime conversion programme for non-ICT graduates wishing to enter the IT sector. The course will provide participants with fundamental theoretical and practical skills, abilities and knowledge to gain a comprehensive intermediate understanding of software development. Programme delivery is Monday-Friday, similar to any fulltime on-campus UL programme. 

The Higher Diploma in Software Development is a fulltime conversion programme for non-ICT graduates wishing to enter the IT sector. The course will provide participants with fundamental theoretical and practical skills, abilities and knowledge to gain a comprehensive intermediate understanding of software development. Programme delivery is Monday-Friday, similar to any fulltime on-campus UL programme. The programme has been designed in consultation with a number of national and international IT businesses and enterprises that are based in Ireland to ensure that it meets the skills needs of industry. The course content will address the skills shortages for ICT by developing learners’ knowledge and skills, in programming, web-based application, databases and software quality and software test as well as giving students a work placement. Please note we will need to correspond with you by email throughout the application process. For this reason, we ask that you regularly check your email and spam folders. Objectives On successful completion of this programme, graduates will have the skills, knowledge and abilities to : - develop stand-alone applications (primarily in Java), - develop web-based application (primarily using HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, AJAX, ASP.NET, C# and MS-SQL Server), - develop mobile applications (primarily using Android Studio) to the level one would expect after a programme of this duration. - apply traditional and object-oriented systems analysis and design techniques - design databases, use SQL to query tables and write stored procedures - create/design and execute test cases

Course Content

This programme is heavily influenced by the requirement of the ICT sector in the region and has received the support of a large number of employers. 

Job readiness and support into employment will be provided through a series of workshops and seminars and an active engagement with motivated students to place them in a company for an industry learning experience. To date 60% of graduates have gained employment within 6 months.

Unemployed/Returners are expected to actively look for a company in which to complete their project, however, assistance in finding a company will be provided where necessary. Employed or Self-Employed applicants should clarify if their company can facilitate a project being carried out on their business.

An industry learning experience (work placement) will form a key element of the programme, ensuring the integration of the various programme concepts and skills and their application to practical software development issues.
 

Semester One (Autumn)

Semester Two (Spring)

ET4011 Fundamentals of Computer Organisation

CS4056 Mobile Application Design

CS5051 Programming A

CS5052 Programming B

CS4101 Introduction to Model Driven Development

CS4416 Database Systems

CS5061 ICT Employability Skills Workshop

CS4065 Web Infrastructure

CS5121 Development of Information Systems 1

CS4004 Software Testing and Inspection

A level 8 qualification in a non-computing discipline is the key requirement. 

Preference will be given to candidates with a second-class honours degree or higher. Applicants may be required to undertake an interview and satisfy the course admission team that they have the ability to complete and benefit from this course. Shortlisting of applicants may take place.

The recognition of prior learning and prior experiential learning as per university policy will be applied to this course.

Applicants are required to meet the University of Limerick English Language requirements

To be eligible for Springboard+ funding applicants must be resident in the state.

Please note you may be required to verify your Nationality and Residency status.

For Returners and Employed/Self-Employed applicants, the following rules apply :
- must be ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme.
** Note: The period of residency for holders of Stamp 4 or Stamp 4 EU FAM is calculated from the date of receipt of the Stamp 4. 
Any period of residency in the state before this date will not be taken into consideration ( ie you must hold Stamp 4 for three of the five years preceding)

What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.

  • Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
  • Photo or Scanned copy of passport to verify ID and full legal name.
  • A copy of your most recent CV.
  • Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

  • If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
    • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
    AND
    • English language competency certificate

    For more information Click Here

 

EU fees: €7,502

Non EU fees: €7,502

 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.