Software Development – Level 5 QQI Award

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.
• Applicants whose first language is not English require level B2 competency on the CEFR language framework. Applicants may be required to undergo English language testing to establish their language competency.

Course Modules:

• Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming
• Software Architecture
• Programming and Design Principles
• Database Methods
• Maths for Information Technology
• Networking Essentials
• Web Authoring
• Communications
• Work Experience

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.

All DFEi students are provided with an M365 account, which gives them access to the tools and resources needed to deliver assessment work while attending their course. M365 Apps include Word, PowerPoint, Excel, outlook and OneDrive.

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
• Portfolio/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 Creative Computing (DL836)

IADT, Dún Laoghaire – www.iadt.ie

BSc Computing (NC003)

National College of Ireland – www.nci.ie

BSC Computer Science (CK401)

University College Cork – www.ucc.ie

BSc Software Development (CW207, CW238)

Institute of Technology Carlow – www.itcarlow.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 Computer Science (TU856, TU857)

BSc Business Computing (TU914)

BSc Cloud Computing (TU865)

Technological University Dublin – www.tud.ie

BSc Computing in Software Development (DK821)

Dundalk Institute of Technology – www.dkit.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.