Software Development
This Pre-University computer science course provides students with an entry point to a future career in the technology sector. 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.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
This is a Full time one year course, which runs from September to May, 4 days a week.
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate - (LC Established, LCVP, LCA) or equivalent. Note: To be eligible for progression to Computer Science in UCD you must have an O2/H6 in LCE Maths
- 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 B1 competency on the CEFR language framework. Applicants may be required to undergo English language testing to establish their language competency.
Careers / Further progression
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 on our website.
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.
Further information
All courses commence the week beginning Monday 16th September 2024.
Admissions Information:
Admissions for the academic year 2024/2025 are now open. Applications are only accepted online.
Five Step Admissions Process 2024/2025.
Step 1 - Apply online. No application fee charged.
Step 2 - Offer: You will be notified by DFEi with an offer of a course place. Please check your junk mail.
Step 3 - Acceptance: To secure your place, you must submit additional data required through your individual online account and pay your €40 non-refundable acceptance fee (only payable online). Failure to complete this process will result in you not securing your place on the course.
Step 4 - Registration: This is done through your online account. This involves paying all of your course fees in full and uploading all of the relevant documentation below on or before Monday 26th August 2024.
Step 5 - Induction and Commencement: Induction is provided before course commencement. You will be notified in due course of the relevant dates.
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.
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
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.
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
5M0529 - Software Development.
Certification:
• Level 5 QQI Award Software Development (5M0529)
• CompTIA Certification (Optional)
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.
Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute,
17 Cumberland Street, Dún Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin, Ireland.
Tel: +353 1 2809676
Fax: +353 1 2843767
Email: info@dfei.ie