Computer Science
The overall aim of this one-year programme is to introduce the student to the areas of software, database and web development. It is aimed at students of Leaving Certificate standard and leads to a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development.
| 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
1 year full-time, September to May.
Entry Requirements
It is desirable that students should be of Leaving Certificate Standard or have achieved an Applied Leaving Certificate with Distinction. Portlaoise Institute welcomes applications from mature students. Mature students are assessed on their merits and do not require the above qualifications.
All students are required to complete an assessment before commencing a Further Education course in Portlaoise Institute. This assessment confirms if the student has the required level of English and Maths (if applicable) to complete a Level 5 course.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
The ICT sector is booming at the moment. As a result there is a shortage of Computer Science graduates in Ireland. This course serves as an excellent springboard to a qualification and a career in the IT sector.
Higher Education Progression*
Here are examples of courses students can progress to based on successful completion:
Examples of courses you can progress to:
CW208 Computer Games Development IT Carlow NFQ Level 8
CW238 Software Development IT Carlow NFQ Level 8
CW227 Cybercrime and IT Security IT Carlow NFQ Level 7
LC418 Computing - Games Design and Development Limerick IT NFQ Level 8
LC236 Computing - Games Design and Development Limerick IT NFQ Level 8
*Places are not guaranteed in these institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie
Further information
All learners are required to pay the following:
An acceptance fee of €50, to be paid when offered a place on a course.
Other costs (books, exams, equipment, professional membership fees, optional training etc.) are also payable. These costs vary depending on the course chosen. Information on costs is provided during Induction.
The website http://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/ is the go to website for information on funding your studies.
The website https://susi.ie/ is where you can go to apply for grants.
Yes
Applications usually begin in late January, early applications are always advisable to avoid classes filling up and increase your chances of getting a position.
Programme of Study
The Computer Science Course consists of the following modules*:
Computer Programming
Software Architecture
Programming Design Principles
Communications
Work Experience
Database Methods
Web Authoring
Mathematics
*Modules subject to change
5M0529 - Software Development
Award: Certificate in Software Development QQI Level 5 - 5M0529.
Portlaoise Institute,
Mountrath Road,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois.
R32 H392
email: info@portlaoiseinstitute.ie
Course Coordinator
Darren Stones
email: Email: dstones@loetb.ie