Computer Science
Is this course for you?
Are you a logical thinker? Are you interested in finding out how computer software works? Are you interested in a career in Ireland’s expanding computing industry? Are you looking for an alternative pathway to a degree in computer science? This computer science course may be the course for you. You will learn the fundamentals of computer science including software development, software testing, web design and database design.
| 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. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Progression To Further Studies
If you are interested in doing further study to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
BSc Computer Science
Dublin City University – www.dcu.ie
BSc in Computer Science
University College Dublin - www.ucd.ie
BSc in Computer Science
Technological University Dublin [City] - www.tudublin.ie
BSc (Hons) in Computing Technological
University Dublin [Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie/faqs
Job Opportunities
As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in the IT industry including:
• Programming
• Web Design
• Localisation
• Database Administrator
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2024.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
At BFEI, we make every effort to keep charges to a minimum. Information on financial support and eligibility for funding is available from www.studentfinance.ie.
Funding
PLC Maintenance Grant Scheme
The Department of Education and Skills (DES) provides a means-tested maintenance grant scheme for those attending full-time further education courses. Applications are made on-line to SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) at www.susi.ie.
BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, ten under the BTEA you may be able to keep your payments while doing a full-time course at BFEI.
See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office.
VTOS (Vocational Training and Opportunities Scheme)
If you are unemployed and over 21, then under VTOS, you will be able to do a full-time course at BFEI and retain your social welfare entitlements. VTOS applies to all courses on offer in the Institute, however, early application is advisable as there are a limited number of places which are allocated on a first-come basis. See www.welfare.ie or www.studentfinance.ie for further details on eligibility or ask at the local Department of Social Protection Office. VTOS Application Forms are available from the Institute - see www.bfei.ie
Other Funding Sources
Local Partnerships including Southside, Bray, Northside, and Wicklow Working Together may be able to help you out with some funding if you are experiencing financial difficulties. Ask at your Local Partnership Office.
For September 2024 Intake BFEI is open for applications from Wednesday January 10th 2024. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. (non-refundable)
What skills will I have when I finish?
You will have gained the knowledge and skills to:
• Understand programming concepts.
• Apply software design principles.
• Write computer programs using Java.
• Create and maintain databases.
• Plan, design and build websites.
What will I study?
• Object Oriented Programming (Java)
• Software Architecture
• Web Authoring (HTML & CSS3)
• Maths for IT
• Database Methods
• Spreadsheets
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Maths for STEM (BFEI criteria will apply)
Office 365 Licences are provided free of charge for use on personal devices.
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• In conjunction with the agency FIT (Fast Track into Information Technology), you will do workshops on CV’s, LinkedIn and interviews and you will get the opportunity to do a practice interview with industry specialists.
• You will use the e-learning platform Moodle.
Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
5M0529 - Software Development.
What qualification will I get when I finish the course?
You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development (5M0529).
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie