Computing
The BSc (Hons) in Computing will prepare you for a career in a wide variety of sectors. You will build skills, competence and knowledge in current technologies, gain practical work experience in a fast- growing area of a Computing sector of your choice.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
2 H5 + 4 O6/H7 to include Maths (H7/O5) & English or another language.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Selection of CAO applicants will be made on the basis of points. Your points will be calculated by adding together the points scored in the best of six subjects in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate. The results of two sittings at Leaving Certificate (or equivalent examination) can be combined for the purposes of meeting the subject requirements for minimum entry. DBS currently awards bonus points for Honours maths students. Please note that bonus points will only apply where Mathematics is counted as one of the best six subjects for the applicant.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Points Calculation Grid
Applicants can use their link module for points allocation as one of their six subjects for the purpose of calculating points and it will therefore count as a passing subject.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC awards is a full FETAC award at Level 5 on the NFQ and which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of eight modules. A record of achievement/component certificate does not meet minimum entry standards. FETAC Level 5 awards will be accepted in any discipline. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office.
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge that make them highly attractive to potential employers.
Employers are keen to employ graduates who have work experience and the work placement on this programme provides authentic industrial experience for learners. Therefore, a key feature is the industry relevant work placement that is built into the BSc (Hons) in Computing programme. The DBS Employer Liaison Officer works with learners to find them a relevant and meaningful work placement. The Careers Office is experienced in securing ICT work placements for a Level 8 ICT Skills conversion course with learners places in companies such as: Version1, Brandon Consulting, Zurich Insurance, Ezetop, Qualcom, BigRedCloud, Ergo and Storm Technology.
Further information
Students who are applying to programmes as mature applicants will be required to be over the age of 23 as on 1st January in the year of entry. Mature students may apply through the CAO or directly to the college. They are not required to do both. Mature students are assessed on basis of age, educational standard and work experience to date.
All applicants presenting other qualifications should contact the Admissions Office directly to discuss their eligibility criteria.
Please note DBS is an independent college and therefore fees apply.
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Overview
Computer Science qualifications are global as they have no boundaries. A degree in Computing will provide you with the opportunity to work in in a wide variety of sectors for companies at home and abroad. Future opportunities in computing are varied and with a computing degree your future in a creative, innovative industry is assured.
An exciting feature of this programme is that it incorporates a work placement. This provides you with the opportunity to build practical skills in industry and gain ‘real-world’ experience that will provide you with a smooth transition to the workplace upon graduation. The BSc (Hons) in Computing will prepare you for a career in a wide variety of sectors. You will build skills, competence and knowledge in current technologies, gain practical work experience in a fast- growing area of a Computing sector of your choice.
Aims & Objectives
► Display knowledge of hardware devices, software development, programming languages and communication mechanisms currently in use in a computing environment.
► Exhibit detailed knowledge and understanding of the nature of relevant theories, techniques, process and tools specifically available to professionals in the discipline of computing.
► Demonstrate knowledge and use of a range of fundamental computing methods and tools, and acquire related skills in emerging tools, trends and technologies with respect to computing.
► Apply analytical problem solving skills to solve complex problems through the use of suitable research and implementing standard techniques.
► Demonstrate comprehension of the trade-off involved in design choice, using appropriate skills diagnostics to display knowledge and understanding related to the implementation of computer-based systems.
► Work effectively both as an individual, and as a member of a development team.
► Be guided by the personal and professional requirement to identify knowledge gaps, undertake self- learning and lifelong learning to supplement existing skillsets.
Structure
In stage 3 of the programme, the full-time learner will undertake a one month work placement in a meaningful and relevant area in order to enhance understanding and contextualise studies from Stage 1 and Stage 2.
The programme is designed to embed various transferable skills across all modules. Skills such as teamwork, troubleshooting, communication, problem solving, reflective thinking and analytical reasoning are embedded throughout the programme.
Computing is an exciting and rapidly developing field of study that offers excellent employment prospects and well-paid careers. The programme covers the breadth of the computing discipline incorporating core topics of software development, database technology, computer networking, operating systems, computer security and web technologies.
Year 1
► Computer Architecture
► Fundamentals of Information Systems
► Information and Communication Technology Essentials
► Introduction to Cloud Computing
► Introduction to Web Development
► Logic & Problem Solving
► Mathematics and Statistics for Computing
► Programming Fundamentals
Year 2
► Algorithms and Data Structures
► Data Communications & Networks
► Database Systems
► IT Project Management
► Object-Orientated Programming
► Operating Systems
► Software Engineering
► Web Development
Year 3
► Advanced Web Development
► Foundations in Data Science
► Systems Analysis & Design
► Work Placement / Project
Year 4
(Core Modules)
► Cyber Security
► Project
Elective Modules (Pick 2)
► Data Mining & Big Data Analytics
► Big Data: Achieving Scale OR
► Mobile and Social Computing
► Cloud Platform Development
Assessment
Throughout the programme, learners will experience a varied range of teaching and learning strategies. Modules will be delivered through a mix of lectures and hands on lab sessions, with tutorials in place to support where necessary. Emphasis will be placed on practical skills by allowing the students to examine problem descriptions and try possible solutions in lab scenarios. This teaching approach is reflected in the assessment of modules with a mixture of individual projects, lab based exams, group assignments, continuous assessment quizzes, practical skills based assessments, reflective reports and group project work. These assessments will also be accompanied by end of year examinations.
Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Award: Honours Bachelor Degree
NFQ Level: Level 8
Award Title: BSc (Hons) Computing
Award Type: Major
T: +353 (0) 1 4177500
E: admissions@dbs.ie