Course Description

The main aim of the course is to produce graduates with the necessary skills to function as information technology professionals in a broad range of commercial, industrial and public sector environments. A further aim of the course is that, in view of the rapidly changing nature of the computer industry, graduates are equipped with a wide and educationally sound background in order that they may possess the flexibility likely to be required in the future. This is not a correspondence or distance-learning course. Attendance at classes is required. You must, therefore, be resident in Dublin or surrounding areas. 
 

Content

Existing Students:
Please note that, for clarity, the Stage designations have changed. In future  Stage 1a, Stage 1b and Stage 2 will be re-titled Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3, respectively.

The course has a modular structure with two levels. There is one examination paper per module: Diploma (Stages 1 & 2): There are seven compulsory modules, each paper of three hours duration. These are:

Stage 1: Information Systems, SoFTware Development, Computer Technology and
Stage 2: Professional Issues in IS Practice, Object Oriented SoFTware Engineering, Database Systems, IS Project Management.

In addition, an extra module is chosen from a list of options. The list comprises:
Object Oriented Programming
Architecture & System SoFTware
Networks & Data Transmission

Degree (Stage 3): Three modules are chosen from a list of options, each paper of three hours duration. The list includes:
SoFTware Engineering
Advanced Database Management Systems
Management Information Systems
E-Commerce
Internet Development
Distributed Information Systems

A Project must be undertaken at either Diploma or Degree level depending on whether the candidate wishes to exit the course with a Diploma or Degree. All of the above options may not be offered in any particular year.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirements for the course are the Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 or higher in six subjects at ordinary level including a grade C3 or higher in at least 2 subjects at higher level. However, places may be offered to applicants with a qualification considered equivalent to the minimum requirements, as determined by the Course Committee. Places may also be offered to non-standard students who meet certain criteria with respect to suitability, analytical skills and professional experience. Students may be requested to attend for interview. This course positively supports the entry of mature students. Experiential knowledge will be favourably considered. This is in keeping with the concept of lifelong learning and the long-established philosophy of the Dublin Institute of Technology.
 

Exemptions

Exemptions from certain options may be available to students who have already completed a relevant academic course such as a general degree, a three-year diploma or a two-year certificate, with IT as a major component. 
 

Duration

The course is normally of five years duration. It is modular and divided into two stages. Stages 1 & 2 leading to a Diploma in Information Technology, normally take three years. Students are required to complete three modules in Stage 1 and five modules in Stage 2. Stage 3 leading to a BSc. (Hons) in Information Technology may take two further years but students may take longer. Students are required to complete three modules and a project.  Continuous assessment is an integral part of every module offered on the course.
 

Award

Graduates will be awarded a BSc in Information Technology by Dublin Institute of Technology. However, students who do not wish to complete Stage 3 may graduate with a Diploma in Information Technology of DIT if all of the Stage 1 and Stage 2 modules and a project have been completed satisfactorily.
 

Career Opportunities

Progression to Senior positions in the computer industry.
 

Further Information

The Secretary,
School of Computing, 
Dublin Institute of Technology, 
Kevin Street, 
Dublin 8.
Tel: (01) 402 2840
Web: http://www.comp.dit.ie
 

Location

DIT Kevin Street