Objectives

The primary objective of the Diploma is to provide graduate students from numerate backgrounds with the necessary practical skills that will serve as a basis for pursuing a career in the software industry. A secondary objective is to provide students with the opportunity to take course options which specialise in different application domains, thereby creating the potential for a specialisation route into various sectors of the software and IT industry.

Entry Requirements

Any primary degree. Information Technology/Computing and/or a Mathematical subject should have formed a substantial part of ths degree, but some other substantial numerate/problem solving background may be sufficient. Eligible candidates may be required to take an aptitude test and /or attend for interview.

Places

There may be a limitation on places available.

Duration of Course

The course, which is full-time, extends over one academic year which is divided into two semesters. There is an examination at the end of each semester.

Course Structure

Coursework comprises: formal lectures; hands-on laboratory sessions; tutorial classes; individual and group software projects.

Programme Syllabus

The syllabus is designed to build upon a numerate background, and aims to develop the skills required for software development, including:

• a clear understanding of computer technology, systems and architectures;
• a problem solving orientation;
• the techniques and industry standard tools of programming and data management;
• the management frameworks, modelling techniques and formal discipline of software product engineering;
• knowledge of operating system and distributed application environments;

Syllabus Details

The syllabus (see figure below) comprises two sections: the core studies, which account for up to 80% of the diploma; and the optional studies, which accounts for the remaining 20%. Within the core studies, subjects are classified into four separate categories:

• Computer Foundation, which provides an overall perspective on different aspects of Computing.
• Programming and Databases, including algorithms, logical methods, database theory, and programming. Languages covered are C, C++ and GUI-based.
• Software Engineering, which provides the engineering framework within which high-quality software can be produced. Methods covered include: the structured approach, information engineering, and the object-oriented approach.
• Networks and Operating Systems, which provide a detailed insight into information exchange between computers, and the hardware/software interface on different computer platforms. Systems covered include: DOS, UNIX, Windows NT, Windows and VAX/VMS.

The application domains covered by the optional studies include: electronic systems, manufacturing systems, business systems or computational methods.

Course Outline

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Department of Information Technology

Phone: 091-750382

Fax: 091-750501

E-mail:itc@nuigalway.ie

Application forms and further details are available from:

The Postgraduate Admissions Office, NUI, Galway
Tel: (091) 524411 Ext. 2137/2199