DURATION
One Year Full-Time (Optional 2nd Year).

INTRODUCTION

The discipline of software development draws on many aspects of modern computing including programming, multimedia design, mathematics and object technologies. This course has been structured to educate students in the principles of designing and testing integrated software solutions for ICT environments and web-based internet applications.

MAIN AREA OF STUDY

The emphasis of this course is on the application of programming techniques as they apply to distributed ICT systems, web-site management and e-portals. Students undertake study in the following modules:

Year 1
• Computer Applications (MS Office)
• Computer Architecture
• Systems Software
• Visual Studio .NET Programming I
• Object Oriented Programming (Java) I
• Web Authoring & Web Site Design
• Relational Databases
• Mathematics

Year 2 (Optional)
• Computer Networks
• Operating Systems
• Visual Studio .NET Programming II
• Object Oriented Programming (Java) II
• Advanced Web Authoring
• Web Programming (Javascript, PHP, ASP)
• Research Methods

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates seeking entry to the first year of the programme should ideally have a good Leaving Certificate and display an aptitude for mathematics. Some experience with computers would be advantageous but is not a requirement. All prospective candidates will be interviewed individually and places will be awarded on merit. Candidates seeking direct entry to the second year of the programme MUST demonstrate a good working knowledge of at least one high-level programming language, e.g., Java, C, C++, etc AND have completed a FETAC award in Information Technology (Level 5) or its equivalent. Applicants should also be familiar with at least one operating system, i.e., Mac OS X, Windows XP/Vista/7 or UNIX/Linux. All prospective students should demonstrate an active interest in computer programming.

FURTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Students who successfully complete the first year of this programme AND achieve merits or distinctions in the process will qualify for the second year of this programme, subject to a successful interview and availability of places.

WORK EXPERIENCE

All students are expected to participate in mandatory work placement in a relevant industrial or commercial environment.

CAREER PROSPECTS

There are a variety number of possible job opportunities for students with a solid IT background.

Presently, some key areas of employment include:

• Junior Programmer/Software Developer
• Network Technician
• Systems Administration
• Web Site Design/Maintenance
• Systems and IT Support

FURTHER EDUCATION

Students who successfully complete both years of the programme may apply directly to CIT for a place on the second year of the 'CR106 Software Development' course. Limited entry to Diploma or Degree courses at Institute and University level subject to college matriculation requirements also exist. In recent years, previous students of the Software Development programme have been accepted to the BSc. Computer Science programme at UCC and various certificate/diploma programmes at CIT, WIT and DIT.

CERTIFICATION

• FETAC Level 5 Award in Information Technology (Code CITXX)
• FETAC Level 6 Award in Networks and Software Systems (Code CNSSX)

CO-ORDINATORS:

Year I - Ray O'Connor
Year 2 - Richard O'Sullivan