Course Audience
This full-time programme is ideal for any learner with an interest and motivation to embark on a Computing career. It provides a strong introductory foundation to the more pertinent areas with the field of Computing and Information Technology. No pre-requisite knowledge of Computing and IT is required to commence this course, but any previous knowledge, skills or competence in the area would be advantageous.

Course Overview
The overall aim of this programme leading to the award of Higher Certificate in Science in Computing in Information Technology, is to provide its learners with the necessary theoretical and practical skills, knowledge and competence, to gain a comprehensive and specialised, strong foundation and understanding of the area of Computing in Information Technology. It is envisioned that graduates will be able to fulfil a wide range of entry-level roles within the industry, and/or engage in further study in a wide range of areas within Computing and Information Technology at Level 7 and Level 8, to further develop their careers.

The achievement of this aim requires that the following general objectives are met: (with specific course learning outcomes presented later in the document)

1. To provide learners with an intellectually challenging and rigorous education and training in the area of Computing in Information Technology, that exposes learners to incremental levels of subject complexity as they advance through the programme allowing the learners intensify their knowledge, skills and competency in preparation for the workplace.
2. To provide learners with a strong introduction and foundation base within the broad area of Computing and Information Technology, from which further academic study can be undertaken at a higher NQAI level, across a range of subjects.
3. To show learners the wide variety and breadth of opportunities available with the Computing and Information Technology industry.
4. A key outcome of the programme is to produce graduates who can work effectively as individuals, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings by recognising the need to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide variety of areas with the industry.
5. To make the learners aware of the need to continually maintain and refresh their knowledge and expertise, particularly in the rapidly changing Computing and IT industry. Once they have completed this course of study, the graduate should recognise the need to pursue Continuing Professional Development (CPD), demonstrating a capacity to undertake lifelong learning.
6. To enhance the abilities of the learners to work on their own initiative with a variable workload which may include periods of considerable pressure while still maintaining high performance standards and targets.
7. To develop the ability of the learners to be logical and creative in their problem solving approach.

Course Content
This programme is delivered over 4 academic semesters, 2 academic years:

Semester 1
Computer Programming 1
Data Communications
Maths for Computing & IT 1
Computer Architecture & Systems
Creative Digital Media

Semester 2
Computer Programming 2
Network Technology
Maths for Computing & IT 2
Personal & Professional Development
Web Design

Semester 3
GUI Programming
Mobile Technology
Client Operating Systems
Databases
Web Development

Semester 4
Advanced Programming
Systems Analysis & Design
Network Service Management & Virtualisation
Server Operating Systems
Management Information Systems

Assessment
CCT will utilise a variety of assessment methods to help ensure that the learning outcomes of each subject will be achieved, for example: Written Examination compiled of long or short term essays, Objective Tests, Presentations, Group Projects, Practical Assignments, Oral Examinations and so on. Assessment will be continuous throughout each module, with final examinations administered in most of the modules.

Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC).

Duration / Commencement dates
Two academic years.
Please contact CCT directly for the next Commencement date

Course Fees
Please contact the college directly to ascertain the course fees.
Medical insurance for Non-EU nationals is compulsory and as part of the Irish Student Visa requirements and can be arranged by CCT for an additional fee of EUR160 for 12 months.