HETAC Higher Certificate in Science in Computing in Information Technology – CCT110

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.

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

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 and awarded by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC).

Mechanisms for giving and receiving feedback on learning progress
CCT constantly encourages feedback from its learners in a formal and informal basis. Learners have an opportunity to give feedback on the college, programme, faculty, facilities, administration, student services and admissions and course induction through the following verification surveys: 1) Learner Verification survey; 2) Student Services and Support survey; and 3) Admissions and Course Induction survey. CCT constantly encourages feedback from its learners in a formal and informal basis. Learners also conduct an Ongoing Monitoring Review process with faculty and administration of the college once per semester.

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 EUR100 for 12 months.

Academic Progression Opportunities
Successful graduates of this programme, will be eligible to progress onto Level 7 of the NQF on a related programme, and the third year of a Bachelors in Science in Computing in Science in Computing in Information Technology at Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, subject to achievement of a Merit 2 final grading. Graduates would also be considered for other graduate career opportunities in Ireland, as the CCNA and MCSA industry certifications are embedded into this Level 6 academic programme.

Protection for Learners policy
The college maintains a Protection for Learners Policy for this programme. In the unlikely event of a this programme of study unexpectedly ceasing, learners will be transferred to another HETAC registered provider offering the same or similar programme, to seamlessly continue with their studies, leading to the same award. To facilitate this, CCT has in place arrangements with two other HETAC registered educational and training providers to which course participants will be directed in the unlikely event of cessation of this programme. Details of these arrangements will be communicated to all learners at the commencement of this programme during the Registration & Orientation session, and in the CCT Student Handbook related to this programme. A Protection for Learners policy is necessary to protect all learners on the course, and is a state requirement for any programmes more than 3 months duration, for independent and commercial educational institutions.

Learner Supports available
The following Learner Supports are available for this programme: Mentoring, Accommodation and Airport Transfer (if applicable), Counselling Service, Health Service, Career Guidance Service, Learner Development programme, Sports and Social programmes, Information and Publication service, Moodle, Learner disability testing and expert advice service through the CCT affiliation with IT Blanchardstown and the National Learning Network. Learners with any physical disabilities are accommodated at CCT’s state of the art campus facility on Westmoreland St., Dublin 2.

Entry Requirements
No previous experience or knowledge is required to be accepted for this course. However, any experience within the Computing and ICT sector will be advantageous, as well as Irish NQF Level 5 certification in the subject area of Computing and ICT. Minimum academic entry requirements for under 23 year old applicants are: at least 5 passes at Ordinary level in the Irish Leaving Certificate including Maths and a language. International learners whose first language is not English should have achieved an IELTS score of 5.5 or the following TOEFL equivalencies: TOEFL CBT – 183 / TOEFL IBT – 65.