Postgraduate Diploma in Software Engineering (part-time)

College of Engineering & Informatics

Course description
Why choose this course?

This diploma provides a focused programme of study in the area of software design and development, providing an insight into technical skills and modern industry techniques. The computer languages Java and C are taught in the diploma, as well as Object Oriented Design and a number of important software engineering methodologies.

The diploma is part-time, and is delivered and examined in a fully online environment. This provides maximum flexibility for students in terms of their location and work schedules. Teaching is shared by NUI Galway and Regis University, Denver (USA). A strict limit of 15 students in each ‘virtual classroom’ is applied.

Entry requirements

The Diploma programme is open to honours degree graduates (level 8) in Science, Engineering, or other relevant discipline, and to other degree graduates with three or more years of relevant experience, and to those otherwise satisfying the postgraduate entry standards (degree equivalent qualifications). Applicants with an ordinary or pass degree or Level 7 diploma must have at least three years relevant experience to be considered for the programme. An IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent international qualification, will be required, if applicable.

Duration: 1 year, part-time.

Next start date: August 2013

ECTS weighting: 30

Average intake: unlimited

Closing date: Please refer to the offer rounds/closing date webpage.

Mode of study: Taught

The Diploma in Software Development is delivered entirely using online learning technology so students can study when and where they want according to a paced learning cycle. Course materials are easy to follow and are accompanied by continuous assessment exercises, research/review questions and recommended course textbooks. Modules are delivered one at a time, over an eight-week period via asynchronous online technologies using web-supported learning.

The programme coordinators provide a recommended outline of study for each of the eight-week modules to ensure students keep their progress on track. Each module is individually assessed by online examinations and assignments. All assessments and examinations take place within the eight-week period.

This is an ideal programme for students who wish to:

Update their software development and ICT skills.
Engage with an interesting and challenging curriculum in a flexible, on-line environment.
Improve their employability opportunities by re-skilling in the area of software development.

Rather than being a general-purpose award on computing, the intention of this diploma programme is to provide a coherent and complimentary set of in-depth modules which bring the student up-to-speed on relevant software development tools and techniques.

Core modules include: Fundamentals of Programming ; Object Oriented Design; Object Oriented Programming; Distributed Systems; Software Engineering. Students may also chose to take an elective module by replacing one of the core modules listed with one of the following: Artificial Intelligence; or Graphics Programming. Such an option will enable prospective students to choose modules in accordance with their professional development requirements.

The programme is taught by staff members from the Information Technology discipline and adjunct staff members.

This programme uses continuous assessment and a final online examination at the end of each eight-week module. There is also a minor research thesis to complete during the second year.

Catherine Cronin
Information Technology
T +353 91 495 041
Email: catherine.cronin@nuigalway.ie

Aisling Monahan
Adult & Continuing Education Office
T +353 91 495 698
Email: aisling.monahan@nuigalway.ie