NCI Course Details

Graduates of this course understand the essentials of information technology and software development, can design and create fully functioning websites as well as multimedia applications, are able to install and configure software and hardware, have a detailed knowledge of the theory and practice of application development and support including the essentials of hardware, software, operating systems and databases.

Join us at one of our upcoming CAO Open Day events were you will have the opportunity to chat to lecturers, experience the NCI campus and attend sample classes to get a taste of our CAO courses.

Click on the links below for more information:

• Saturday, November 23rd - 10am-1pm
• Saturday, January 25th 2025 - 10am-1pm
• Saturday, May 10th 2025 - 10am-1pm
• Saturday, June 28th 2025 - 10am-1pm

This two-year higher certificate course is run over four semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester. On completion, you will receive a QQI Higher Certificate in Computing at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The course also prepares students for industry-recognised certificates in leading technologies.

Year 1

Semester 1

• Discrete Mathematics
• Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
• Web Design & Development
• Introduction to Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Thinking

Semester 2

• Computer Architecture
• The Computing Industry
• Introduction to Programming
• Introduction to Data Modelling and Databases
• Operating Systems

Year 2

Semester 1

• Data Communications and Networking
• Object Oriented Programming
• Web Application Development
• Advanced Databases
• Data Programming

Semester 2

• Innovation and Business Entrepreneurship
• Software Engineering
• Software Quality and Testing
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Team Project

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

There has been significant growth in information technology in Ireland and there is a current shortage of IT graduates. This course will equip you with the technical knowledge to build a successful career in information technology, specifically in a technical support role.

Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Computing, graduates can gain entry into year three of the BSc (Honours) in Computing at National College of Ireland (subject to availability of places).

This course will be particularly appealing to students who are unsure about enrolling in a degree programme initially and see the higher certificate as a progression route to a degree at a later stage. The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of QQI level 5/6 programmes.

Minimum entry requirements are a grade O6/H7 or above in five subjects. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English or Irish. A grade O6/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes can find out more information on the application process. Applicants under 21 will be assessed based on Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative and Student Grant Scheme.

NCI strongly advises that all students should have access to a suitable laptop for their course. A student Laptop Loan Scheme may be available for certain eligible students.

The College recommends the following laptop requirements for students joining this course:

Processor:

Intel 7th (or higher) generation processors (Core i-3, i-5, i-7,i-9-7x)
or AMD Ryzen 3rd generation processors, running at 2.0GHz and above (Intel Atom/Celeron or AMD Athlon/Sempron Processors may cost less, but may not meet your requirements)

Random Access Memory (RAM):
8 GB minimum

Solid State Drive (SSD) Capacity:
256 GB minimum

Wireless Card:
802.11 a/b/g/n compliant with Bluetooth Capability (incompatibilities have been noted with the Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Adapters and software device drivers)

Graphics Card:
Direct X9 or later

Supported Operating Systems:
Windows 10 Home/Pro

2024 CAO Points Guide :* 225

*For each course we have given a guideline based on our points over the past 3 years. This is a guide only, points vary each year.

The CAO course code is NC102.

Students must obtain a minimum of 5 passes and a full award and meet the CAO points requirements to apply for this Level 6 course.

Visit our QQI Applicants page for further information.