Course Code: CI062SF
Course Level: 6
Award Title: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Networks and Software Development
QQI Award Letters: 6M0691
Course Duration: 1 Year
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Software Development (Year 2)

Entry Requirements

Students should have successfully completed an appropriate QQI Level 5 award such as Software Development (Year 1), Computer and Network Maintenance (Year 1) or Computer Games Programming or Design, all available at Cavan Institute. 

Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet this entry requirement but can demonstrate relevant interest and experience. This course may also be of interest to graduates with qualifications in non-computer disciplines who wish to pursue training in the area of software development.

Course Description

The course provides students with the opportunity to become skilled in the highly sought after art of computer programming. Participants will build on their existing knowledge of software development.

The main programming languages taught are Java and Visual Basic. On this course Java is used mainly to build mobile apps for the Android platform; VB is used to teach Graphical User Interface (GUI) programming. All programming is taught in a fun and interactive way and there is a strong emphasis on experiential learning with students learning by doing (rather than by observing).

The range of subjects on offer reflects the strong employment demands and trends that currently exist within the software sector. The inclusion of subjects such as Project Management, Mathematics, Communications and Software Architecture should greatly enhance employment prospects for successful graduates.

The course is delivered over 4 days per week giving students the opportunity to use the 5^th weekday to gain relevant work experience. This opportunity has led to gainful employment for many students in the past.

Course Content

• Project Management
• Object Oriented Programming (Java)
• Software Architecture
• Graphical User Interface Programming
• Mathematics
• Relational Database
• System Software
• Communications
• Work Experience

Students will also be given the opportunity to prepare for and achieve certification in the much sought after Oracle Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate (novice-level certification)

If two people with roughly the same background and experience are vying for the same job, the certified person will usually win out. Certification gives an employee the edge.

Career Opportunities

Ireland is widely recognised as Europe's premier location for software development. Opportunities are very plentiful in the areas of computer programming, system analysis and design, software testing, technical writing, database administration, technical support as well as website design and development. 

International travel is very common and so too, is the opportunity to work from home. With some experience, careers can progress into the areas of system architecture, project management, marketing, sales, and the very lucrative software consultancy business.

Current skills shortages means employment is virtually guaranteed, particularly for degree level graduates.

Progression Opportunities
Graduates are eligible to apply through the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements). Cavan Institute has a number of 'advanced entry' arrangements with a selection of Institutes of Technology whereby graduates who have completed a level 6 courses are eligible to apply for direct entry into year of a 3-year Level degree programme in a related discipline.

For more information email computing@cavaninstitute.ie or phone (049) 4332633.

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Course Code: CI061SD
Course Level: 5
Award Title: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development
QQI Code: 5M0529
Duration: 1 Year
APPLY ONLINE

Software Development

Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or LCVP or QQI Level 4 Award. Equal consideration will be given to mature applicants (those aged over 23) who do not meet these entry requirements.

This course may also be of interest to graduates with qualifications in non-computer disciplines who wish to pursue training in the area of software development.

Course Description

This course is designed to give the student a firm foundation in the skills required to develop software. 

Software development involves writing and testing computer programs to meet a customer’s needs. Students are introduced to the basics of programming using the Python programming language. Once the basic principles of programming are understood students move on to more advanced concepts using the popular Java programming language. 

Throughout the course there is a focus on the development of ‘soft skills’ such as problem solving, communications and team working. Students learn how to identify and document customer requirements. Programming is taught in a fun and interactive way.

Course Content

• Programming and Design Principles
• Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming
• Software Architecture
• Computer Systems Hardware
• Operating Systems
• Database Methods
• Maths for Information Technology
• Work Experience
• Communications

Students will also be given the opportunity to prepare for and achieve certification in the much sought after Oracle Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate (novice-level certification) - at no additional cost.

If two people with roughly the same background and experience are vying for the same job, the certified person will usually win out. Certification gives an employee the edge.

Career Opportunities

Over the past decade there has been a sharp increase in the demand for software developers in Ireland and abroad. Examples of opportunities that exist are: computer programming, system analysis and design, software testing, technical writer, database administrator, technical support as well as website design and development. With some experience careers also exist in the areas of system architecture, project management, marketing, sales, and the very lucrative software consultancy business. The Software Development courses at Cavan Institute put you on this career path.

Progression Opportunities
At Cavan Institute: Students who successfully complete this course meet the entry requirements for a range of level 6 courses offered at Cavan Institute, including Software Development (Year 2), Computer Games Development and Computer and Network Technician (Year 2).

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply directly to Cavan Institute to enter Year 1 of the B.Sc. (Level 7 degree) in Computing run in conjunction with Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Elsewhere: Graduates are also eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Institutes of Technology and Universities (please check with the particular institution regarding local eligibility requirements).

For more information email computing@cavaninstitute.ie or phone (049) 4332633.

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