School of Computing

Degree Information:

The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology is an in-depth skills conversion programme aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in the information technology field, but whose primary qualification lies in an area outside IT or those who have no qualifications but have gained experience in IT. It attracts graduates from a wide range of disciplines including the arts, business, engineering, education and science, as well as non-graduates who work in various IT roles. The programme provides students with an excellent grounding in IT and its related disciplines. As the Graduate Diploma is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, it is suitable for both recent graduates wishing to broaden their skills portfolio, and individuals already in employment, who are seeking to gain a recognised qualification in the IT area. As well as providing excellent employment prospects, the course offers major fee support for EU students and a strong practical focus aimed at developing graduates with the personal and professional skills most sought after in the Information Economy.

Aims and Objectives:

Developed in close collaboration with industry, the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology aims not only to develop students' understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of IT, but also to enhance their transferable skills in areas such as research, problem solving, critical thinking and independent learning. Accordingly, a strong emphasis is placed on practical assessment, with innovative learning methods designed to facilitate integration of the theoretical and practical elements of the programme. This focus on personal and professional development heightens the attractiveness of graduates to prospective employers, as it helps ensure that they are ideally suited to meet practical industry needs.

Programme Structure:

Programme Structure - Full-time

The full-time programme is delivered over one academic year, with eight taught modules offered over two semesters.

Programme Structure - Part-time

The part-time programme has the same content as the full-time version, except that it is presented over two years. Part-time students attend DCU for two nights per week. Lectures are typically held on Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday evenings from 6.30 to 9.30pm.

Indicative Academic Structure:

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Full-time)

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Part-time) Year 1

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Part-time) Year 2

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

Fees Reduction

This programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. This is subject to review each year but in 2009/2010 the fees payable per annum by EU citizens were reduced to €2,000.

Career Prospects:

The blend of skills developed in graduates makes them suitable for jobs wherever computing technology is used, i.e. every sector of the economy. As a result, graduates of the programme have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in Ireland and abroad in areas such as software engineering, analyst programming, database design and development, IT consultancy, technical training, technical sales, and business analysis. Among the firms for which they work are AIB, Citibank, Ericsson, ESB, eSpatial Solutions, SAP, Kadius, IBM, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan and Lucent Technologies.

Entry Requirements:

Graduates

Applicants to this programme must have, at a minimum, a second class honours degree in a non-computing discipline, or an equivalent qualification. In exceptional circumstances, candidates who hold a third class honours degree, and who have relevant industry experience, may also be considered for entry.

Professional Entry

With the new Professional Entry option, the Graduate Diploma is now also open to professionals in the IT sector who have no primary degree but have significant industrial experience and have shown a commitment to lifelong learning. This new entry mechanism takes into account the knowledge and skills that individuals have achieved while working in the IT sector. If you have been working in the ICT sector for the past three years and have completed EUCIP or if you have four years or more practical experience in the ICT sector you are eligible to apply for this course. If your application is successful you will be asked to attend an interview.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2012

EU Applicants

Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) from 11th October 2011. Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st August 2012.

Non-EU Applicants

Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 13th July 2012. Study Visas - Important Information: Applicants who require a student visa for entry to Ireland are encouraged to seek clarification from the relevant Irish embassy regarding the closing date for application for such a visa. Applicants who do not secure a study visa in time will be unable to take up their offer of a place on any DCU programme.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)

Please note all supporting documentation must be received by the Postgraduate Applications Centre by 31st August 2012 at the latest.

When applying for the full-time programme use the PAC code DC818. When applying for the part-time programme use the PAC code DC819.

When applying through the ICT Professional route (see option 2 above) please use the PAC code DC845 for the part-time programme or DC846 for the full-time programme.

Applicants applying through the ICT Professional route must complete a supplementary document (GDF Professional Entry form) detailing their educational and professional qualifications. Completed forms should be submitted to Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)

Applications cannot be assessed without this information.

Queries on Completed Applications

Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

September 2012

When applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu):

• When applying for the full-time programme use the PAC code DC818
• When applying for the part-time programme use the PAC code DC819
• When applying for the ICT Professional Entry full-time programme, use PAC code DC846
• When applying for the ICT Professional Entry part-time programme, use PAC code DC845

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)