GMIT offers 24 free places on postgrad computing programme

GMIT Lifelong Learning Centre, Galway, is delighted to offer 24 free programme places on a new post-graduate computing programme, commencing in the GMIT Galway campus in September (2013).

The postgraduate Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is aimed at upskilling people who are registered as unemployed and will be delivered on a part-time basis over 18 months.

Applicants must already have an honours degree - Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) - in any numerate discipline such as Science, Engineering, Accounting. It is designed to provide honours graduates from other numerate disciplines with the knowledge, skill and competency required for graduate entry-level careers in computing and software development.

Lectures will take place over one academic year (two semesters of taught modules) followed by an industry placement, internship or in-house project.

Gabriel Hicks, Head of the Department of Maths & Computing, GMIT, says the philosophy underpinning the programme is that graduates from suitable disciplines will already have developed significant and transferrable analytical, communication and independent learning skills that may be applied to a focused subset of computing.

“The programme places an emphasis on developing and honing practical computer programming skills and provides a solid foundation in computing and software development,” he explains.

"This is our second year running this programme. Although a lot is demanded of those doing this programme they are proving to be well up to the task. It is an excellent opportunity for those with basic programming skills to have that ability developed, enhanced and ultimately recognised through obtaining an honours degree in computing”

Peter Butler, Lifelong Learning Coordinator, GMIT Galway, says the ICT Skills initiative really helps people to go after available jobs. "Having a recognised software qualification is crucial to IT Sector employers. This initiative enables people to get that qualification. It is therefore very welcome.”

To qualify for free funding, a person must meet the eligibility criteria set out on the ICTSkills website: www.ictskills.ie. The intention is that they will be able to retain their benefits for the duration of the programme.

All applications must be made online using the HEA website www.ictskills.ie where full details of the programme can be found including entry requirements, application process, application deadlines and the syllabus.

For further details, please contact Peter Butler, Co-ordinator of the GMIT Galway Lifelong Learning Centre: peter.butler@gmit.ie or tel. 091-742328.