Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Development

Apply for Portlaoise Institute

Overview

This course will equip students with the range of skills required to become competent IT managers or software developers. Modules for the first three years include a broad range of subjects and an industry work placement. IT Management involves the coordination of complex computer systems in organisations including the selection, installation and maintenance of all computing technologies. This is a critical role in any organisation as the efficient management of IT is vitally important for all aspects of a business. In Software Development, Year 4 concentrates on state-of-the-art, high-level software development topics such as: secure app development, data science, distributed systems and an extensive project.

Students will complete the first year in Portlaoise Institute, followed by Years 2, 3 and 4 in SETU (Carlow Campus). You will be registered with SETU from Year 1, with access to the full range of services offered. Transport from Portlaoise to Carlow will be provided in Years 1 and 2 for any cross-campus workshops etc.

Provider Locations and Structure

Portlaoise Institute (Year 1)
Portlaoise Institute,
Mountrath Road,
Portlaoise,
Co.Laois
R32 H392

South East Technological University (Years 2, 3 and 4)
Kilkenny Road
Carlow
Ireland
R93 V960

Course Content – For All Years

Year 1, Semester 1 (Mandatory)

Applications and Interpersonal Communications
Computer Hardware 1
Mathematics 1
Networking 1
Programming 1

Year 1, Semester 2 (Mandatory)

Computer Hardware 2
Mathematics 2
Networking 2
Programming 2
Operating Systems

Year 2, Semester 1 (Mandatory)

Web Programming and Databases 1
Digital Logic
Data Structures and Algorithms
Object Oriented Software Development 1
Systems Analysis and Testing

Year 2, Semester 2 (Mandatory)

Assembly and C
Discrete Structures
Object Oriented Software Development 2
Web Programming and Databases 2
Project (Software Development)

Year 3, Semester 1 (Mandatory)

Software Engineering
Advanced Programming
Operating Systems
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
Cloud Development

Year 3, Semester 2, Group Elective 1

Approved Semester Abroad
Work Placement (Software Development)
Project (Software Development)

Year 4 / Semester 1 (Mandatory)

Concurrent Development
Data Science and Machine Learning 1
Agile Software Development
Agile Software Verification
Project (Software Development) (part 1)

Year 4, Semester 2, Mandatory

Project (Software Development) (part 2)
Data Science and Machine Learning 2
Secure Application Development

Group Elective 1

Cloud Data Centers
Case Studies in Data Science
Data Visualisation
Data Engineering
Bias in Computational Systems
Programming Language Design
Artificial Intelligence in the Wild
UI/UX Design and Development
Blockchain Technology
Linux Infrastructure Engineering
Distributed Development
Entrepreneurship

Embedded Awards

This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 4 year programme. The programme is designed to support academic success despite challenges that may arise. If a student has to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, the embedded awards are:

After successfully completing Year 1	NFQ level 6 Certificate in Science in Computing (Component Award)
After successfully completing Year 2	NFQ level 6 Higher Certificate in Science in Computing in Applications/Programming, Level 6, 120 ECTS Credits from SETU
After successfully completing Year 3	NFQ level 7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development, 180 ECTS Credits from SETU

The final NFQ level 8 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Development is awarded by SETU.

Planned Intake (Number of Places)

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

Prospective learners wishing to be accepted onto the programme must meet the following minimum entry criteria:

Leaving Certificate; 2H5 & 4O6/H7; English or Irish O6/H7; Mathematics O6/H7

Level 5 major award

Other qualifications equivalent to a major award at level 5 on the NFQ

For applicants whose first language is not English, the standard required of applicants is B2 (or equivalent) on Common European Framework of Reference CEFR for Languages in writing, reading, listening and speaking. Evidence of achievement of this standard is necessary for entry to the programme.

Applications are welcome from individuals that do not meet the minimum entry requirement who are aged 23 years or over (at date of commencement of programme). Such an applicant will be assessed on their merits, taking into account their life experience, work or community experience, and recognition of prior learning.

Our Unified Tertiary Programmes aim to encourage the participation and success of students from sections of society under-represented in higher education, by offering degree programmes at a local level. In the event of over subscription to the Programmes, priority will be given to applicants who most demonstrate local need.

Onward Pathways

Graduates have the option to progress to postgraduate studies at either masters or doctoral level within at SETU or any other university. Graduates are also eligible to undertake the taught MSc in Data Science, the taught MSc in Cybersecurity, Privacy and Trust, the taught MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence or the MSc in IT Management at SETU Carlow.

Special Features (Optional)

Dedicated software development laboratory for 3rd and 4th year Carlow students sponsored by UNUM.
SETU’s final year industry showcase is attended by leading IT employers.
Active participation by students in national and international competitions. For example, Carlow Software Development students were recently awarded 2nd place in FIWARE ‘Smart Society’ competition in Seville, winning €40,000 in prize money for their ‘My people Care’ project.
SETU maintains widespread collaborations with international third-level institution computing departments and has active research links with the Netherlands, France, China, Norway, Hungary and the UK.
The computing department in Carlow continues to collaborate with many industry leaders in computing. For example, Intel sponsored the use of the Galileo development board and Quark chip at the University and this leading-edge technology was incorporated into several undergraduate and graduate research projects at SETU Carlow.