Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing
Course Overview
Take the next step in your career and become a computing and IT specialist
This specialist Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue an active and leading role in a dynamic, evolving industry.
Why Study Computing at Griffith College?
Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing at Griffith College is a 1-1.5 year programme which aims to give students an insight into the world of academic and industrial computing research. Delivered on a full and part-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:
- Obtain specialist knowledge and skills essential for a career in computing or IT.
- Establish an analytical mindset necessary for independent academic and professional research.
- Gain a practical understanding of how to research and master technical issues, analyse and present your findings coherently, and document your work in a professional manner.
- Develop a team player attitude necessary to communicate problems, ideas and solutions to all levels of the industrial team.
- Build upon your knowledge of supporting topics in the many disciplines of computing.
- Fantastic job prospects with a 100% employment record from a sample of 35 graduates from our class of 2017
Course Highlights
- No final dissertation required
- Small class sizes
- Access to state of the art facilities
- A dedicated experienced lecturing team
- Industry guest speakers
Intake Dates
We run two intakes for this course, commencing in Autumn and Spring.
- September*
- February*
*subject to sufficient numbers
What our students say
I found the course to be both challenging and rewarding as it gave me the opportunity to acquire a valuable accreditation whilst enhancing my computer expertise. The modules on the course are extremely interesting and beneficial, knowledge of which will prove useful in the IT marketplace.
MSC IN COMPUTING
Course Details
Duration: Full-time 1 year or part-time 1.5 years
Part-time programme:
This course has been created in consultation with leading industry partners. At Griffith College, we aim to be flexible to suit your personal and professional needs. Our part-time programme is usually delivered over three or four semesters.
Stage One
This module aims to significantly deepen the learners’ research skills, both in relation to their module related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing, and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, they are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as a knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management, software interfaces, and applications. The course also focusses on high speed telecommunication networks.
This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as a knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management, software interfaces, and applications. The module focusses on high-speed telecommunication networks.
This module aims to introduce learners to mobile application development. Learners explore the differences in the computation model between desktop and mobile. Learners are also exposed to the reduced capabilities of this hardware and assess how this impacts their application development. They are also introduced to the sensors available on these devices and how they can be exploited. Learners evaluate advanced topics in mobile applications including different form factors (including, smartwatch, tv, etc.), VR and AR applications, integration with the web and cloud.
This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of Information Retrieval (IR) and web search algorithms. The module introduces fundamental techniques and relevant approaches from information retrieval used in a variety of applications such as web search and document matching systems. Learners get an understanding to the practical techniques used in IR systems and approaches used in ranking and evaluating these systems. Recent developments in IR and web search are introduced with the use of most recent academic papers.
Stage Two
This module aims to provide learners with a mastery of the core aspects of Information security. Learners gain an understanding of security services and mechanisms such as confidentiality, integrity, authentication, access control, secure communication, digital signatures, and the practical aspects of secure programming. Learners also critically understand the need for an information security policy and mechanism to test such policies as well as identifying and reacting to information security incidents.
The module aims to introduce learners to Agile Software Development practices. Learners are introduced to the Agile Manifesto and methods and, through practical agile software development, create a software artefact. Learners work in groups to realise a software solution to a problem proposed by a customer. They learn to work with the customer at all stages creating user stories, designing sprints, and reviewing sprints.
The module aims to introduce learners to cloud computing infrastructure. Learners evaluate state-of-the-art solutions offered by major cloud providers. Learners also explore important topics of research around the cloud such as energy optimisation, and the efforts to introduce standardisation in the cloud to give them an appreciation for the current and future direction of cloud-based services. Learners are given the opportunity to develop applications for a cloud-based platform and evaluate the differences between normal computation and a cloud-based model.
The module aims to introduce learners to different models of parallel and distributed programming. Learners study the theory, advantages and reduced processing time of this model compared to the single-threaded model. The concepts of critical sections and mutual exclusion are explored, initially with the use of multiple threads. Learners also study the distributed memory model of parallel processing where multiple physical machines will process and coordinate together to compute the solutions to a range of problems. The theory, design, and implementation of such solutions are explored.
Course Contacts
Barry Denby
Timetables
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold an undergraduate honours degree 2:2 or above in computing or related area. Alternatively, applicants with a 2:2 Higher Diploma in Science in Computing or related area are eligible to apply.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
To apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Computing, please submit an online application
A member of our admissions team will then be in contact with you to request to following documents:
- A copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts
- A copy of your passport or driving licence
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Tuition Fees
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
EUR 6,150.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin
EUR 6,150.00
General Fee Information
A Registration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.
General Fee Information
A Registration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing course have the option to continue their studies in Griffith College have the option of progressing to the MSc in Computing
Career Progression
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing will find opportunities as technical applications developers and consultants, systems analysts, database administrators, network managers and other leading computing science roles, in academia and also in industry research and development roles.
