Computing with Software DevelopmentRíomhaireacht le Forbairt Bogearraí

Applicants to Year 2 are required to have successfully completed Year 1 of TU859 Computing (General Entry) or equivalent.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.
• For entry to Year 3, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1 and 2.
• For entry to Year 4, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Years 1, 2, and 3.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

In the world of software development, there are many different roles some of which are listed below.  Each of these roles is like a piece of a puzzle in the software world. You can choose the one that suits your interests and skills. It's an exciting journey where you can work with international companies such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft. 

• Software Engineer: Think of them as the architects. They design and create the software's structure, ensuring it's strong and sturdy. It's like building the foundation of a skyscraper.
• Web Developer: These are the web wizards. They specialize in creating amazing websites, making sure they look fantastic and work seamlessly. It's all about crafting the online world.
• App Developer: Ever wondered who makes those fun and useful apps on your phone? App developers do! They bring your favourite apps to life, whether it's games, social media, or productivity tools.
• Data Scientist: If you love numbers and patterns, data scientists are like data detectives. They analyze data to uncover insights and solve complex problems, helping companies make smart decisions.
• Quality Assurance Tester: These are the bug hunters. They play with software to find any hidden problems or glitches before you do. They make sure everything runs smoothly.
• DevOps Engineer: DevOps is like a magical bridge between developers and IT operations. They make sure that the software is built and runs efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.
• UI/UX Designer: UI designers create the look and feel of software, while UX designers make sure it's user-friendly. It's all about making technology enjoyable and easy to use.
• Mobile App Tester: Before apps reach your phone, they're tested by these experts. They check if the apps work perfectly on various devices, so you have a smooth experience.

Graduate Job Titles:

• Software Engineer/Developer: Develop, test, and maintain software applications according to project requirements.
• Web Developer: Specialize in creating and maintaining websites and web applications, utilizing technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Mobile App Developer: Focus on designing and building applications for mobile devices, often using platforms like iOS (Swift) or Android (Java/Kotlin).
• Full-Stack Developer: Proficient in both front-end and back-end development, capable of working on all aspects of an application, from user interface to server-side logic.
• Front-End Developer: Concentrate on creating user interfaces and experiences, utilizing technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Back-End Developer: Focus on server-side logic, databases, and APIs, ensuring the proper functioning of the application's core.
• DevOps Engineer: Combine development and operations responsibilities, emphasizing collaboration between development and IT operations to streamline the software delivery process.
• QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Specialize in testing software applications to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the quality and reliability of the software.
• Embedded Systems Developer: Work on designing and programming software for embedded systems, such as microcontrollers or IoT devices.
• Database Developer: Specialize in creating and maintaining databases, designing efficient data structures, and optimizing queries for performance.
• Game Developer: Focus on designing and programming video games, using specialized tools and programming languages relevant to game development.
• UI/UX Developer: Combine user interface and user experience design with development to create visually appealing and user-friendly applications.
• Security Developer: Focus on building secure software systems, identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities to protect against cyber threats.
• Systems Software Developer: Design and develop operating systems, compilers, and other low-level software that enables higher-level applications to run.

Graduate Employers:

• Amazon AWS
• SAP
• Workday
• Microsoft Ireland
• Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch
• Fidelity Investments
• Accenture
• Version1
• Mastercard
• Bearing Point
• Ergo
• Evros

Students on this course will participate in a 6-8 month work placement in the third year of the course. The process is summarised as follows:

In September, the company contacts the placement coordinator with a job description. In the subsequent weeks, CVs of student candidates are sent to the company and from this, suitable candidates are selected for interview. A job offer will be made to the successful candidate through the placement coordinator. In December, the company liaises with student to finalise the contract. Students will commence their placement from mid‐January. The placement coordinator visits the student in May/June. The student returns to college in September.

Time of placement: From mid‐January to end of August (3rd Year Semester 6)
Placement duration: 6‐8 months
Placement roles of interest: Software Development/Software Test/Web Development/Service Desk/Applications Support/Technical Support/Cloud/Infrastructure/Networking/IT Security/Data Analysis
College Contact: Sean.McHugh@TUDublin.ie 

Typical Placement Roles:

Typical Placement Companies 

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

Applicants to Year 2 are required to have successfully completed Year 1 of TU859 Computing (General Entry) or equivalent.

I chose this course on a recommendation from a friend who had previously studied it, he said he loved it and that it led him to a good and fulfilling job. By far the best thing about this course is the work placement. I did my placement in Fidelity Investments. While I found it daunting at first at the thoughts of going out to work for a company, once there and settled in I didn't want to leave. The seven months flew by and to say I learned loads is an understatement.

I was also lucky enough to be offered a place in Fidelity's graduate program, Leap, for the following August, once I had completed 4th year. This really takes some of the pressure off 4th year, knowing you won't have to go looking for a job after the May exams. But it's good to remember not to take the foot off the pedal either.

My advice to those considering applying for this course is, to give it a shot. It's an amazing course and I've enjoyed all four years of it. There's a wide variety of modules to be studied over the four years. From business oriented modules to more technically challenging ones, such as software development and databases. Each one is as interesting as the last. The best thing about being a TU Dublin student is the help and guidance you get from lectures. They can't do enough to prepare you for exams of continuous assessments.

Andrew Sullivan, Student TU859