Cloud Computing and Software Development (PDip)

Course Overview

This recently developed programme has been carefully designed in conjunction with our industry partners and in consultation with regional skills fora. It is designed to meet the demand for  software developers with a knowledge of Cloud infrastructures. With online, part-time delivery, this programme is designed to meet the challenges of a modern economy where many applicants are working full-time and require flexible delivery options. 

The highly intensive programme is designed for those with little or no knowledge of software development, but we are particularly keen to receive applications from those who have had some exposure to coding and feel that this is something they potentially have a flair for. People with technical or strong numerical backgrounds often perform best in these types of programmes and we strongly encourage applicants who have strong logical reasoning or maths skills. This could be a strong maths result from their leaving cert or from certain modules in their undergraduate degree. This isn’t essential, but often indicates a strong problem solving and logical skill set. 

As a conversion course it is open to applicants from non-computing backgrounds, facilitating individuals wishing to change career, or re-skill to improve their employment prospects. While the standard minimum requirement is that students have a level 8 undergraduate degree, level 7 entrants can also apply but will need to demonstrate at least two years relevant industry experience. Delivery is fully online and part-time, meaning that applicants can maintain their existing full-time or part-time employment whilst taking the course, with end-of-semester exams held on campus. 

Student fees for the course are 90% funded by the Higher Education Authority meaning that successful applicants will only have to cover 10% of the fee which amounts to €772 in total. 

You may also be interested in one of our other School of Computer Science postgraduate programmes.

Applications and Selections

Please apply through the Springboard website. Significant demand is expected and early application is advisable as we will process applications on a rolling basis.

Who Teaches this Course

Mr Enda Barrett

BSc

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Dr Enda Howley

B.Sc, Ph.D

Senior Lecturer
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
& INFORMATICS
IT BUILDING
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Dr Effirul Ramlan

PhD

Lecturer Above The Bar
E: Effirul.Ramlan@universityofgalway.ie
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Dr Takfarinas Saber

PhD

Lecturer
IT Building
University of Galway
Co. Galway
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Dr. Attracta Brennan

M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D

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Requirements and Assessment

Assessment

Individual modules will include a mixture of continuous assessments usually in the form of lab-based assignments, as well as end of semester exams.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

Course Description

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cloud Computing and Software Development has been designed to meet the challenges of re-skilling and up-skilling in a modern economy, in response to industry demand for graduates with cloud computing and software development skills.  This course provides flexible delivery options to meet this need. It has been designed in consultation with start-up enterprises, SMEs and large multinationals to give you the expertise and knowledge required to progress your career.  

Course Content

This is a two-year part-time Springboard+ online programme with a weighting of 60 ECTS in total. 

This course provides: 

• A solid foundation in key computing knowledge, including extensive experience with programming languages such as, Java, Java Enterprise, JavaScript (NodeJS) all at the level expected by industry. 
• A specialisation in cloud computing, enabling you to build critical knowledge of cloud application development, as well as cloud infrastructures and platforms such as Google’s Firebase and Amazon Web Services.  

• An 8-month industry placement or capstone group project. 

Year 1: 

Semester 1: 15 ECTS 

• Cloud Web Application Development 
• Algorithms and Data Structures  
• OO Programming 1  

Semester 2: 15 ECTS 

• Enterprise Java Programming  
• Fundamentals of Cloud Computing  

Year 2: 

Semester 1: 15 ECTS 

• Cloud DevOps 
• Database Systems  
• Architecture, Operating Systems & Networks 

Semester 2: 15 ECTS 

• • In semester 2 of year 2, students will either have secured an industry placement or will undertake a capstone group project. The placement process (CV preparation, interview skills, events, internship opportunities, applications and interviews) is fully supported by dedicated staff within the University’s Career Development Centre. Where students wish to remain with their current employer, they will undertake the group project. 

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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