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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
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Colleges & Schools
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageSoftware Development, Cloud Computing and DevOps (PDip)
PDip (Software Development, Cloud Computing and DevOps)
College of Science and Engineering, School of Computer Science- Title of Award
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Duration
- 1 year, full-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 60
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
Who is this course for?
This programme is designed for looking to change direction in their careers and fully immerse themselves in a conversion course to enable them to take up the opportunities in cloud-based software development and DevOps, all while taking advantage of the personal engagement with and support of our award-winning Computer Science school and staff.
This programme is open to applicants with numerate backgrounds (e.g. Engineering, Science, Maths, Psychology, Economics, Business, Accounting) who hold a NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent. Applicants from non-numerate backgrounds will also be considered based on their relevant experience.
Persons who hold formal qualifications at Level 7 may also apply, subject to provision of satisfactory evidence of having attained Level 8 competencies through prior experiential learning (minimum of 2 years working in an IT role).
Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board.
What will I study?
The programme has a number of required elements (immersion in computing knowledge, deepening and specialisation, and industry experience and professional development):
- A foundation in software development, including extensive experience with programming languages such as Java, JavaScript (NodeJS), SQL all at the level expected by industry.
- A Full-Stack approach to application development, in line with current best practice and industry demand.
- Immersion in Enterprise Computing, DevOps and Cloud Computing, enabling participants to build critical knowledge of cloud-based enterprise application development, as well as cloud infrastructures and platforms such as Firebase and AWS.
- A proven structure for industry collaboration, through an upgraded internship programme.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (60 Credits)
RequiredCT5177: Programming I
CT5177: Programming I
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
Introduction to Object Oriented Programming using the Java programming language. Covers the basics of Java programming, including variables, classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Write & resolve programming problems using the Java programming language
- Be able to develop applications using the principles of Object Oriented languages
- Implement Polymorphism and inheritance in their code
- Debug Java code
- Use an IDE such as Netbeans or Eclipse
Assessments
- Written Assessment (80%)
- Continuous Assessment (20%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5177: "Programming I" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5176: Databases
CT5176: Databases
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module will provide the student with the information and technical know-how to establish, manage and optimally use relational databases.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Compare and contrast database models
- Critique file based systems
- Apply a database development process
- Analyse and develop an ERD i.e a conceptual data model/schema of how entities interact
- Analyse and develop an EERD
- Apply normalisation rules from 1NF TO 4NF
- Apply denormalisation rules
- Apply SQL to solve data gathering requirements
- Use SQL to link and query multiple relations
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5176: "Databases" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5178: Computing Architecture & Operating Systems
CT5178: Computing Architecture & Operating Systems
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of modern computer architecture and operating systems. The module will provide an overview of the key hardware components (CPU, memory, and peripherals) behind modern computer systems and how they are integrated. We will cover the architecture of a processor including data representation and assembly language. Additionally, the module addresses the fundamental aspects of operating systems (OS). Students will learn about the role of an operating system as the interface between users and hardware, facilitating seamless interaction and resource management.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the operation of the computer systems (both hardware and software level), and the relationship between hardware and software within the system as a whole
- Explain the mechanism of process and memory management in computer systems
- Manipulate various computer data representations
- Analyse and write assembly language that drives the operations and processes in computer systems
- Summarise the key aspects of the operating systems such as memory management, managing processes and handling input / output devices
- Compare the implementation of commonly used operating systems (e.g., windows, linux, and OSX).
Assessments
- Written Assessment (60%)
- Continuous Assessment (40%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "Operating Systems" by William Stallings
ISBN: 9781292214290.
Publisher: Pearson Higher Education - "Computer Architecture" by John L. Hennessy,David A. Patterson
ISBN: 0128119055.
Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5175: Algorithmics and Logical Methods
CT5175: Algorithmics and Logical Methods
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This is an online module which is intended as a broad introduction to the topic of algorithms. It is aimed at those with no or limited background in programming or algorithm design. The aim of the module is to give the learner a proficiency in topics such as pseudocode, flowcharts, recursion, complexity, sorting and search.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Write pseudocode for a range of problems of varying levels of difficulty
- Design flowcharts that can communicate the structure and flow of control within a program.
- Implement and analyse examples of recursion
- To determine code complexity, BIG Oh Notation and efficiency of algorithmic design.
- Implement and analyse across many variations of well known sorting algorithms and the characteristics that make each of them unique.
- Implement and analyse many well known searching approaches, linear search, binary search, trees and graphs.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5175: "Algorithmics and Logical Methods" and is valid from 2024 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5167: Cloud Web Application Development
CT5167: Cloud Web Application Development
Semester 1 | Credits: 5
This module covers the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript and other technologies required to build modern day web apps. Deployment of the applications onto a major cloud provider is also covered.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Design and implement web application using HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- Deploy web applications to a Cloud Platform
- Gain experience using frontend design frameworks such as Bootstrap
- Build dynamic content and be able to save data to a database
- Build REST APIs using modern serverless platforms
- Make server side requests using AJAX calls to developed REST APIs
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5167: "Cloud Web Application Development" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5222: Internship or Capstone Project
CT5222: Internship or Capstone Project
15 months long | Credits: 10
Students are hosted by an organisation and work on projects assigned by the organisation. This aims to give students the opportunity to apply skills developed during the first year and a half of their degree programme and to gain valuable industrial experience. Those that do not opt for an internship can instead avail of a capstone group project.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the role of a Software Engineer or IT Professional, particular in the context of Cloud-based development and deployment environments.
- Demonstrate competence in software project management
- Demonstrate competency in up to date methods and processes across the modern software development life cycle, including Cloud DevOps, as appropriate to the work experience.
- Apply technical knowledge and skills gained over the first year and a half of their degree programme on Software Engineering, Cloud Computing and general computing projects
- Demonstrate an ability to assimilate and reflect on their work experience and present their learnings to a professional audience.
Assessments
- Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5222: "Internship or Capstone Project" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5209: Cloud DevOps
CT5209: Cloud DevOps
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
The "Cloud DevOps" module is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to seamlessly integrate development and operations processes in a cloud computing environment. DevOps, a cultural and professional movement that emphasizes collaboration and communication between software developers and IT operations, is crucial for achieving continuous delivery and faster time-to-market in cloud-based projects.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Define and explain the core principles and practices of DevOps.
- Develop build automation using Maven and Gradle.
- Design and implement CI/CD pipelines for cloud applications.
- Examine the role of cloud computing as it relates to DevOps.
- Apply Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to provision and manage infrastructure in a consistent and repeatable manner.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "The Devops Handbook: How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, & Security in Technology Organizations" by Gene Kim,Patrick Debois,Jez Humble,John Willis,Nicole Forsgren
ISBN: 1950508404.
Publisher: It Revolution Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5210: Modern Software Engineering
CT5210: Modern Software Engineering
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
Software Engineering is a constantly evolving discipline, but one which is essential to producing effective, fully-rounded professional developers / engineers. Topics to be covered include Software Development Processes (such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban), Systems Analysis and Design, and Human-Computer Interaction (developing the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse, design and evaluate good quality interactive systems).
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the different approaches to Software Development Processes, and apply appropriate development methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, and Kanban to real-world projects
- Conduct thorough systems analysis and design, utilizing tools and techniques such as UML diagrams, use case analysis, and requirements gathering to create effective system designs.
- Design and evaluate user-friendly and accessible interactive systems.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using software development tools and environments, such as version control systems (e.g., Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and project management tools.
- Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, conduct peer reviews, and present their work clearly to stakeholders.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5210: "Modern Software Engineering" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5169: Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
CT5169: Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module presents important concepts of modern cloud computing such as Virtualization, cloud service models, and cloud programming models, with an emphasis on the fundamental and practical exploration of these topics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate comprehension of virtualization technologies and their role in cloud computing.
- Differentiate between cloud services, cloud platforms, and cloud infrastructures.
- Construct cloud computing environments and use them to host cloud applications.
- Compare strategies for cost-effective provisioning, scaling, and decommissioning of resources based on workload demands.
- Examine core concepts such as Load Balancing, MapReduce, Storage Area Networks.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
Reading List
- "The Cloud Computing Book" by Douglas Comer
ISBN: 0367706806.
Publisher: CRC Press
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredCT5221: Full Stack Application Development
CT5221: Full Stack Application Development
Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module allows students to build on what they have learnt in semester 1 to develop full-stack web applications using popular industry-strength frameworks such as Spring Boot and React. Students will learn and implement the principles of back-end development and database integration, building robust, scalable, and maintainable enterprise applications using frameworks and technologies such as Spring, JPA, RESTful web services, and more. The module also emphasises the design patterns and best practices used in enterprise software development to ensure code maintainability, reusability, and scalability. Students will master front-end frameworks technologies such as React to create interactive microservices-based applications. There will be a strong emphasis on quality, testing and the use of professional tools such as Github for version control.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the various architectures and components of a full-stack, services-based web application, and how they can be integrated to achieve a specific goal or set of goals.
- Design, develop, and integrate RESTful APIs to enable communication between different parts of a web application.
- Develop server-side applications using frameworks such as Spring Boot, leveraging existing database knowledge and applying persistence frameworks such as JPA.
- Use version control systems like Git and GitHub to manage code changes and collaborate effectively with other developers.
- Design and develop dynamic, high-performing web applications using modern JavaScript and frameworks such as React, securely interfacing with services-based back-end applications.
Assessments
- Written Assessment (70%)
- Continuous Assessment (30%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
The above information outlines module CT5221: "Full Stack Application Development" and is valid from 2025 onwards.Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
- Block delivery: Course delivery will take place on Thursday and Friday every week during term, allowing students the option to continue employment the rest of the week.
- Dedicated workspace: Lectures and hands-on practical work will be delivered in-person in a blended fashion in a dedicated classroom, facilitating teamwork and peer learning.
- Industry placement: In collaboration with our industry partners and supported by dedicated staff in our Career Development Centre, students will be supported in applying for placements with companies such as Fidelity Investments, Siren, Schneider Electric, Broadridge, Overstock, Transitions Optical, Joulica, HP, IBM, Channel Mechanics. Students will be provided with training and support in CV preparation and interview skills.
- Industry-relevance: This programme is unique in offering training across the 3 key areas of Software Development / Engineering, Cloud Computing and DevOps. Content is based on engagement with and feedback from our industry partners.
- Team working and collaboration: Students collaborate on joint projects using modern code-sharing, version management, and collaborative project management techniques.
- Improve communication skills: Learn to effectively present and articulate findings to a range of audiences, from stakeholders to decision-makers.
The course is fully focused on preparing students to be capable of functioning within a modern software development environment. With a focus on real-world applications, industry-relevant modules, and opportunities for placements, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in software development and engineering.
A significant number of the graduates from our previous Springboard programme in Cloud Computing and Software Development have been hired directly by their placement companies, while others have gone on to successfully apply for entry-level roles in the software industry. Typical roles which our graduates would be suitable for include:
- Software Developer / Engineer
- Backend / Frontend Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Cloud Application Developer / Engineer
- Cloud Data Engineer
- Cloud Operations Engineer
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for companies including:
- Beyond Inc.
- Channel Mechanics
- Fidelity Investments
- G-P
- IBM
- Liberty IT
- Siren
While employers are usually mainstream software companies, a significant number of opportunities exist within large civil service agencies and semi-state bodies which have significant IT requirements, such as the HSE.
Our graduates are also eligible to continue to Master’s level through entry to the 2nd year of the Master’s in Software Design & Development degree.
Industry placement
In collaboration with our industry partners and supported by dedicated staff in our Career Development Centre, students will be supported in applying for placements with companies such as Fidelity Investments, Siren, Schneider Electric, Broadridge, Overstock, Transitions Optical, Joulica, HP, IBM, Channel Mechanics. Students will be provided with training and support in CV preparation and interview skills.
The course academic content is delivered over Semesters 1 and 2. In Semester 3 (after the exams at the end of Semester 2) students will either embark on their industry internship / work placement or a group project.
How Will I Be Assessed?
- Continuous Assessment is performed using a combination of practical assignments, group projects, lab exams, and quizzes. At the end of semesters 1 and 2 there are written exams.
- Assessment of the work placement is by means of fortnightly log entries, with a final report, presentation and supervisor appraisal towards the end of the placement (typically around end June).
- Assessment of the group project is by means of a number of deliverables (e.g. project proposal, design specifications, etc.) and a final report and presentation.
Course queries:
Gail Cassidy
ICT Skills Conversion Courses Administrator
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development
University of Galway
Galway
E: ictskills@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091-495241
Programme Director(s):
Dr Owen Molloy
Lecturer
School of Computer Science
College of Science and Engineering
E: owen.molloy@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 493330
Applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements may still be considered through a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience as detailed in the Applicant's CV and application.
Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board.
Graduates of this course will be able to demonstrate the following transferable skills:
- Problem-solving
- Communication and Presentation
- Teamwork
- Project Management
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Analytic Reasoning
Accreditations & Awards
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Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
This programme is open to applicants with numerate backgrounds (e.g. Engineering, Science, Maths, Psychology, Economics, Business, Accounting) who hold a NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent. Applicants from non-numerate backgrounds will also be considered based on their relevant experience.
Persons who hold formal qualifications at Level 7 may also apply, subject to provision of satisfactory evidence of having attained Level 8 competencies through prior experiential learning (minimum of 2 years working in an IT role).
Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board.
Before applying you should check carefully your eligibility to apply: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
Please see the Springboard course page for further details on application requirements and procedures:
Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG Diploma Full Time | 1 | €8,010 | €140 | €8,150 |
This course is supported by Springboard+, a Government initiative offering free and heavily subsidised courses, co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund, and the European Union.
Through Springboard+ funding, employed candidates only pay €815 to take this course. For unemployed candidates, the course tuition fee is free, with 100% of the fee funded by Springboard+.
Check your eligibility: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
You can apply at:
https://springboardcourses.ie/details/15238
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Contact the College of Science and Engineering
University of Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland, H91 TK33
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Meet Our Alumni
Course Introduction
Foundations for a career in today’s software industry
This programme is designed for those looking to change direction in their careers and fully immerse themselves in a conversion course to enable them to take up the opportunities in cloud-based software development and DevOps. All while taking advantage of the personal engagement with and support of our award-winning Computer Science school and staff.
