BSc/Diploma in Information Systems

beprint · 31-05-2012 9:26am #1

BSc/Diploma in Information Systems - Trinity College Part time

https://www.scss.tcd.ie/undergraduate/information-systems/

I am looking at this course and would like to get some feedback from past students. Is it a business course with some computers or a computer course with some business studies. I am a little unclear of the follow on career path.

Feedback greatly appreciated!

Deu · 31-05-2012 3:22pm

I completed this the course a couple of years ago, I only did the last 3 years having previously completed the 1st year of Business and IT in Trinity.

This course is much more IT orientated, there was very little business besides the soft skills type modules about project management and architecture.

We did have to produce some business plans for a made up product there were financial details in the plan but it was about producing a document rather than a viable business plan.

I did enjoy the course some parts more than others, most of the lecturers where very good but we had issues with one lecturer and the course director wasn't very helpful.

YumYumYum · 13-06-2012 11:07pm

Thanks Deu,
I attended the open night there a couple of weeks ago so know the score with the modules and lectures being 6-9 t/w/t but just from someone whos been there and done that;
- did you attend all the lectures or did you skip some? Obv they're optional but what could you get away with? Are all the notes on the intranet?
- how many hours outside of the lectures did you need to put in a week?
- was this more tilted towards the exam periods/business ends or was there consistent project work (single or group?) throughout the semester?
- was they're a lot of drop outs? Were these just the natural wastage or were justifiably struck by the amount of work involved?
- are lecturers genuinely more flexible b/c we were working f/t during the day?

Thanks a mill

)

Deu · 19-06-2012 10:10pm

- did you attend all the lectures or did you skip some? Obv they're optional but what could you get away with? Are all the notes on the intranet?

Most of the lecturers will put notes online, you could get away without going to many but I advise against it, if you attend most of the lectures you wouldn't require allot of work outside those hours to do well.

- how many hours outside of the lectures did you need to put in a week?

Not allot of hours in general except when assignments were due and close to the exams. I cant remember numbers but I would be thinking outside assignments and exams about an hour per subject each week. Even then that was only for the lectures you were attending during that semester

- was this more tilted towards the exam periods/business ends or was there consistent project work (single or group?) throughout the semester?

Most of the modules have 20-30% of final mark from assignments, spread over 2 or 3 assignments. The assignments get you most of the way to a pass and the exams are were you get higher marks

- was they're a lot of drop outs? Were these just the natural wastage or were justifiably struck by the amount of work involved?

There is a good bit of work involved but I got a reasonable mark and didn't kill myself. I think personal circumstances play more into this like being married with kids or single makes more of a difference then the amount of work.

I went into second year and lost a couple over the 3 years but it was issues for the people themselves rather than the course itself

- are lecturers genuinely more flexible b/c we were working f/t during the day?

The lecturers do give you allot of lee way because you are studying part-time and a good few have completed part-time study so understand the difference between you and the full-time students

If you have any other questions you can PM.

Thanks

lstevo · 03-06-2013 4:58pm

Hi Guys,
I don't have any IT experience. Would this course be a waste of time for me?
Would I be able to get an IT job when I finish it?

Thanks

grahamor · 19-06-2013 9:33am

lstevo wrote: »

Hi Guys,
I don't have any IT experience. Would this course be a waste of time for me?
Would I be able to get an IT job when I finish it?

Thanks

You would learn everything in the course. Lots of people have done it with zero IT experience to begin with. The programming and other modules start from the basics.

It's an excellent degree that encompasses IT and business so you could definitely work in IT after graduating. I'm about to graduate. Was tough but rewarding

smcelhinney · 19-06-2013 10:34am

Im going into year 3 of this course, and while it's challenging, it's not impossible. I've been a software developer for years, so this is just formalising my knowledge. I know that some people were struggling with some of the programming in first year, but it was offset by the fact that a lot of second year is around organisational management, project management, IT planning and forecasting, so it's a well rounded degree.

On top of this, they have introduced streams into 3rd year, where you can go down a CompSci (programming) or Business route. However, your choice here has an effect on the electives available to you in 4th year, so choose carefully.

All in all, so far so good, it is thoroughly rewarding and very practically applicable in my current role.

PS: Congrats grahamor on graduating!

ToxicPaddy · 03-07-2013 1:49pm

Hopefully starting this in Sept part time. Sent in the application but just waiting on confirmation back from TCD themselves.

Anyone else applied for it this year??

UDP · 03-07-2013 2:16pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Hopefully starting this in Sept part time. Sent in the application but just waiting on confirmation back from TCD themselves.

Anyone else applied for it this year??

Yep, took just over a month to be accepted.

ToxicPaddy · 03-07-2013 2:45pm

UDP wrote: »

Yep, took just over a month to be accepted.

Could be waiting a while so, my application only went in last week

When do the fees have to be paid by?

UDP · 03-07-2013 3:14pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Could be waiting a while so, my application only went in last week

When do the fees have to be paid by?

Don't know - have the option to pre-pay them now but dont know when they are due by. I presume around registration which I dont know when that is either.

ToxicPaddy · 03-07-2013 3:17pm

UDP wrote: »

Don't know - have the option to pre-pay them now but dont know when they are due by. I presume around registration which I dont know when that is either.

Ahh ok, if you hear anything can u post up here?

grahamor · 03-07-2013 5:31pm

You can pay in 2 installments. Half around start of term and half after xmas i think. Dont forget you are entitled to claim 20% back from the revenue

grahamor · 03-07-2013 5:34pm

Year 2 of diploma seems to be available through Springboard.I would imagine year 1 is available too - https://www.springboardcourses.ie/Diploma-in-Information-Systems-(Year-2)/Science-Mathematics-and-Computing/Computing/Computer-Science/ViewItem.aspx?ItemTypeID=2&ItemID=1749

Definitely worth checking if you are eligible for this

lstevo · 07-07-2013 12:52pm

Thanks for the replies earlier.
But exactly what types of jobs could i get out of this Degree?
I would be interested in getting a more techy job.
Maybe it would be better for me to do a B.Sc in Computing?
I'm just really unsure and I don't want to be making any wrong choices

UDP · 07-07-2013 1:05pm

lstevo wrote: »

Thanks for the replies earlier.
But exactly what types of jobs could i get out of this Degree?
I would be interested in getting a more techy job.
Maybe it would be better for me to do a B.Sc in Computing?
I'm just really unsure and I don't want to be making any wrong choices

There are many different areas in IT to get into e.g. network engineering, software development, web development, databases, system administration, QA.... I think you need to figure out which area you would like to get into as the paths can be different for each. Also most IT degrees I have seen are often software development heavy and don't teach as many skills for the other areas so you would need to gain certifications in those areas too if thats the path you want. For software/web dev it is usually a good idea to get involved in a software project as somewhat of a hobby to gain skills and to have something to show at interviews. Don't expect to get a job in IT with just a degree unless you are aiming for a helpdesk role. You either need to do other things on the side to show and prove your interest/ability to learn or you might manage to get a junior dev role somewhere often with not great pay.

lstevo · 08-07-2013 11:49pm

Ok , thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

bombs away · 15-07-2013 11:33am

Just out of curiosity, what is the cost of this course per academic year at the moment?

grahamor · 15-07-2013 11:39am

3rd and 4th year were between €5800-€5900 each. I think the first 2 diploma years are cheaper.

You are entitled to 20% back from the revenue if working. Springboard offers the diploma courses for free if you are unemployed (i'm not sure of all the details regarding this though)

ToxicPaddy · 15-07-2013 11:40am

bombs away wrote: »

Just out of curiosity, what is the cost of this course per academic year at the moment?

Diploma Years 1 & 2 - €3500 per year
Degree Years 3 & 4 - €5800 per year
Masters Years 5 & 6 - €4000 per year

ToxicPaddy · 30-07-2013 6:42pm

I just got my offer via email today. Was wondering for a while as I enquired a few times via email and got no reply.

Anyone else on here doing this course this year? Would be nice to get to know a few people in advance of starting.

mickmac · 08-08-2013 10:33pm

I'm starting the course in September too Toxic. Looking forward to a whole bunch of stuff I haven't studied/thought about since my Leaving!

Do any of yis know if the part time students can get lockers for the year anywhere on campus? It'd be handy to be able to keep some stuff in town as opposed to carting college/work/training stuff around the place a few days a week.

Amirani · 11-08-2013 8:43pm

mickmac wrote: »

I'm starting the course in September too Toxic. Looking forward to a whole bunch of stuff I haven't studied/thought about since my Leaving!

Do any of yis know if the part time students can get lockers for the year anywhere on campus? It'd be handy to be able to keep some stuff in town as opposed to carting college/work/training stuff around the place a few days a week.

I presume you can yeah. Lockers are available to rent during the 1st week of term.

Toby__Larone · 18-08-2013 12:13pm

They are, but you'll have to queue up very early (at about 6.30 in the morning) to get one that's not miles away. (There is always a massive queue each year) I'd recommend getting one in the Hamilton building as if you're in an IT course most of your lectures will be there and it has 24 hour access.

Amirani · 18-08-2013 2:26pm

Toby__Larone wrote: »

They are, but you'll have to queue up very early (at about 6.30 in the morning) to get one that's not miles away. (There is always a massive queue each year) I'd recommend getting one in the Hamilton building as if you're in an IT course most of your lectures will be there and it has 24 hour access.

Lloyd Building is fine also.

ToxicPaddy · 13-09-2013 4:11pm

Looks like I'm going to be away the first week due to work commitments, not a good start :mad:

Will anyone be recording their lectures? If so, can I get a copy of the first week?
Would someone be also able to get me a copy of any handouts too please?

Big ask I know, but can pay in pints..

Tox

bodun · 17-09-2013 11:14am

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Looks like I'm going to be away the first week due to work commitments, not a good start :mad:

Will anyone be recording their lectures? If so, can I get a copy of the first week?
Would someone be also able to get me a copy of any handouts too please?

Big ask I know, but can pay in pints..

Tox

All your lecture notes/handouts will be put up online on blackboard, most lecturers on this course put them up before each lecture last year, although they might be a bit slow the first week or two. I'm starting second year in this next week if you have any questions about first year.

ToxicPaddy · 17-09-2013 11:20am

bodun wrote: »

All your lecture notes/handouts will be put up online on blackboard, most lecturers on this course put them up before each lecture last year, although they might be a bit slow the first week or two. I'm starting second year in this next week if you have any questions about first year.

Good to know.. thanks for the info.

How did you find it the first year? Any hints and tips you can give us newbies?? :P

bodun · 17-09-2013 1:04pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Good to know.. thanks for the info.

How did you find it the first year? Any hints and tips you can give us newbies?? :P

I didn't find it too hard. I hadn't been to college in about 15 years so it was all fairly new to me again.

Information Systems: This is a handy module, its just a general outline of IT, the different technologies involved and the IT impact on busines and society. Last year we had to do two small essay type assessments as part of this, that came to 40% of your mark.

Internet Systems: This is the web design module, lots of waffle in this, had to do two connected projects for this, design a prototype website for a mobile device. You will know very little about web design after this course! These two added up to, I think, 50%.

Organisation and Management: An introduction to management and all that. Had to do a group presentation in this one on one aspect of management for 25%.

Information Systems Development: This is your programming course, we learned VB in this. I had little or no programming experience and was still able to pass this well, Go to the labs in this if you're not a programmer, you will learn enough to get by. Had two projects in this, both about designing a bit of software in VB. I think these two came to 60%.

Business Methods: This is split into two different parts, one in just Maths (around leaving cert level) the other is Microsoft Excel and general business stuff, a bit waffly to be honest. Don't be afraid of the Maths, it might seem a bit daunting at the start but the lecturer is very good and does lots of examples in his notes. Had to do some maths questions for him (which was 10% of your mark) an excel project(25%) and a group project on business(25%).

Information Systems Practice: I think we all agreed last year that this was a pile of ****e. A bit about databases and and more VB but web based. Got two projects with this which were handy enough but very time consuming especially as they came towards the end of the year. We didn't have a final exam in this, you passed or failed on those projects.

Basically if you do well in your projects/continuous assessments you will have little to worry about. They say they will try an stagger these but invariably you will end up with 2 or 3 on the go at the same time.

Any more questions, just ask!

ToxicPaddy · 17-09-2013 1:24pm

Do they do exams after Xmas and again at the end of the year? Or is it just end of year exams? If so, how many exams?

bodun · 17-09-2013 2:10pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Do they do exams after Xmas and again at the end of the year? Or is it just end of year exams? If so, how many exams?

We had 5 and all at the end of the year.

ToxicPaddy · 19-09-2013 6:09pm

Anyone know where the orientation is on this evening for this course?

MagicMarker · 14-03-2014 7:35pm

Hi Guys, how are you getting on with the course? I applied today, my only concern would be that it doesn't seem to be as technical and some other courses? Not as much programming etc. Would you agree?

ToxicPaddy · 14-03-2014 10:05pm

Nearly through the first year and its been a long one.

In the first year it's not very technical and they don't want it that way it seems. It's designed to give you a broad overview of all aspects of IT and you don't really specialise until the 3rd year of the degree.

So far the modules have covered:

VB programming
Web Design Theory and some HTML
Business Methods/Maths
Organisational Mgmt
Information Systems (Overview of various areas of IT, IT Mgmt, IT Systems)

Personally I'm finding the VB tough as it moved at a very fast pace in the first semester and that lot a hell of a lot of people, it was only after Xmas that the lecturer realised this and slowed down a little.

The rest is mostly theory and there are assessments all through the year adding up to usually between 40% and 50% of final grade. One module, the CS1106 is 100% project based.

Its tough going if you're in an anyway stressful job but manageable.

If you're looking for a purely programming/development based course, you might find this one a little boring.

MagicMarker · 14-03-2014 10:28pm

Thanks for that, I'm not looking specifically for programming/developing, but I'd like to know that at the end of the 4 years I at least wouldn't be lacking in the programming/development department.

The IS course in DIT seems to be far more geared towards WebDev and Programming, both of which seem to be major components in the first year.

ToxicPaddy · 15-03-2014 11:55pm

It's possible to specialise from 3rd year onwards I believe but it's a path I won't be taking as it's not what I'm interested in.

That course in DIT also looks good.

Filipa · 01-05-2014 6:33pm

I'm currently filling in the online application form and have a few doubts:

As a mature student, do I still have to fill in the Personal statement section?
In the supporting documents, is a CV also required?

Thanks for the help

ToxicPaddy · 02-05-2014 10:52am

Filipa wrote: »

I'm currently filling in the online application form and have a few doubts:

As a mature student, do I still have to fill in the Personal statement section?
In the supporting documents, is a CV also required?

Thanks for the help

Hi there,

Are you talking about the full time or evening course?

Filipa · 02-05-2014 10:17pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Hi there,

Are you talking about the full time or evening course?

Hi, the evening course please.

Thanks.

UDP · 02-05-2014 10:48pm

Filipa wrote: »

Hi, the evening course please.

Thanks.

I filled it in but I don't think it made any difference. They will be happy to just have the revenue so don't worry about writing a masterpiece. Don't think the cv is required. I added it just because I had it to hand. References are definitely not required.

ToxicPaddy · 12-05-2014 1:20pm

Filipa wrote:

I'm currently filling in the online application form and have a few doubts:

As a mature student, do I still have to fill in the Personal statement section? In the supporting documents, is a CV also required?

Thanks for the help

UDP wrote: »

I filled it in but I don't think it made any difference. They will be happy to just have the revenue so don't worry about writing a masterpiece. Don't think the cv is required. I added it just because I had it to hand. References are definitely not required.

I wouldn't say its purely revenue based as a few people in the class know someone who didn't get accepted to the course last year and it certainly wasn't full. There were about 40 people starting and I'd say at least 5 dropped out during the year for one reason or another.

So try and add the CV if possible as if nothing else it will give them a better idea of your back ground , if you have any IT experience and if so, what level its at.

If you don't work in IT, that should not be a problem as most of the first year class this year didn't either. Don't be afraid to ask any questions either and try to get to the open evenings as it will definitely help answer some questions for you.

But UDP is correct in that it doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but make sure clear and to the point.

Tox

Filipa · 12-05-2014 1:29pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

I wouldn't say its purely revenue based as a few people in the class know someone who didn't get accepted to the course last year and it certainly wasn't full. There were about 40 people starting and I'd say at least 5 dropped out during the year for one reason or another.

So try and add the CV if possible as if nothing else it will give them a better idea of your back ground , if you have any IT experience and if so, what level its at.

If you don't work in IT, that should not be a problem as most of the first year class this year didn't either. Don't be afraid to ask any questions either and try to get to the open evenings as it will definitely help answer some questions for you.

But UDP is correct in that it doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but make sure clear and to the point.

Tox

Thanks UDP and Tox.
Have now filled in the application (with Personal statement and CV).
Now fingers crossed that I'll be accepted

MagicMarker · 12-05-2014 1:37pm

I filled in the personal statement and CV, almost 2 months ago now. Haven't heard anything yet.

I've already accepted a place in DIT though, so you can have my spot if I get one!

ToxicPaddy · 12-05-2014 1:56pm

I didn't get confirmation until mid June I think..

I'll have to dig it out and let you know..

Olimpiu · 28-06-2014 1:29pm

Hello.

Would the diploma 2 years can you get a job from it? and would it be reconsidered in germany. I am planning of moving there with the girlfriend.

Thank you.

Filipa · 03-07-2014 3:38pm

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

I didn't get confirmation until mid June I think..

I'll have to dig it out and let you know..

Still waiting to hear if I got in or not...it is slowly driving me up the wall :rolleyes:

ToxicPaddy · 03-07-2014 6:24pm

Filipa wrote: »

Still waiting to hear if I got in or not...it is slowly driving me up the wall :rolleyes:

Sometimes no news is good news

ToxicPaddy · 03-07-2014 6:30pm

Olimpiu wrote: »

Hello.

Would the diploma 2 years can you get a job from it? and would it be reconsidered in germany. I am planning of moving there with the girlfriend.

Thank you.

It would help but if everyone else has a degree unless you have more experience you're not gonna get too many offers.

However I believe as the TCD courses are modules and points based, you could transfer to another university to finish your degree in Germany.

Joya · 25-07-2014 12:08pm

smcelhinney wrote: »

Im going into year 3 of this course, and while it's challenging, it's not impossible.
...
All in all, so far so good, it is thoroughly rewarding and very practically applicable in my current role.

Hi, i am just finishing the year 2 of this course and am trying to get a job. I have to say it is very confusing because I find this course - while very time demanding, does not give you knowledge for any specific IT job. So what role are you in actually? And can you say a little how this course helped you? Thanks a lot

.

lstevo wrote: »

Thanks for the replies earlier.
But exactly what types of jobs could i get out of this Degree?
I would be interested in getting a more techy job.
Maybe it would be better for me to do a B.Sc in Computing?
I'm just really unsure and I don't want to be making any wrong choices

i have to say that i find this course as very general. i did some programming courses before and i think now that perhaps spending two years in practicing Java instead of doing this course would open me so far more doors than doing this course..

bodun wrote: »

All your lecture notes/handouts will be put up online on blackboard, most lecturers on this course put them up before each lecture last year, although they might be a bit slow the first week or two. I'm starting second year in this next week if you have any questions about first year.

so I must know you then cause we are classmates : )), you can PM me? - you'll recognise me from the photo ;d))

MagicMarker wrote: »

Hi Guys, how are you getting on with the course? I applied today, my only concern would be that it doesn't seem to be as technical and some other courses? Not as much programming etc. Would you agree?

that is actually exactly how it is, it is neither.. or little bit of everything.. perhaps if i knew this before id chose some other course..but it does give you the general overview of the options in IT/IS sector..

ToxicPaddy · 25-07-2014 2:54pm

IT courses are rarely about specific areas, even the ones that are more development based cover various languages.

Degrees get you in the front door for an interview but they won't get you a job, that's up to you and how much you take from the course plus the additional knowledge you build up yourself.

I'm working in IT 16 years now and my learning curve is still vertical. Technology changes at a rapid rate and it's up to each individual to choose a path and learn as much as they can as well as keeping up with trends and advances.

I've just finished my first year, passed it with a good deal of work and while it won't change my world, getting a degree will open a few extra doors for me in the future, what I do from there is up to me..

Filipa · 21-08-2014 9:16am

ToxicPaddy wrote: »

Sometimes no news is good news

So finally got my good news

and have now paid the tuition fees

Just not sure what follows next as this is my first experience with Irish colleges (and Trinity)...
Will I be getting a pack by post? Or an email to let me know when classes start, where to pick up my student card,...

Could someone let me know how their first year registration happened? Thanks

BSc/Diploma in Information Systems

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