Springboard; DBS vs Digital Skills Academy

bpm1989

Hi there, I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post in so feel free to move.

So I was successful applying for most of my Springboard choices and have plenty of offers to choose from however I am having trouble deciding which course to go for. The two courses that interest me most are:

1. Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Software Development) [ICT CONVERSION] @ DBS
2. 2.0 WebInnovate / BSc (Hons) in Digital Technology, Design & Innovation @ Digital Skills Academy who are affiliated with DIT

The first course is full time and lasts 13 months with a 6 month work placement, the second course is part-time (one evening a week, the rest is online learning) and also has a work placement module. Both are Level 8 degrees and it's amazing how the DSA course can give out a higher award (BSc vs H.Dip) for being part time (20 hrs per week).

Now personally I really don't fancy full-time college any more and all those awful morning commutes, I am 25 and have other commitments but at the same time I am unfamiliar with the Digital Skills Academy and it's programmes. Could anyone who is familiar with the DSA inform me whether the course is worthwhile or would you just recommend I just drop it all and go full time in DBS? Thanks!

walter the second

<snip>

The DBS course looks interesting. I'm thinking of doing it myself - deadline tomorrow so better get cracking. I heard about people getting real jobs afterwards. There's a guy who someone I know knows, who I'll hopefully be talking to over the weekend about it - he did the DBS course and is apparently working now full time as a programmer. I'll keep you posted....

picizau

Hi,

Did you start the course? Im thinking about applying for April intake. Is it any good. I must say I have no IT experience but I learn quickly

starlit

From my personal experience it is better to be on a course in a classroom situation. You socialise yet you get to learn something new and different. Better motivation to study I think when attending a college than long distance learning its not for everyone. Its fine if you working as well the long distance/online learning can be of a benefit.

There is nothing really to replace classroom learning whether its on the job/in class learning. You are assessed and can ask your lecturer questions many of which may have already been well educated, have industry experience so they be great to give tips while on the course. Learning hands on is good but you put in what you get out of it no matter whether its a course or work-experience programme! Springboard courses are worthwhile if classroom based and has a work-placement added to it makes a huge difference on CV fills the gap on it.

I am very mixed on the web innovative programmes, sounds good on paper but the experience of it could be different.

Personally I think its better to have a 3rd level recognised qualification in the end of the day, looks better on CV and for prospective employers you have more to talk about - projects and the course! Highlight that in interviews. Having plenty of examples of work done. Portfolio of work done can be of a help too either hard copy in a folder or online. Means you have proof of work completed especially if there are websites/web design/development type stuff to show off.

Best of luck!

eoinp11

Hey guys, any updates regarding doing the DBS course?

Trying to decide between ICT Higher Diploma in Computing in either DIT, NCI, or DBS (also have Maynooth, but it is full fees at almost €6K which kind of disqualifies it.. DIT offered the paid version, still waiting on the springboard verdict)

Has anyone any insight between the 3?

Thanks!

starlit

If I were you I be in favour of the DIT course and the fact its a springboard course it be a better help to you and look better on your CV.

eoinp11

doovdela wrote: »

If I were you I be in favour of the DIT course and the fact its a springboard course it be a better help to you and look better on your CV.

DIT beats NCI yea?

Surprised to hear you say that springboard would actually look BETTER on CV, i would have thought springboard would either be the same or slighly worse on the c.v.

Can i ask what course did you do?

starlit

Any one I know that's gone to DIT have had a better chance of looking for work they more practical orientated in the IT's.
It can vary, if a springboard had worthwhile subjects and an internship as part of the course can look good on a cv and a chance of interview but as you say can look worse but its no different to having gone on to do a fee paying hdip/masters!? Difference is springboard is funded. What looks worse a lack of career direction if it shows up on a CV it probably be binned!? That is based on my experience in search of work.
I did a marketing course in another IT and did a hdip in computing in an Uni. Probably got more interviews after Uni course than after my degree and springboard course in an IT. A computing course look good on CV anyway. For example if you had an accounting background you could end up in accounting in an IT company. What background have you? Blending degree with a hdip can help greatly transferable skills and all that and what you learnt from it.