Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

Is a level 8 higher diploma and a level 8 Hons degree the same on paper, I have applied for both with different providers and they seem the same on NFQ chart.

I have googled it but haven’t came across much except that one is by a TU and the other an IT.

Yeah same here they look the same on BFQ but not sure which one to go for atm

Level 7 is in old money a diploma, its now called an ordinary degree. Level 8 is the degree level.

If you go onto the Springboard page I know it does explain what happens if you dont finish a course. I didnt think it ruled you out for the following year but maybe it does.

They are also very responsive to emails so maybe drop them a line.

Just wondering, has anyone applied for Hdip Computing in NCI or Software development in DCU?

I just submitted the application last night. Springboard states that the deadline is today. Do I need to apply through the college separately?

Also, what are the chances if I don't have any technical background, except some basic self-taughtstuff?

My background is in healthcare, having two different masters in the healthcare field. Now, have this feeling to pursue computer Sc is higher than ever

Looking for some advice on part time data analytics courses. I have two offers on springboard courses which I am weighing up at the minute ; a level 8 higher diploma in data analytics from CCT college and the level 9 postgraduate certificate in fundamentals of data science from TU Dublin.

I don't have coding experience but my current job does involve a large amount of data analysis using spreadsheets. I also have experience in econometric research for a part time masters which I recently finished.

The postgrad certificate is level 9 vs the level 8 higher diploma - not sure how significant that is? Also the postgrad cert is only 30 credits vs 60 for the higher diploma so does this mean a large difference in terms of course content? Be great to get any opinions from anyone familiar with the courses.

Thank you! I am awaiting to hear from the spring board team

Anyone study with NUIG? How did you find them? Just got accepted to a Postgrad. Diploma.

Thanks

Happened to me last year.

Applied and accepted while I was working.

I was then let go the 2nd lockdown and was unemployed when the course started so didn't have to pay anything.

Thanks a mil for the feedback - decided to go with the TU L9 certificate in the end. I've just signed up for a Python course on udemy so going to get cracking on that before the course starts

Graduated earlier this year from Postgrad Diploma in Data Analytics in NCIRL (Level 9).

The core course content was very good for the most part. Became very proficient with Python in particular which was what the bulk of the course was based on. A small bit of R as well but not even remotely close to the level of Python.

As I say, the core content was good - the elective modules were ATROCIOUS. It felt like these 2 modules were just after-thoughts and the calibre of lecturing in both was very questionable.

I would also add, the general comms from the college was quite poor. Students needed to kick up a stink before stuff was acted on, in particular in the elective modules. 1-2 students always stood up for the class which was admirable of them. I think 1 student complained about a lecturer and one of the admins came on to a call and said "Pat is complaining about the lecturer about....."!!!!

Be under no illusions though, the course is a serious undertaking. The level of work involved is very significant (if you want to get a good result). As I was working full-time, I spent most evenings studying or working on projects. The deadlines come thick and fast and no sooner have you a breather from one, than the next one is on the horizon. It would be a tough subject to bluff your way through.

I am glad I completed the course though, I did learn a lot. But of the class of 50, I think about 22-23 finished.

Hi, thanks for the info.

I am doing the HDIP in Data Analytics in NCI starting this month. I believe the difference between the two courses is a project at the end. Therefore I am wondering if you shared the same classes with the HDIP students? Im curious if the workload is the same in the HDIP

Also apparantley the course content is changing this September to be more relevant and updated following industry consultation

Thanks, yes I know its a level 9 v level 8 and its possible after the HDIP to advance to the level 9 with a project + paying the fee.

The modules in both are very similar and I am wondering if the HDIP and Masters students are in the same class for python etc. Because I am curious about the workload mentioned. Did you do either course yourself?

Thanks for the info and heads up on stats/python. Thats very bad about the lecturer. Sorry I should have mentioned, I am doing the 2 year online HDIP so hopefully a little more manageable. There was an open day and they are redoing the modules this year based on industry feedback so hopefully its much improved. I believe it will be Python heavy but I didnt see any mention of R

Not my experience - on the PGDip I did last year through Springboard, most of the lecturers we had were "good" to "very good"...

There wasn't a separate Springboard class - Springboard people are dotted into "normal" classes.