Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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.

I did a Diploma in Change Management with NUIG (Oct 2020-May 2021). Found them to be organised and helpful; course was all online. The course had three modules with different lecturers for each and each had their own style of teaching--all completely different. For example, the first module we had classes and assignments due every 10 days or so and the lecturer expected a lot from us (hard for those of us who were entering third level for the first time in decades or ever); the second module consisted of 1.5 days online (it was recorded for those who couldn't attend the daytime classes) with a large assignment due a number of weeks later and lecturer was very easy-going/laidback style; the last module also consisted of two days online with two small assignments but the lecturer was organised and thorough and very specific. It was tough at times but I found it worth it. HTH

Usually the college will reach out once it comes time for induction etc. You should hear at some stage starting this coming week but some courses don't start until mid October depending on the college

I received a separate email (from "RegistryNoReply") before getting the email to register, with my DCU Student ID number. About a week later I got an email from "DCU Registry" to register for the course.

I'd disagree with this statement, as a general rule I found the lecturers to be very good, some were in fact excellent.

But different techniques etc might not be to everyone liking, this would be similar in full time courses.

Maybe two answers

1. Theoretically yes as long as the Lecturers allow you be remote. I'm on a course right now and it's back to face to face, no recordings etc so If I miss a class I miss a class. Maybe yours is online and recorded, maybe it's not.
2. The crux here will be often in Semester 2(when the college/uni) look to Springboard+ to pay them the next set of fees you're asked to prove again that you're eligible and depending on how they ask and how you answer you might not be acting in good faith or being honest. Last College year in AIT I had to resubmit and confirm my details/particulars hadn't changed sometime in January. I'm now in UL and the process was completely different.

generally the books aren't covered but the college will have a library that should mean you don't have a big expense there. NCI had a lot of stuff available as ebooks. For many of the topics you may find course texts free online also.

Thanks so much for those tips, Pete, very useful. I've taken a course before (with Springboard) and the college supplied codes for e-books. Doing another course now with six modules this term and each advising of 'essential' reading materials but don't provide it and some aren't available in the college library so I'll be taking your advice. Thanks again.

Don't buy any books. Almost every piece of information you need will be provided in lecture notes, case studies, etc. As somebody said, if it is a technical subject then YouTube, etc is your friends.

And there's also "other" places to get plenty of pdf of books, etc online.....

But the overall thing of purchasing books is a scam for me.