GTI level 6 vs GMIT level 6 in software development

"She thinks the course in GMIT would be easier because the workload for a level 6 is spread over two years instead of compressed into roughly 7 months for a FETAC award. I tried to explain to her. That's because GMIT assume a student studying the course knows nothing about computer programming, so they spend the first year getting them up to speed and with the FETAC level 6 I explained that you already have to of had previous experience in the subject area to get onto the course. That's why it is only one year , so in short, who is correct? "

you are. GTI assumes you have past experience. if you want to learn fast, study and get through college with a better foundation: do the level 6 gti course, it would certainly be more intensive than first year in GMIT. though you would need to either 1) have past experience working in IT 2) lower level course done like level 5 IT 3) study java/mysql during summer before attending/doing interview. if your a mature student (if your engaged im pretty sure youl fall in that category in their eyes) youl have a handy enough time getting into the level 6 so long as you show you have put some effort into learning java/mysql.

"Lastly, she argued that qualification received from GMIT. Although technically at the same level would be worth more in terms of gaining employment than a similar FETAC course could she be right? "

makes no difference what so ever. iv been told by masters/phd students (brother and gf) that lecturers have often said you are only as good as your last exam. so emloyers will only look at your results for your highest level certification and where you got it, so what grades i just got in the level 6 fetac wont matter in the slightest once i have the full degree. your understanding of what you learnt is probably much much more important in the first 2 years than where you got the cert so in that respect i would certainly say try to get into level 6 gti if you really want to do well and are willing to work harder than the average 1st year student.

i just finished the level 6 (and level 5) fetac in GTI so if you have any specif questions about GTI or the course work/work load, feel free to ask.. il post here in case anyone else is reading up on it.

one point il make: dont fret too much over the exams.. they spoon feed you via mocks.. the project(s)(coding/mysql) are quite a bit harder.. if you learn everything you are taught, you should be fine.. i could even send you the course work you would need for the projects now so you can get a head start(or catch up) on the coding/mysql stuff (most important/hardest imo) but do note: the course is changing a lot afaik so the course work will likely be very different but the actual coding and mysql stuff is foundation(not easy, just very important) stuff no matter where you study IT/coding. MySQL is pretty much a prerequisite for getting a job where ever you want to do IT/coding so theres no harm learning it anyway, and/or doing the oracle cert in it if you have the time(much harder than passing it in GTI, friggin breeze in GTI compared to the proper oracle cert in mysql), learn 20% of the book and youl get a distinction sort of thing.

anyway, im shutting up now.. any questions, just ask or pm me. also, im from mayo so if you actually want to meet up and have a chat about it il be round north mayo this week end and all week.. just a thought.. anyway.. good luck in your studies and hope all goes well for you.