Higher Diploma in Computing (conversion course)

Hello jo joe,

I'd just explain the circumstances, and re-apply. I'm aware of instances where a student left the year part way through and returned to it the following year.

I graduated from this course last year, so if you have any questions about the course feel free to send me a message.

It's quite difficult, but manageable if you work in a disciplined way. If you're tech savvy it will help a little. The most difficult part is probably programming (software development - which seems to be the emphasis of the course) as you will cover around two years of the regular course in one year. Last year, I'd say the attrition rate was around 50%

The course is 15 hours a week. You'll probably need to invest another 10 - 15 hours to get by, significantly more if you want to do well.

Hard to say how much it will increase your employment chances. If you do well, an entry level software developer job is within reach, or it should enhance your current qualifications paving the way for something like software project management. If you have an idea for a software product, it should give you enough know how to get started in developing it. I'd advise talking to the careers dept to get a better idea of the synergy between your own qualifications and the H.Dip.

Happy to help. I really liked most of the course. It covers a lot of the important elements of the degree, but obviously not at the same depth. I had a good layman's understanding of computers before going into the course (building computers and troubleshooting problems) and the interest helped a bit, but it's still an intensive course.

Might be as well to check with the careers department to see how good of a match it will be with what you got for tech writing. As a subject, tech writing isn't covered, though being familiar with how software is developed is likely to be a plus if you want to do tech writing for the software industry. There are specific tech writing courses (maybe not in LK). As a profession, it seems tough to get into.

Maths needed is close to nil. They do some hex, binary maths in one module of the course, but it's not too hard to understand. If you are good at maths, it will be an advantage for programming, but by no means necessary.

As for complexity, some subjects do cover a lot of ground. You could do okay (2:2 -> 2:1) with maybe 10 - 15 hours a week. If you want to do really well, you'll pay for each extra percent in hours : ) It seems that most people who left the course did so because they were struggling with programming. It's kinda the emphasis of the course, and probably the best chance to get a job, and there's a module in each semester. A lot of ground is covered, but it has to be that way to be worth while. Since every concept builds on and is related to others, if you fall behind it can become nightmarish trying to do assignments. If you do the work, it's managable. If you know a programmer, get them to show you how it works, might be a good way to see if you like it!

I'd say almost 30 people turned up at one point or another. Some didn't like the course immediately and never came back, others left over the course of the year. Around 15 graduated.

Primary degrees could be anything: architecture, sports, law, teaching, english, fire and safety. Primary degree doesn't matter, as the course assumes no prior knowledge of the subjects.

I'd recommend if you have any mates that can program, get them to show you a bit, so you can see if you'll like it.

Hi Guys

I am down to start the Higher Diploma in computing in Dundalk IT conversation course.

Just wondering has anyone done this course in DKIT and did they gain employment from it if not from a computing background?

Thanks