Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

zom · 16-06-2021 3:34pm

Any idea if more courses will be added to springboard website later? I see at least one missing that was on excel sheets?

SteelyDanJalapeno · 16-06-2021 3:36pm

I am in full time employment, but would like to do a course here, would I be eligible to any?

Officer Giggles · 16-06-2021 3:46pm

Springboard have a note up their Facebook page saying they have rectified the issue of courses not being available to employed people

onlinenerd · 16-06-2021 7:03pm

Does anybody know how long it takes to hear about the outcome of your application?

py · 16-06-2021 7:07pm

onlinenerd wrote: »

Does anybody know how long it takes to hear about the outcome of your application?

It depends from college to college. One you accept a course, all of your other applications are marked as cancelled. There tends to be deadlines from the colleges to accepting a course. You could potentially be holding out for your number 1 choice and not get offered it... Meanwhile you've delayed accepting other offers only for them to expire.

Gerrymandering reborn · 16-06-2021 7:22pm

Are they any good digital marketing courses?

Thanks

Berty · 16-06-2021 8:08pm

onlinenerd wrote: »

Does anybody know how long it takes to hear about the outcome of your application?

py wrote: »

It depends from college to college. One you accept a course, all of your other applications are marked as cancelled. There tends to be deadlines from the colleges to accepting a course. You could potentially be holding out for your number 1 choice and not get offered it... Meanwhile you've delayed accepting other offers only for them to expire.

Exactly this, the delay between courses/decisions. I was hoping and waiting on one last year in Sligo IT and the date to accept another who made an offer to me was coming up so for the risk of losing both I accepted one in AIT and was graded last week with a very pleasant grade.

Then the next course(BSc) wasn't funded by Springboard+ this year so I couldn't progress(I could If I found €2,350 obviously which I can't and won't). Today I applied for a total of 5 in various colleges/universities and all have various decision dates, heck some might just not consider me at all.

gogo · 16-06-2021 10:12pm

SteelyDanJalapeno wrote: »

I am in full time employment, but would like to do a course here, would I be eligible to any?

Your eligible to them all, but obviously working full time - won’t be able to do one full time course, lots of part time options though. If employed, springboard will cover 90% of the cost, you need to pay the remaining 10%.

FFVII · 16-06-2021 10:20pm

Be careful with sligo, last year they had ones advertised finishing in may that finished in December.

Waste of time fluff courses.

IwishIknew2020 · 16-06-2021 10:48pm

Can anyone explain the ECTS credits? Like a level 9 course but some have 45 credits, some have 60 and 90 credits.
Can you combine the credits of different courses to get a masters?
Thanks

Brian201888 · 16-06-2021 10:48pm

If you dropped out of a course last year do you have to sit this year out before you can reapply does anyone know?

Officer Giggles · 17-06-2021 12:02am

IwishIknew2020 wrote: »

Can anyone explain the ECTS credits? Like a level 9 course but some have 45 credits, some have 60 and 90 credits.
Can you combine the credits of different courses to get a masters?
Thanks

ECTS credits are a guide to the study load of a course, with each credit the equivalent of 20-30 hours. This includes classtime, study and assignments.

A level 9 Post Grad Cert may be 60 credits whereas a Master's will usually be 90 credits as the masters requires the completion of a Thesis/Dissertation.

There may be an example I'm not familiar with but generally no you cannot add different courses together to get a master's.

Berty · 17-06-2021 6:43am

gogo wrote: »

Your eligible to them all, but obviously working full time - won’t be able to do one full time course, lots of part time options though. If employed, springboard will cover 90% of the cost, you need to pay the remaining 10%.

Actually if it's an L6 course then Springboard cover 100% of the cost. I did an L6(part time) , passed it and paid zilch for it. Think I paid €2 in stamps to post something back to college. Others courses are 90% from L7-L9

IwishIknew2020 · 17-06-2021 10:51am

Brian201888 wrote: »

If you dropped out of a course last year do you have to sit this year out before you can reapply does anyone know?

https://springboardcourses.ie/faq

IwishIknew2020 · 17-06-2021 10:57am

Officer Giggles wrote: »

ECTS credits are a guide to the study load of a course, with each credit the equivalent of 20-30 hours. This includes classtime, study and assignments.

A level 9 Post Grad Cert may be 60 credits whereas a Master's will usually be 90 credits as the masters requires the completion of a Thesis/Dissertation.

There may be an example I'm not familiar with but generally no you cannot add different courses together to get a master's.

Thanks for that.

I wonder can you go by the Excel sheet for the list of courses? For eg. NUIG on the excel have around 6-8 courses this year but nothing when you just put a search in on the website, its strange.

Officer Giggles · 17-06-2021 12:10pm

IwishIknew2020 wrote: »

Thanks for that.

I wonder can you go by the Excel sheet for the list of courses? For eg. NUIG on the excel have around 6-8 courses this year but nothing when you just put a search in on the website, its strange.

The excel sheet is the definitive list of this year's courses, Springboard have issues every so often with their site, if they are missing a course your interested in you should contact them to get the issue fixed

RossieMan · 17-06-2021 12:54pm

Awful stupid question, is there any way to filter by online courses only?

Officer Giggles · 17-06-2021 1:03pm

RossieMan wrote: »

Awful stupid question, is there any way to filter by online courses only?

There's a drop-down tab "delivery method" where you can filter them

TallGlass2 · 17-06-2021 10:12pm

Any options on the LYIT - Data Centre Management course anyone?

I have no BSc at all, so I got accepted given the short time frame (1 year) it gives me a BSc in I am half tempted, so its something on the CV!

However, I am also highly interested in the Higher Diploma in Computing with Cyber Security with NCI as there is progression to a MSc with them from it

doc22 · 18-06-2021 12:32am

TallGlass2 wrote: »

Any options on the LYIT - Data Centre Management course anyone?

I have no BSc at all, so I got accepted given the short time frame (1 year) it gives me a BSc in I am half tempted, so its something on the CV!

However, I am also highly interested in the Higher Diploma in Computing with Cyber Security with NCI as there is progression to a MSc with them from it

Early in the thread

qwertz wrote: »

I am in a course at LYIT and unfortunately the majority of lecturers have been atrocious with both quality and speed of feedback. Had I paid the full 6k for this then I’d be extremely p’d off.

doc22 · 18-06-2021 12:35am

FFVII wrote: »

Be careful with sligo, last year they had ones advertised finishing in may that finished in December.

Waste of time fluff courses.

Lots of courses are nonsense/poor as they get the springboard money and they don't care. But they do get punished when people don't stick around.

FFVII · 18-06-2021 1:04am

doc22 wrote: »

Lots of courses are nonsense/poor as they get the springboard money and they don't care. But they do get punished when people don't stick around.

Punished how?
Theirs some kind of weird conflict going on i think aswell.

The stupid way its run where you end up taking course you don't want cuz of dates etc...are springboard staff working in the college's and direct you to their college?

Bums in seats?

The whole thing is another rotten yoke if you ask me. Some benefit etc....good for you.

TallGlass2 · 18-06-2021 9:12am

Cheers, I had seen a few replies in the thread. I was putting the feelers out to see if that was the case for the majority!

I am used to the style of these Springboard courses so I am aware of the effort is basically all on me.

What I am more wondering is if I got that BSc from LYIT, is that accepted by other institutions? I cannot see why it would not be. Or am I missing something, has it less credits given the time frame? IE if I done the BSc Hons with them in Cyber for example (different course than mentioned above), the next step in my eyes is a postgrad or Masters, could I apply to say DCU/UCD/Trinity, would I meet the threshold if I wanted to do something there after?

doc22 · 18-06-2021 9:17am

FFVII wrote: »

Punished how?
Theirs some kind of weird conflict going on i think aswell.

The stupid way its run where you end up taking course you don't want cuz of dates etc...are springboard staff working in the college's and direct you to their college?

Bums in seats?

The whole thing is another rotten yoke if you ask me. Some benefit etc....good for you.

fees are paid in two parts, if you are not around they don't get paid the second

This is it · 18-06-2021 9:18am

FFVII wrote: »

Punished how?
Theirs some kind of weird conflict going on i think aswell.

The stupid way its run where you end up taking course you don't want cuz of dates etc...are springboard staff working in the college's and direct you to their college?

Bums in seats?

The whole thing is another rotten yoke if you ask me. Some benefit etc....good for you.

I don't know the specifics but you have to register after your course starts on the Springboard site, to confirm you're doing the course. Then, for me, after Christmas I had to do the same to confirm I was still taking part.

The college probably get a percentage of your fee at the start and the rest when you confirm half way through that you're still there.

doc22 · 18-06-2021 9:20am

TallGlass2 wrote: »

Cheers, I had seen a few replies in the thread. I was putting the feelers out to see if that was the case for the majority!

I am used to the style of these Springboard courses so I am aware of the effort is basically all on me.

What I am more wondering is if I got that BSc from LYIT, is that accepted by other institutions? I cannot see why it would not be. Or am I missing something, has it less credits given the time frame? IE if I done the BSc Hons with them in Cyber for example (different course than mentioned above), the next step in my eyes is a postgrad or Masters, could I apply to say DCU/UCD/Trinity, would I meet the threshold if I wanted to do something there after?

As long as you have the relevant requirement and fees they won't care where your degree is from

Officer Giggles · 18-06-2021 9:23am

TallGlass2 wrote: »

Cheers, I had seen a few replies in the thread. I was putting the feelers out to see if that was the case for the majority!

I am used to the style of these Springboard courses so I am aware of the effort is basically all on me.

What I am more wondering is if I got that BSc from LYIT, is that accepted by other institutions? I cannot see why it would not be. Or am I missing something, has it less credits given the time frame? IE if I done the BSc Hons with them in Cyber for example (different course than mentioned above), the next step in my eyes is a postgrad or Masters, could I apply to say DCU/UCD/Trinity, would I meet the threshold if I wanted to do something there after?

Just ensure to look past the title of any course your looking at to ensure it has the full allocation of ECTS credits, more of an issue for certs and diplomas where they may only be 40 credits whereas I've seen the requirements to apply for a degree being that your diploma is a 60 credit course

TallGlass2 · 18-06-2021 9:25am

doc22 wrote: »

As long as you have the relevant requirement and fees they won't care where your degree is from

Ah okay, I was thinking they might say something about a short fall in credits, I might even run it by one of the colleges to see what they think.

Is Cyber in LYIT better run than the Data Centre course I wonder?

tritium · 18-06-2021 11:41am

ClaptonBay wrote: »

Has anyone completed any of the data analytics courses - would be interested to get opinions on which college you went to and course contents?

Doing the PGDip in NCI at the moment. Content is pretty good and relevant and some of the lecturers are really excellent. College admin is shocking but that seems to be par for the source in most places. Generally the course itself is good though, albeit requires a fair bit of time. Nice thing with springboard courses is you tend to get a good mix of experience in the class which is very useful.

fast_eddie · 18-06-2021 12:36pm

TallGlass2 wrote: »

Any options on the LYIT - Data Centre Management course anyone?

I have no BSc at all, so I got accepted given the short time frame (1 year) it gives me a BSc in I am half tempted, so its something on the CV!

However, I am also highly interested in the Higher Diploma in Computing with Cyber Security with NCI as there is progression to a MSc with them from it

LYIT's PGDip in Cybersecurity also allows you to go on to MSc, you need to do the dissertation after the PGDip - I don't think Springboard cover that, it's about €2k additional cost.
The PGDip is pretty intense and it covers a lot of material so I'd suggest IT experience would be really useful. I had no problem with lecturer feedback.

Monotype · 18-06-2021 2:32pm

TUD are being straight up sexist with their Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (for Women). Wow.

zweton · 19-06-2021 9:55am

Anyone done the Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity Management ?

doc22 · 19-06-2021 10:05am

Monotype wrote: »

TUD are being straight up sexist with their Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (for Women). Wow.

Funny if a man applied and identified as a women for the day:pac:

Monotype · 19-06-2021 11:02am

doc22 wrote: »

Funny if a man applied and identified as a women for the day:pac:

Might be an easier qualification, like the way girls didn't have to do certain sections in the leaving cert maths papers from the 30s to the 60s. :rolleyes:

TUD are behind in the times. Trinity got rid of gender restrictions over a century ago!

IwishIknew2020 · 19-06-2021 1:30pm

I listened back to a UL talk on Springboard last night. Seemingly you cant apply for another course until you have been released from your current one which for me my graduation is Aug. Most courses you need to have applied way before Aug. That's disappointing.

Officer Giggles · 19-06-2021 3:20pm

IwishIknew2020 wrote: »

I listened back to a UL talk on Springboard last night. Seemingly you cant apply for another course until you have been released from your current one which for me my graduation is Aug. Most courses you need to have applied way before Aug. That's disappointing.

Your results release you from your course not your graduation, UL results are out on Monday

IwishIknew2020 · 20-06-2021 4:41pm

Officer Giggles wrote: »

Your results release you from your course not your graduation, UL results are out on Monday

Oh that's brilliant, I must have misunderstood but I thought they said most wouldnt be released till Aug and would be too late to apply to a second course. Delighted if that is not the case.
Yes, results out tomorrow 9am :eek:

obscuraprints · 20-06-2021 7:14pm

They are worth it. I'm in full time employment and finished a Course through Springboard in March. Have just applied for another one on Friday. Definitely worth looking into. Most are Blended or online for part time courses

Funky_Corsa · 20-06-2021 10:01pm

I am absolutely clueless with this type of stuff, so hopefully somebody can guide me.

I don't have a degree, but I do have plenty of IT experience. I never did any 3rd level education; I have a few IT certs, but that's it. If I am looking to get a degree, do I need to do a Level 7 course first? What would I need to do after the 1st year?

Esse85 · 20-06-2021 10:10pm

Funky_Corsa wrote: »

I am absolutely clueless with this type of stuff, so hopefully somebody can guide me.

I don't have a degree, but I do have plenty of IT experience. I never did any 3rd level education; I have a few IT certs, but that's it. If I am looking to get a degree, do I need to do a Level 7 course first? What would I need to do after the 1st year?

Depending on the course, some colleges might allow you do the level 8 straight away, if they deem you have enough industry experience.

Have you checked the requirements?

This is it · 20-06-2021 10:33pm

Funky_Corsa wrote: »

I am absolutely clueless with this type of stuff, so hopefully somebody can guide me.

I don't have a degree, but I do have plenty of IT experience. I never did any 3rd level education; I have a few IT certs, but that's it. If I am looking to get a degree, do I need to do a Level 7 course first? What would I need to do after the 1st year?

Previous work experience will help you with an application for a level 7 degree. Apply and mention your experience and willingness to learn and you should be fine.

Officer Giggles · 21-06-2021 12:35am

IwishIknew2020 wrote: »

Oh that's brilliant, I must have misunderstood but I thought they said most wouldnt be released till Aug and would be too late to apply to a second course. Delighted if that is not the case.
Yes, results out tomorrow 9am :eek:

I'd give UL a few days to update your status with Springboard as having completed your course but it really shouldn't take that long as I'd imagine is common enough for people to want to go for a new course

inyoup · 21-06-2021 8:37am

Officer Giggles wrote: »

I'd give UL a few days to update your status with Springboard as having completed your course but it really shouldn't take that long as I'd imagine is common enough for people to want to go for a new course

I asked TU Dublin to update my status on Sunday (by email) and on Monday morning they replied it's marked as complete .. seems simple enough to do

obscuraprints · 21-06-2021 9:12am

It took a while to get unregistered but thankfully in time to apply for another course

Standard Toaster · 21-06-2021 10:20am

Separate to Sprintboard, I had booked in to do the 'BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure (Online)' (to be paid for by job) with SligoIT, due to start this Sept.
They mailed yesterday and advised:

The BSc Honours in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure is not running online in September 2021. The first half of this course is running online and is springboard funded. This course is called Certificate in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure.

The springboard applications for the Certificate in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure have now opened. Please submit your application as soon as possible.
If you have previously made an application for a paid place on this course please remove the application.

So that brings me here.

Any comments on SligoIT and that Certificate in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure (Online) course?

I might look around at other courses but it needs to be 100% online for me to work.

zom · 21-06-2021 12:25pm

As non-native speaker of English, I wonder how strict is application process where English competency is required? I see for example DCU approves use of the Duolingo English Test - I never did it, may try it just to see how it works, but wonder if anyone had issues with proving English competency while applying for Springboard courses?

FFVII · 21-06-2021 5:49pm

Standard Toaster wrote: »

Separate to Sprintboard, I had booked in to do the 'BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure (Online)' (to be paid for by job) with SligoIT, due to start this Sept.
They mailed yesterday and advised:

So that brings me here.

Any comments on SligoIT and that Certificate in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure (Online) course?

I might look around at other courses but it needs to be 100% online for me to work.

They fill springboard with sh*t courses, what do they mean first half?

Berty · 21-06-2021 5:53pm

FFVII wrote: »

They fill springboard with sh*t courses, what do they mean first half?

With Springboard you have to "resubmit" in Semester 2 to make sure they get paid for both Semesters. I say this because I just completed an L6 with AIT and that is exactly what happened. It was just a case of logging in and confirming you're still on the course.

Likely Sligo are saying the 1st Semester is funded and you might have to pay for Semester 2. That sounds mad enough as it is but just going by the fact each Semester is funded separetely by Springboard+ it could be just the case.

B.A._Baracus · 21-06-2021 9:09pm

Am curious. Out of all the springboard courses I wonder what would give you the most lucrative career.

Esse85 · 21-06-2021 9:19pm

B.A._Baracus wrote: »

Am curious. Out of all the springboard courses I wonder what would give you the most lucrative career.

I'm sure it's largely down to the person rather than the course itself.

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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