Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

r439z5ifwt8soq · 26-06-2020 3:06pm

Blanco100 wrote: »

Did you have to present the dissertation or simply hand it in?

Very interested in doing the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics at Maynooth, would ideally love to do the masters, would it cost much to complete the masters once you complete the higher diploma?

I think it would depend on the course and the place you do it. I'd say inquire to Maynooth and ask for details on it. In my case, the springboard course (PGDip) was worth 60 credits, and the dissertation worth 30, giving the total 90 credits for the MSc award. The price for the dissertation element was reduced to reflect that.

As for handing it in - it depends on the course aswell. In the one I've done, due to the course being online-led, it can all be done virtually. As far as I know, there is an option to do the viva in person.

CBear1993 · 26-06-2020 9:56pm

Could someone explain :

If I've done a level 8 bachelor of science honours degree in college, is it counter-intuitive to be doing anything below this really?

I'm looking at post-grad course only, but if a level 8 course can be done through springboard in one year it will get you into that industry or sector just as well?

I'm thinking really about the CV/Upon completion what's going to get you straight into a job. As mentioned previously I want out of construction.

There's a few level 7s/level 6s on there certificates, are they enough? I don't have a clue. If they are and a company will take you on, I'd obviously do those rather than put myself through the increased workload/difficulty of a level 9 PgDip etc...

Looking into NIBRT vs Innopharma moving into that sector... need to more research though as I don't know if If the courses get you into the actual pharma firms as a shift worker on the floor/labs or if you're still in an office/technical..

I've a friend in my position in new york who left QS and is now in big pharma but is their global facilities/construction logistics man.

FFVII · 26-06-2020 10:31pm

I know someone that did one of these level 6, finished it there but it doesn't have enough credits to do a level 7, he has to find something else to bring it up.

declanflynn · 27-06-2020 12:28pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

Apply through the Springboard website it’s there.

Thanks

declanflynn · 27-06-2020 12:32pm

My wife is cari g for my parents and is getting carer's benifit/allowance, would she qualify for a course

declanflynn · 27-06-2020 12:32pm

My wife is cari g for my parents and is getting carer's benifit/allowance, would she qualify for a course

Esse85 · 27-06-2020 12:51pm

declanflynn wrote: »

My wife is cari g for my parents and is getting carer's benifit/allowance, would she qualify for a course

Depends on the course.

Springboard is available to both employed and unemployed.

Dante7 · 27-06-2020 1:50pm

declanflynn wrote: »

My wife is cari g for my parents and is getting carer's benifit/allowance, would she qualify for a course

Yes. Carer's allowance is one of the qualifying payments.

MikeOis · 27-06-2020 2:57pm

If you have i.e. a level 7 and 15 years related work experience, can you qualify for a level 9 course? Does work experience allow to skip a level? thks

newuser99999 · 27-06-2020 4:43pm

MikeOis wrote: »

If you have i.e. a level 7 and 15 years related work experience, can you qualify for a level 9 course? Does work experience allow to skip a level? thks

No you’d need to do a level 8 unfortunately.

phonypony · 27-06-2020 5:48pm

MikeOis wrote: »

If you have i.e. a level 7 and 15 years related work experience, can you qualify for a level 9 course? Does work experience allow to skip a level? thks

It's absolutely possible, it's dependent on the policy for recognition of prior learning of the college, sometimes this is also course specific. I know plenty of people who have done an MSc with a level 7 BSc + some experience. I also know of people who have not done a primary degree but with experience and professional qualifications have entered level 9 diploma courses and onwards to MSc.

This is it · 27-06-2020 6:03pm

Folks, where can I apply for replacement documents for NFQ?

Can't find my certs anywhere. Out away for "safe" keeping. One course has requested CV and a scan of it.

Officer Giggles · 27-06-2020 6:12pm

MikeOis wrote: »

If you have i.e. a level 7 and 15 years related work experience, can you qualify for a level 9 course? Does work experience allow to skip a level? thks

It's definitely possible. It's at the discretion of the college with regard to each individual course.

un5byh7sqpd2x0 · 27-06-2020 6:50pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

No you’d need to do a level 8 unfortunately.

Absolute Bollócks

newuser99999 · 27-06-2020 7:25pm

Israel Tinkling Simulator wrote: »

Absolute Bollócks

Holders of the Leaving Certificate may apply for studies from Level 5 to Level 8. This is because Level 9 and 10 are Masters and PHD courses, which require a student to have already completed a Level 8 degree for entry. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/figuring-out-the-difference-between-level-8-and-level-7-30664341.html

TestLink · 27-06-2020 8:09pm

Any way to search for just week end courses offered by SpringBoard? There is Online, Distance etc search criteria, but no option for searching for WeekEnd mode of delivery.

Officer Giggles · 27-06-2020 8:27pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

Holders of the Leaving Certificate may apply for studies from Level 5 to Level 8. This is because Level 9 and 10 are Masters and PHD courses, which require a student to have already completed a Level 8 degree for entry. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/figuring-out-the-difference-between-level-8-and-level-7-30664341.html

That's for leaving cert students who obviously wouldn't have the additional work experience

newbie18892 · 27-06-2020 8:47pm

Officer Giggles wrote: »

That's for leaving cert students who obviously wouldn't have the additional work experience

It's not a given to be admitted into a level 9 with just work experience. Most level 9 courses on the springboard website do say that while a level 8 degree is an entry requirement, consideration will be given on a case by case basis to those without a primary degree who do hold professional experience.

Officer Giggles · 27-06-2020 8:50pm

Officer Giggles wrote: »

It's definitely possible. It's at the discretion of the college with regard to each individual course.

Which is why I said this earlier

un5byh7sqpd2x0 · 27-06-2020 8:51pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

Holders of the Leaving Certificate may apply for studies from Level 5 to Level 8. This is because Level 9 and 10 are Masters and PHD courses, which require a student to have already completed a Level 8 degree for entry. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/figuring-out-the-difference-between-level-8-and-level-7-30664341.html

Here's the first Masters programme I found on the search.

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8213

I draw your attention to the Entry Requirements section.

newbie18892 · 27-06-2020 8:51pm

Officer Giggles wrote: »

Which is why I said this earlier

Missed that. Just don't want anyone to think it's a given and feel let down if the college refuses entry.

newuser99999 · 27-06-2020 9:34pm

Officer Giggles wrote: »

That's for leaving cert students who obviously wouldn't have the additional work experience

Why would anyone bother with a level 8 so if they could just do a level 7 and work for a bit

phonypony · 27-06-2020 9:55pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

Why would anyone bother with a level 8 so if they could just do a level 7 and work for a bit

I have to say I'm baffled by this question. 'Just' do a level 7 and work for a bit?

Generally, for entry to PG courses, that means a level 7 degree (3 years) plus relevant work for 1-3 years. Arguably more effort and achievement over a level 8 degree.

skimpydoo · 27-06-2020 10:53pm

newuser99999 wrote: »

Holders of the Leaving Certificate may apply for studies from Level 5 to Level 8. This is because Level 9 and 10 are Masters and PHD courses, which require a student to have already completed a Level 8 degree for entry. https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/education/figuring-out-the-difference-between-level-8-and-level-7-30664341.html

I did a level 9 post-grad diploma in Cloud Computing 9 years ago with no level 8 degree but I was a mature student. It was the best thing I ever did and without it, I would not be doing what I am doing now. If you get a chance to do a Springboard course take it.

CBear1993 · 28-06-2020 1:43am

skimpydoo wrote: »

I did a level 9 post-grad diploma in Cloud Computing 9 years ago with no level 8 degree but I was a mature student. It was the best thing I ever did and without it, I would not be doing what I am doing now. If you get a chance to do a Springboard course take it.

Were you working in IT obviously?

Darragh James · 28-06-2020 12:23pm

Hi, could anyone make some suggestions on good Springboard/HCI courses to do?
- I want something that I'm likely (if not almost certain) to get a job/career from - NOT doing this for personal satisfaction or to pass the time, and I'm too old to faff around (47 this year);
- Something where the jobs aren't all in Dublin;
- I live in the Mid-West (could travel to Clare, Limk, maybe Tipp and Galway for work);
- I have an honours arts degree and currently work in media but want to change - NO digital marketing or any of that sh1te please!;
- Interested enough in science stuff e.g. environmental, bio sciences, med-tech etc; also quite like the notion of something like logistics or design (I mean design of actual physical things - buildings, products - not graphic design)
All help and suggestions welcome!
Also a few Qs: can anyone do any of these courses? e.g. you don't need a science degree to do a science diploma?
And: does "full-time" mean you have to attend in person? (This would obviously limit choices of where to apply...)
Thanks in advance.

Officer Giggles · 28-06-2020 12:35pm

Darragh James wrote: »

Hi, could anyone make some suggestions on good Springboard/HCI courses to do?
- I want something that I'm likely (if not almost certain) to get a job/career from - NOT doing this for personal satisfaction or to pass the time, and I'm too old to faff around (47 this year);
- Something where the jobs aren't all in Dublin;
- I live in the Mid-West (could travel to Clare, Limk, maybe Tipp and Galway for work);
- I have an honours arts degree and currently work in media but want to change - NO digital marketing or any of that sh1te please!;
- Interested enough in science stuff e.g. environmental, bio sciences, med-tech etc; also quite like the notion of something like logistics or design (I mean design of actual physical things - buildings, products - not graphic design)
All help and suggestions welcome!
Also a few Qs: can anyone do any of these courses? e.g. you don't need a science degree to do a science diploma?
And: does "full-time" mean you have to attend in person? (This would obviously limit choices of where to apply...)
Thanks in advance.

Very few of the courses are solely online, part time courses will still have in person sessions, obviously with Covid 19, going online will be utilised that bit more but each college will be making their own call on that so it's impossible to know how each course will be managed

The entry requirements for each course are different, they are set out in the "more details" tab for each course on the website

Esse85 · 28-06-2020 2:29pm

Darragh James wrote: »

Hi, could anyone make some suggestions on good Springboard/HCI courses to do?
- I want something that I'm likely (if not almost certain) to get a job/career from - NOT doing this for personal satisfaction or to pass the time, and I'm too old to faff around (47 this year);
- Something where the jobs aren't all in Dublin;
- I live in the Mid-West (could travel to Clare, Limk, maybe Tipp and Galway for work);
- I have an honours arts degree and currently work in media but want to change - NO digital marketing or any of that sh1te please!;
- Interested enough in science stuff e.g. environmental, bio sciences, med-tech etc; also quite like the notion of something like logistics or design (I mean design of actual physical things - buildings, products - not graphic design)
All help and suggestions welcome!
Also a few Qs: can anyone do any of these courses? e.g. you don't need a science degree to do a science diploma?
And: does "full-time" mean you have to attend in person? (This would obviously limit choices of where to apply...)
Thanks in advance.

So basically you want someone to do all the research for you, then answer your questions and tell you what to do?

AngryLips · 28-06-2020 4:56pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

Could someone explain :

If I've done a level 8 bachelor of science honours degree in college, is it counter-intuitive to be doing anything below this really?

I'm looking at post-grad course only, but if a level 8 course can be done through springboard in one year it will get you into that industry or sector just as well?

I already had a level 8 degree and when I signed up to Springboard I was in split minds about whether to do a level 8 or a level 9 option. At the time, level 9 made sense because it was a progression on the qualification I had. But in the end, I chose the level 8. The main reason was because I was working full time and doing the course part time, coupled with the fact that the course was in a different field relative to my experience. I was so glad I made this choice, it's allowed me to try a subject that I've decided is not really for me, without the risk of failing it for being too difficult.

cefh17 · 28-06-2020 5:47pm

I'm trying to get p60 as proof of employment, can't seem to get it to show without salary details. Any ideas? Would a redacted p60 be okay?

This is it · 28-06-2020 5:51pm

cefh17 wrote: »

I'm trying to get p60 as proof of employment, can't seem to get it to show without salary details. Any ideas? Would a redacted p60 be okay?

I would've thought so

FFVII · 28-06-2020 7:36pm

Theirs loads of mistakes in the spreadsheet on what levels certain courses are.

FFVII · 28-06-2020 8:06pm

cefh17 wrote: »

I'm trying to get p60 as proof of employment, can't seem to get it to show without salary details. Any ideas? Would a redacted p60 be okay?

1) If you are employed: a recent payslip / most recent P60 / letter from your employer confirming this (amounts must be redacted/blacked out from financial documents).

cefh17 · 28-06-2020 8:22pm

FFVII wrote: »

1) If you are employed: a recent payslip / most recent P60 / letter from your employer confirming this (amounts must be redacted/blacked out from financial documents).

Payslip is perfect, thanks for the reply

Illium · 28-06-2020 8:58pm

Has anybody done the management courses in UL?

If anyone has any experience in completing this type of course, I'd love some feedback. Thanks.

skimpydoo · 28-06-2020 9:41pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

Were you working in IT obviously?

Actually I was unemployed at the time. The last job I had was as an office manager and one of my tasks was to update our Wordpress website.

jaffa20 · 29-06-2020 12:54am

So many courses sound interesting but i can't see what careers you could have with them.

CBear1993 · 29-06-2020 1:01am

I literally scanned through all 215 odd postgrad courses, taking my time yesterday, singled a few out for further inspection.

Today I did the same with the 250 odd undergrad courses (approx).

Bit of a minefield really, as someone who takes every angle and researched stuff down til the very last detail, looking up postgraduate courses to take a change in career is mind boggling on university courses here in general.

Some of the “career prospects” section on springboard leaves a lot to be desired, quite vague with no real promise of anything.

I was bombarded by that Innopharma crowd last summer from springboard ringing me constantly to start a course. It was as bad as recruiters’ calls. Whenever I quizzed her on what I would actually be doing post course she went quiet “shift work”.

Some very interesting courses don’t get me wrong. Just hard to see whether many of the level 6 and 7 ones would be substantial enough to get you in a meaningful position.
And then if you choose to go level 9 as someone who’s previously did a level 8 degree, you’re taking the gamble on dropping a huge way in salary in a new sector, despite having put yourself round the bend for a year minimum doing a course outside of a full time job. There should be more of a resource platform on actual real life stories of people who have completed the courses and what they are doing now, not the fake advertised ones on the homepage. Or some industry / employer engagement where you can ask questions. When you’re in the course is far too late

AngryLips · 29-06-2020 9:02am

CBear1993 wrote: »

And then if you choose to go level 9 as someone who’s previously did a level 8 degree, you’re taking the gamble on dropping a huge way in salary in a new sector, despite having put yourself round the bend for a year minimum doing a course outside of a full time job.

Well that's generally the case for anyone looking to change fields professionally, can't blame Springboard for that.

This is it · 29-06-2020 9:11am

CBear1993 wrote: »

I literally scanned through all 215 odd postgrad courses, taking my time yesterday, singled a few out for further inspection.

Today I did the same with the 250 odd undergrad courses (approx).

Bit of a minefield really, as someone who takes every angle and researched stuff down til the very last detail, looking up postgraduate courses to take a change in career is mind boggling on university courses here in general.

Some of the “career prospects” section on springboard leaves a lot to be desired, quite vague with no real promise of anything.

I was bombarded by that Innopharma crowd last summer from springboard ringing me constantly to start a course. It was as bad as recruiters’ calls. Whenever I quizzed her on what I would actually be doing post course she went quiet “shift work”.

Some very interesting courses don’t get me wrong. Just hard to see whether many of the level 6 and 7 ones would be substantial enough to get you in a meaningful position.
And then if you choose to go level 9 as someone who’s previously did a level 8 degree, you’re taking the gamble on dropping a huge way in salary in a new sector, despite having put yourself round the bend for a year minimum doing a course outside of a full time job. There should be more of a resource platform on actual real life stories of people who have completed the courses and what they are doing now, not the fake advertised ones on the homepage. Or some industry / employer engagement where you can ask questions. When you’re in the course is far too late

As with a lot of courses, Springboard or otherwise, it really only helps you get a foot in the door, IT in particular. Once you're in then you can work your way up.

I finished a Springboard course in IT in 2014. All I got from it was a support desk job earning 24k. Since then I've done various other professional certs and worked my way up to a decent position with a decent salary. I'm looking to do another course now to help push me on further.

Third level qualifications are rarely enough to get you into high paying and high level positions, professional certs are much more sought after, in IT anyway. Once you're in you can train further and work your way up.

Brozy · 29-06-2020 9:15am

CBear1993 wrote: »

There should be more of a resource platform on actual real life stories of people who have completed the courses and what they are doing now, not the fake advertised ones on the homepage. Or some industry / employer engagement where you can ask questions. When you’re in the course is far too late

I'm not sure how easy this would be to do but if you've a small list of courses you may be able to search them on LinkedIn and see who has done them and then ask for their opinions. You may also be able to see their job titles and work out from the timelines whether the course in question may have helped. Not ideal and may be time consuming but if you've time on your hands may be worth a try.

nibtrix · 29-06-2020 9:45am

Darragh James wrote: »

Hi, could anyone make some suggestions on good Springboard/HCI courses to do?
- I want something that I'm likely (if not almost certain) to get a job/career from - NOT doing this for personal satisfaction or to pass the time, and I'm too old to faff around (47 this year);
- Something where the jobs aren't all in Dublin;
- I live in the Mid-West (could travel to Clare, Limk, maybe Tipp and Galway for work);
- I have an honours arts degree and currently work in media but want to change - NO digital marketing or any of that sh1te please!;
- Interested enough in science stuff e.g. environmental, bio sciences, med-tech etc; also quite like the notion of something like logistics or design (I mean design of actual physical things - buildings, products - not graphic design)
All help and suggestions welcome!
Also a few Qs: can anyone do any of these courses? e.g. you don't need a science degree to do a science diploma?
And: does "full-time" mean you have to attend in person? (This would obviously limit choices of where to apply...)
Thanks in advance.

I did a Springboard course with DCU, a PostGrad Diploma in Mgmt of Operations. They also did Pg Diplomas in Information System Strategy, Mgmt of Clean Technologies, Mgmt for Sustainable Development, Mgmt of Internet Enterprise Systems.
All run completely online except for 1 day at the beginning which was on-site in DCU (a Saturday). There are online tutorials some evenings but they are recorded, so you can watch them in your own time - or ignore them completely if you're happy with the other material.

I found it a very worthwhile course, but it was intensive. 60 credits in a single year is essentially a full-time course, so if you are also working full-time it's a lot of time needed. That said, there were several people on the course who successfully juggled a full-time job, study, and family responsibilities.

CBear1993 · 29-06-2020 9:57am

nibtrix wrote: »

I did a Springboard course with DCU, a PostGrad Diploma in Mgmt of Operations. They also did Pg Diplomas in Information System Strategy, Mgmt of Clean Technologies, Mgmt for Sustainable Development, Mgmt of Internet Enterprise Systems.
All run completely online except for 1 day at the beginning which was on-site in DCU (a Saturday). There are online tutorials some evenings but they are recorded, so you can watch them in your own time - or ignore them completely if you're happy with the other material.

I found it a very worthwhile course, but it was intensive. 60 credits in a single year is essentially a full-time course, so if you are also working full-time it's a lot of time needed. That said, there were several people on the course who successfully juggled a full-time job, study, and family responsibilities.

I was intrigued by the management of operations course as well, but from reading it it was for people in senior/management positions? Possibly later on in their career... ?

nibtrix · 29-06-2020 10:16am

CBear1993 wrote: »

I was intrigued by the management of operations course as well, but from reading it it was for people in senior/management positions? Possibly later on in their career... ?

I would say you need some management experience, but not senior mgt. A team leader position could be enough depending on your responsibilities. You do need to submit a synopsis of your experience as well as what you hope to get out of the course as part of the application, and they make the decision based on that as well as any pre-existing qualifications. There were people of all ages on the course, including some in their early-mid twenties.

The course covers project mgt, change mgt, ops mgt, service operations mgt, as well as environmental/sustainability as it relates to mgt etc. There's also a lot of research skills etc. taught as it's a preparation for the Masters element of the course (which you can add at the end, but you would have to pay for it yourself).

Darragh James · 29-06-2020 10:57am

Thank you

Darragh James · 29-06-2020 10:58am

Officer Giggles wrote: »

Very few of the courses are solely online, part time courses will still have in person sessions, obviously with Covid 19, going online will be utilised that bit more but each college will be making their own call on that so it's impossible to know how each course will be managed

The entry requirements for each course are different, they are set out in the "more details" tab for each course on the website

Thank you

Darragh James · 29-06-2020 11:02am

nibtrix wrote: »

I did a Springboard course with DCU, a PostGrad Diploma in Mgmt of Operations. They also did Pg Diplomas in Information System Strategy, Mgmt of Clean Technologies, Mgmt for Sustainable Development, Mgmt of Internet Enterprise Systems.
All run completely online except for 1 day at the beginning which was on-site in DCU (a Saturday). There are online tutorials some evenings but they are recorded, so you can watch them in your own time - or ignore them completely if you're happy with the other material.

I found it a very worthwhile course, but it was intensive. 60 credits in a single year is essentially a full-time course, so if you are also working full-time it's a lot of time needed. That said, there were several people on the course who successfully juggled a full-time job, study, and family responsibilities.

Thanks a mill, this is very helpful

Dante7 · 29-06-2020 11:54am

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

CBear1993 · 29-06-2020 11:57am

Dante7 wrote: »

I was just offered and accepted a place on the online BSc in Computing in Data Centre Management course at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

This one caught my eye as well Dante, especially with all the data centres going up around the place, hopefully they last into the future!! I'm in construction so it could tie in well, have you any IT/Computing background? I don't.

Dante7 · 29-06-2020 12:02pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

This one caught my eye as well Dante, especially with all the data centres going up around the place, hopefully they last into the future!! I'm in construction so it could tie in well, have you any IT/Computing background? I don't.

I've worked in IT at a high enough level for 20 years, but never received a thrid level qualification - just industry certs. I'e been out of the workforce for the last few years as I'm a single parent and carer and I'm gearing up to return to work and this course could have been custom made for me.

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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