Postgraduate Diploma in Software Design in Digital Transformation (L9, 60 ECTS)

Programme Content:

Data Visualisation: Businesses often encounter challenges is their inability to connect the dots when presented with large volumes of data. Hidden within this data lie critical insights that can help propel businesses forward. One of the major challenges is understanding an extrapolating useful information when looking at raw data alone. Knowing how to connect to, structure, visualise and disseminate this data allows businesses to evaluate performance, trends, new strategies and relationships to name but a few. In this module, learners will learn how to work with data (stored locally or remotely) to generate live dashboards, interactive reports, charts and graphs., which will then be published through a variety of mediums, to help unlock key business insight quickly and effectively.

Research Methods & Professional Practice: This module will equip learners to critically explore the development and completion of applied research methodologies using structured, responsible tools and actions while imbuing learners with work-ready skills for industrial practice. The students will be introduced to the key concepts involved in research and project management and develop their understanding of the uses and relevance of the Major methodologies employed. The requirement for ethics and social responsibility are emphasised throughout, inclusive of data collection and compilation, project planning and dissemination of results.

Engineering Team Project: Team based project work is a distinctive component of the applied learning process in Engineering. The purpose of the module is to give students the opportunity to complete an applied research/development/consultancy project, or produce a research paper relevant to industry practice utilising the skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme via integration of the curriculum content. This will require the integration of the curriculum content, whereby previous cross modular links are consolidated and the knowledge and skills accrued throughout the programme are applied to define, investigate, implement and analyse a solution to an authentic industry focused project. The learner will work as part of small focused teams on this targeted multidisciplinary project.

Database Architecture and Design: This module covers data storage and retrieval for large data sets. Students will implement NoSQL databases including Document Orientated and Graph databases. Students will implement Object Relational Mapping (ORM) using the Java Persistence API (JPA) and .assess transaction management for Relational and NoSQL databases.

Applied Scripting Languages: This module provides an introduction to Python, a powerful and versatile dynamic programming language, which is used extensively in various domains of ICT. Students will learn the basics of programming in Python and the use of functions and data structures. They will also be introduced to Python packages/modules for visualisation, regular expressions and working with dates and times.

Applied Scripting Languages 2: This introduces students to Object-Oriented Programming in Python with particular emphasis on developing applications using databases and graphical user interfaces.

Data Mining and Machine Learning: This module will study the principles, processes and techniques of extracting information from data with a view to improving decision making. It will examine data mining and machine learning techniques and algorithms and their application to real world problems.

Introduction to Industry 4.0: This module gives the student an introduction to the field of integrating electronics, sensors and instrumentation with the internet. Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have become extremely relevant and increasingly important in manufacturing for a multitude of reasons. It helps manufacturers with current challenges by giving greater connectivity of their machines, greater operational insight into the process, makes reacting to changes in the manufacturing process easier, faster and more efficient and allows greater product traceability. The implementation of Industry 4.0 and IIoT techniques within a manufacturing facility can increase yield, quality and product throughput, while reducing downtime and improving process efficiency.

This programme will be delivered primarily online.

Students may have to attend TUS, Athlone Campus in person for examinations.

While Ireland is already in a strong position, being among the most digitalised countries in the world (6th in the EU digital index DESI) for many years, the digital economy appears to run at two different speeds, with a small number of foreign-owned multinationals with high digitalisation levels and productivity, and traditional indigenous SMEs, which are slower in leveraging digital solutions to reduce costs, drive innovation and expand market presence.

This programme targets learner expertise and skills development within this rapidly developing and increasingly strategically important area. This programme will provide prospective students the techniques and skills require to analyse, design and implement digitalisation strategies for companies of varying levels of digital maturity by providing core skills in coding, data analysis and visualisation, artificial intelligence and digital project management. Though it’s Software Research Institute (SRI), TUS has ongoing formalised relationships with over 75 ICT companies. In recent years over €8M in industry focused funding has been secured focusing on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Visualisation and Digital Transformation.

Working with our industrial partners and with the active support and contribution of the newly formed Midlands ICT Digitalisation Cluster, the course development team have involved industry at all stages of the development process through technology brainstorming sessions, technical skills needs questionnaires. The result is an industry focused, engaging and real world relevant course.

This programme targets learner expertise and skills development within this rapidly developing and increasingly strategically important area. This programme will provide prospective students the techniques and skills require to analyse, design and implement digitalisation strategies for companies of varying levels of digital maturity by providing core skills in coding, data analysis and visualisation, artificial intelligence and digital project management. Though it’s Software Research Institute (SRI), TUS has ongoing formalised relationships with over 75 ICT companies. In recent years over €8M in industry focused funding has been secured focusing on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Visualisation and Digital Transformation.

You may only apply for this programme on www.springboardcourses.ie

To do this, click on the Apply Now button on this page.

Important:
– Please ensure that your email address and mobile phone number are correct when making your application.
– Please ensure that your employment status is also accurate, as this detail on your application must match the funding eligibility documentation you will submit when your application is processed.
– Please upload a copy of your Level 8 Degree or equivalent when making your application.
– Please upload a current CV detailing your employment and qualifications when making your application.

Any offers of places on the course will be provisional on the condition that you upload further documents closer to the course start date – it will occur in early August and we will advise you of the exact dates and deadlines by email.
We strongly recommend that you gather them in advance.
The documents that will be required are:
(1) – EU National – Scan/photo of your Passport / Drivers Licence.
– Non-EU National – Scan/photo of both your passport (photo and details page) and your GNIB Stamp 4 visas for the past 3 years.
(2) -If you apply as an EMPLOYED person – A copy of a recent (within 4 weeks of start date) employer’s payslip showing your employer name, your name and your PPSN (you can redact any pay details)
– if you apply as an UNEMPLOYED person – a recent (dated within 2 weeks of the start date) Dept of Social Protection Statement N.B. UNEMPLOYED applicants must be unemployed for at least 9 months as this is a full-time programme
– if you apply as a RETURNER – a completed and signed Returner Affidavit available here (please copy & paste into your browser to access) https://springboardcourses.ie/pdfs/Declaration%20for%20Returners%20(2023-2024).pdf
(3) Evidence that you have been resident in an EU country (inc Ireland), Switzerland or the UK for 3 of the 5 years up to the course start date.
– Documents that would demonstrate this are utility bills, revenue documents for example Employment Detail Summary, Tax Credit Certificate, P60 or P21. You can download Irish revenue documents by logging into your account on www.revenue.ie
– One document required for each year – most applicants will submit one document for each of 2019, 2020, 2021,2022 and 2023 for this requirement.
(4) Proof that you live in Ireland – A recent (dated within a month of course commencement) utility bill to demonstrate that you currently live in Ireland – the address must match your home address on your application.

This course will be HCI funded for 2024 academic year only. Applicants must complete this programme within this academic year. It is not possible to defer your place to the following academic year as we cannot guarantee that this course will run or be funded again. We would also advise you to review Former Springboard+ Participant guidelines.

This programme targets learner expertise and skills development within this rapidly developing and increasingly strategically important area. This programme will provide prospective students the techniques and skills require to analyse, design and implement digitalisation strategies for companies of varying levels of digital maturity by providing core skills in coding, data analysis and visualisation, artificial intelligence and digital project management. Though it’s Software Research Institute (SRI), TUS has ongoing formalised relationships with over 75 ICT companies. In recent years over €8M in industry focused funding has been secured focusing on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Data Visualisation and Digital Transformation.

Working with our industrial partners and with the active support and contribution of the newly formed Midlands ICT Digitalisation Cluster, the course development team have involved industry at all stages of the development process through technology brainstorming sessions, technical skills needs questionnaires. The result is an industry focused, engaging and real world relevant course.

Induction
Induction for the September 2024 programmes takes place (online via Zoom) on Saturday 7th September 2024 from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
In advance, you will be required to review Pre-Induction reading material.

During Induction, you will be given the opportunity to:
– Meet your programme lecturers, programme co-ordinator and students
– Overview of the programme handbook, programme’s modules, assessments and delivery timetable
– Introduction to TUS learning systems including MS Office, Zoom, Moodle etc
– Outline of the learning supports available to you during the programme

Programme Delivery
Online 2-3 evenings per week ONLINE

This is a HCI Funded Programme.

This programme will be fully funded for eligible unemployed applicants.

Eligible employed applicants will be 90% funded. They will have to pay 10% directly to TUS. The 10% payable is €875.

Fee Policy