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Software Development – BSc (Hons)

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to become professional software developers and have exciting, rewarding careers building software for web servers, smartphones, tablets, PCs and cloud. It provides students with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of today’s IT industry. This course focuses on Software Engineering and Software Development techniques (Object Oriented, Java, Web Development, C++, C#, Mobile Apps, Cloud etc.) With the mix of skills this course provides, students will be ideally positioned to secure employment in either Open Source or .NET technology jobs as a: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Software Engineering/Modelling, Web Designer/Developer, Database Developer/Administrator, Test Engineer, Games and Mobile App Developer. The six-month paid work placement in Year 3 gives students an opportunity to apply the skills learned at TUS in a real working environment. This will provide students with valuable experience prior to full time employment on graduation.

Contact Details

Marian Lynch

Email: Marian.Lynch@tus.ie

Seamus Doyle

Email: Seamus.Doyle@tus.ie

Mike Connolly

Email : Mike.Connolly@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Computer Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide the student with the fundamental mathematical concepts encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

  • Computer Organisation and Architecture

    Credits: 5

    To introduce the fundamentals of the operation and internal structure of a computer system.

  • Data Essentials

    Credits: 5

    Every day, we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. In fact it is estimated that 90% of the world’s data has been created in the last two years alone. This data comes from everywhere: sensors used in intelligent devices, posts to social media sites, digital pictures, audio and videos, commercial systems, and games to name a few. 95% of all IT systems will capture some form of data, and use a database to store, modify, extract and search it. This module aims to provide the learner with a solid foundation for those who work with these data and databases. A fundamental understanding of basic concepts, design, and terminology will be gained.

  • Interpersonal Skills

    Credits: 5

    The learner will be able to communicate proficiently in a professional context.

  • Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to the principles of object-oriented programming. The creation and manipulation of classes and objects using an object oriented programming language.

  • Introduction to Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module provides an introduction to the discipline, methodologies and techniques of computer programming using a modern programming language.

  • Mathematical Methods

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide the student with a foundation in several mathematical methodologies encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

  • Operating Systems Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This Module provides learners with an overview of the purpose, functions and structures of modern computer operating systems.

  • Responsive Design and Web Development

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with the skills required to design and develop interactive & responsive systems.

  • Structured Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module provides an in-depth analysis and implementation of Structured Programming concepts.

  • Structured Query Language Essentials

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to advance the students’ knowledge of SQL (pronounced “ess-que-el”) standing for Structured Query Language. SQL is used to communicate with a database. According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), it is the standard language for relational database management systems. The student will be able to provide solutions to complex problems and have significant knowledge of features of the SQL language.

  • Web Development Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals involved in the development of web pages.

  • Applications Development

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with the capability to develop small to medium scale applications using industry standard best practices and approaches.

  • Data Design and Programming

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is develop the students’ knowledge in three key areas: database management systems administration, designing databases and data programming. Interfacing with the database through command line, scripting and GUI tools, the learner will thus be able to carry out the major implementation tasks (analysis, design, programming, and administration) associated with the implementation of a secure low-latency high-availability n-tier database system.

  • Data Driven Systems

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to be able to implement web and desktop data driven application programs. The student will be able to use the major APIs for DBMS interaction and be able to understand the need for MVC design patterns and web application frameworks. The student will also have an insight , through examples, of how to build a secure business web application.

  • Discrete Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    This module describes the ideas and mathematical language used to formulate, in the neutral language of mathematics, many problems that arise in the area of computer science.

  • Fundamentals Of Data Structures & Algorithms

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of basic recursive algorithms and dynamic data structures.

  • Networking Fundamentals

    Credits: 5

    This module will enable the learner to manage the computer networking components of multimedia or internet application development.

  • Object Oriented Theory and Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module develops the students’ programming and problem solving skills providing the learner with the principles and practices of programming using the object oriented techniques.

  • Problem-Solving With Data Structures & Algorithms

    Credits: 5

    Data structures and algorithms are the basis for the efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm computational analysis.

    The module will give students core algorithmic and data structure skills.

  • Public Cloud Foundation

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide students with an overall understanding of the public cloud, independent of specific technical roles. It provides a detailed overview of cloud concepts, core cloud services and their pricing models, security, architecture, and support. Students will be given hands-on experience with a leading cloud provider and the curriculum is also aligned to an industrial accreditation.

  • Real Time Embedded Systems

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to the concepts involved in controlling electronic hardware and collecting data from sensors using board level microcontrollers.

  • Software Development

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces learners to UML model specification and development enabling them to utilise models for problem solving in the context of the software development lifecycle.

  • Software Testing

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces learners to software testing and enables them to undertake both structural and functional testing in the context of the software development lifecycle.

  • Applications Programming

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to equip learners with features required to build comprehensive and highly responsive Java applications.

  • Computer Science

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the underlying concepts in the analysis of algorithms and to improve problem solving skills through the further study of data structures.

  • Object Modelling & Design

    Credits: 5

    Provides the capability to carry out UML model development and refinement in support of a phased software development activity utilising an agile software development approach.

  • Secure Web Application Development

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to equip learners with the features required to build comprehensive and secure web applications using a suitable framework.

  • Software Development Group Project

    Credits: 10

    This module provides the skills necessary to work effectively as a team member on a software development project. The project will use a realistic scenario and will require the application of software engineering principles and techniques and will require the progression of the project from problem statement through to build, validation testing and handover.

  • Work Placement

    Credits: 30

    This placement module will provide students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained on their programme while working in a professional IT environment. It will also afford them the opportunity to gain valuable career experience and developed their understanding of working in such an environment.

  • Enterprise Application Development

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to equip learners with the foundations required to build enterprise applications in Java using a suitable framework.

  • Advanced Mobile Application Development

    Credits: 5

    Learners will develop the skills required to critically evaluate, design and develop advanced mobile applications.

  • Big Data Mining and Analysis

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to build the learners understanding of the opportunities of using large data sets to drive business performance and support the decision making process. Learners are provided with the knowledge to use state of the art tools to manage and analyse a variety of large data sets to produce meaningful information that can support business or public policy strategies. Learners will acquire the skills necessary to interpret and challenge the results, enabling them to take appropriate actions to drive performance.

  • Secure Public Cloud Services

    Credits: 5

    Students of this module will learn to analyse the main principles of cloud computing, and how they have been implemented in modern cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). Students will also gain the practical skills required to implement a cloud-based architecture based on well-designed architectural principles.

  • Data Visualisation

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide an understanding of the technologies underpinning the field of data visualisation and to provide an introduction to the practicalities of creating effective graphical representations of data.

  • Applied Cryptography

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to provide a detailed analysis of cryptographic principles and techniques.

  • Design Thinking

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide learners with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of Design Innovation and Thinking, learning how to implement practical and innovative solutions for problem-solving. Design Thinking is a human-focused, prototype-driven process for innovation in both design and business alike.

  • Entrepreneurship

    Credits: 5

    This module will analyse the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship.

  • Final Year Project

    Credits: 10

    This module allows the learner, in the process of developing a significant software system, to demonstrate the ability to meet project milestones and to produce deliverables within schedule. Also, it allows the learner to acquire and apply the skills necessary for the generation and presentation of a technical report on the development of the software system.

  • Innovative Technologies & Future Skills

    Credits: 5

    Innovative and pioneering technologies are constantly being researched and developed to improve the lives of people and society. Traditionally learning was considered discipline specific. Students today need new knowledge, skills and competences that are not discipline specific to succeed in a workplace where advances in technology are changing the nature of employment and the nature of society. In this module students will develop their transversal skills by working collaboratively with other students, teachers, guest lecturers’ and other stakeholders to develop innovative technological solutions to solve complex, real-world problems.

  • Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics

    Credits: 5

    On completion of this module the learner will have a solid grounding in the theoretical foundations of commonly used machine learning techniques and a clear view of how machine learning techniques are used in practice in predictive data analytics.

  • Management Techniques for Software Engineering 1

    Credits: 5

    Successful learners of this module will have a broad knowledge of the software industry and profession. Learners will be able to understand and explain the purpose and key management roles in a software development environment and how they may be applied in effective professional management of a product development team.

  • Management Techniques for Software Engineering 2

    Credits: 5

    Learners of this module will be able to understand, explain the purpose, processes and methodologies of product line management, project management and consulting roles.and will be able to selectively utilise and apply those processes and methodologies to achieve successful software product development outcomes.

  • API Design and Development

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to equip learners with the foundations required to design and build secure API’s in Java using a suitable framework.

  • Reactive Systems

    Credits: 5

    On completion of this module the learner will have an understanding of the difference between imperative and reactive type systems. They will have developed the necessary knowledge to implement features of reactive type systems using a functional programming language.

  • Enterprise Development

    Credits: 5

    The student will acquire skills to help them to develop and manage an Enterprise/startup (Finance, Marketing, Business Plan).

  • Penetration Testing

    Credits: 5

    This module will allow learners to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to plan, carry out, and evaluate penetration testing and ethical hacking of computer networks. The ethical and legal requirements for such work will be explored, and learners will be able to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems using industry-standard tools in a controlled environment, leading to an assessment of risk and identification of appropriate countermeasures.

  • Software Quality Engineering

    Credits: 5

    Agility and innovation in product and software development is now demanded in today’s competitive environment. Software projects must be consistently delivered to market in minimum time and at minimum cost while adhering to compliance requirements and meeting quality expectations. This module covers the quality management essentials required for the delivery of quality software products and systems.

  • Technology Futures & Connected Living

    Credits: 5

    Innovative and pioneering technologies are constantly being researched and developed to improve the lives of people and society. Traditionally learning was considered discipline specific. Students today need new knowledge, skills and competences that are not discipline specific to succeed in a workplace where advances in technology are changing the nature of employment and the nature of society. In this module students will develop their transversal skills by working collaboratively with other students, teachers, guest lecturers’ and other stakeholders to develop innovative technological solutions to solve complex, real-world problems.

What can you do after this programme?

Graduates work as Software Developers for companies such as: Ericsson, Microsoft, Cisco, Avvio, Jaguar Land Rover, Kerry Foods, OpenJaw Technologies, IBM Global Services, Deloitte, SAP.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

More Information

Who is this programme suited to?
Suited to people who are creative, analytical and logical and who are interested in computers and like solving real life problems. Creative and innovative minded people will be challenged in this programme to express their ideas in the application of ground-breaking new technologies.

Top 3 reasons to choose this course:
1. Interesting and rewarding software development career in which you express your creativity through software in solving real world problems.
2. Undertake six months industry work placement in year 3 as part of your studies.
3. Complete industry projects as part of your studies.

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