DT082A
UNEMPLOYED for 6 months
OR
Awarded Statutory Redundancy?
UPSKILL Programme
Higher Certificate in Electronic and Computer Systems
Programme Description
The ‘Upskill’ programme provides a broadly based education in the principles and practice of electronic and
computer engineering, at a level appropriate to a technician seeking to gain employment in the production, test
and service sectors of the electronics, communications or computer industry.
The programme is a part-time programme which allows a student with prior learning and/or related experience
in the areas of Electrical, Electronic or Computer Systems to gain a recognised Higher Certificate award in
Electronic and Computer Systems. Furthermore it will allow a successful student to gain direct advanced entry
to a degree level programme in Electronic and Computer Systems. The programme provides both a flexible
entry mechanism and programme of study, tailored to an individual students needs
To qualify for up to 100% government funding, applicants must be in receipt of Job-Seeker’s
Allowance or Benefit on or before 21st March 2009, or have been awarded Statutory Redundancy.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this programme will be based on applicants being assessed by a combination of (i) prior academic
qualifications in electrical or electronic technology or engineering or a related discipline, such as computer
systems (ii) a portfolio which demonstrates other prior learning (e.g. accredited coursework in higher or further
education, workplace learning, industry training and certification and community or service based learning) (iii)
interview.
How to Apply/Enrol
Email an up-to-date CV and copies of all qualifications to date to info@electronics.dit.ie or admissions@dit.ie.
After initial assessment, applicants will then be called for interview.
Award
The programme is accredited by Dublin Institute of Technology and is a level 6 qualification on the National
Framework of Qualifications. Some modules also carry industry accreditation (e.g. CISCO, etc).
In addition programme outcomes and modules are accredited by Engineers Ireland for five years from February
2008 for Technician Membership of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland (Eng Tech IEI)
Progression
On successful completion of the Upskill programme graduates will be able to directly progress to a level 7
degree programme in the School of Electronic and Communications Engineering.
For further details contact:
Deirdre Staunton
Ph: 01 402 4665
Email: deirdre.staunton@dit.ie
DT082A
– UP TO 100% GOVERNMENT FUNDING AVAILABLE
Higher Certificate in Electronic and Computer Systems
Duration
September to June - over two semesters.
Content
Topics include Electronics, Microcomputer systems, Software and CISCO Networking. The programme
orientation is essentially practical with an emphasis on developing hardware and software diagnostic and fault
finding skills.
Programme Credits
This is a flexible programme allowing students to choose a suite of higher certificate level modules that best
suit their individual learning needs. Students will be given guidance on module selection. The list of modules
chosen by a student must be approved by the School.
Students can choose to study modules during the day, evening or a combination of both depending on their
circumstances and on the availability of modules. Students can complete the programme in two semesters or
over a longer period of time if they elect to do so.
To graduate students must acquire 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits at higher certificate
level on successful completion of this programme, which includes at least 20 ECTS credits gained for recognised
prior learning (RPL), determined through the advanced entry process.
Credit Source
ECTS Credits Acquired
RPL Advanced Entry Process
20 Credits
6 Modules drawn from the list below (5 credits each)
30 Credits
Mathematics, Electrical engineering Science, Software Development
I, Software Development II, CISCO Networking I, CISCO Networking
II, Electronic Systems I, Electronic Systems II, Microcomputer
Systems I, Microcomputer Systems II, Communication Skills and
Business Environment
Project
10 Credits
TOTAL
60 ECTS Credits
Examinations
Students will be required to successfully complete the assessments associated with the modules selected. This
is typically a combination of coursework, mini-projects and a final examination. Examinations are held at the
end of each semester, in January and May.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme find employment as technicians across the spectrum of electronics,
telecommunications and computer industries in the production, service and applications sectors. Many of our
graduates are working with multinational companies in Ireland and abroad.
Fees
There will be no fee payable by the student.
To qualify for up to 100% government funding, applicants must be in receipt of Job-Seeker’s
Allowance or Benefit on or before 21st March 2009, or have been awarded Statutory Redundancy.
Where a student becomes employed before completing the programme, s/he may continue as a part-time
student on payment of the requisite fee: €710 per module plus €135 student services charge.