Who is this course for?  

This programme is designed for looking to change direction in their careers and fully immerse themselves in a conversion course to enable them to take up the opportunities in cloud-based software development and DevOps, all while taking advantage of the personal engagement with and support of our award-winning Computer Science school and staff. 

This programme is open to applicants with numerate backgrounds (e.g. Engineering, Science, Maths, Psychology, Economics, Business, Accounting) who hold a NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent. Applicants from non-numerate backgrounds will also be considered based on their relevant experience.  

Persons who hold formal qualifications at Level 7 may also apply, subject to provision of satisfactory evidence of having attained Level 8 competencies through prior experiential learning (minimum of 2 years working in an IT role).  

Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board. 

What will I study?  

The programme has a number of required elements (immersion in computing knowledge, deepening and specialisation, and industry experience and professional development): 

• A foundation in software development, including extensive experience with programming languages such as Java, JavaScript (NodeJS), SQL all at the level expected by industry.
• A Full-Stack approach to application development, in line with current best practice and industry demand.
• Immersion in Enterprise Computing, DevOps and Cloud Computing, enabling participants to build critical knowledge of cloud-based enterprise application development, as well as cloud infrastructures and platforms such as Firebase and AWS.
• A proven structure for industry collaboration, through an upgraded internship programme.

• Block delivery: Course delivery will take place on Thursday and Friday every week during term, allowing students the option to continue employment the rest of the week. 
  
• Dedicated workspace: Lectures and hands-on practical work will be delivered in-person in a blended fashion in a dedicated classroom, facilitating teamwork and peer learning.
• Industry placement:  In collaboration with our industry partners and supported by dedicated staff in our Career Development Centre, students will be supported in applying for placements with companies such as Fidelity Investments, Siren, Schneider Electric, Broadridge, Overstock, Transitions Optical, Joulica, HP, IBM, Channel Mechanics. Students will be provided with training and support in CV preparation and interview skills.  
• Industry-relevance: This programme is unique in offering training across the 3 key areas of Software Development / Engineering, Cloud Computing and DevOps. Content is based on engagement with and feedback from our industry partners.  
• Team working and collaboration:  Students collaborate on joint projects using modern code-sharing, version management, and collaborative project management techniques.
• Improve communication skills: Learn to effectively present and articulate findings to a range of audiences, from stakeholders to decision-makers. 

The course is fully focused on preparing students to be capable of functioning within a modern software development environment. With a focus on real-world applications, industry-relevant modules, and opportunities for placements, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in software development and engineering. 

A significant number of the graduates from our previous Springboard programme in Cloud Computing and Software Development have been hired directly by their placement companies, while others have gone on to successfully apply for entry-level roles in the software industry. Typical roles which our graduates would be suitable for include: 

• Software Developer / Engineer
• Backend / Frontend Developer
• DevOps Engineer
• Cloud Application Developer / Engineer
• Cloud Data Engineer
• Cloud Operations Engineer 

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for companies including: 

• Beyond Inc. 
• Channel Mechanics 
• Fidelity Investments
• G-P 
• IBM
• Liberty IT
• Siren 

While employers are usually mainstream software companies, a significant number of opportunities exist within large civil service agencies and semi-state bodies which have significant IT requirements, such as the HSE. 

Our graduates are also eligible to continue to Master’s level through entry to the 2nd year of the Master’s in Software Design & Development degree.  

Industry placement

In collaboration with our industry partners and supported by dedicated staff in our Career Development Centre, students will be supported in applying for placements with companies such as Fidelity Investments, Siren, Schneider Electric, Broadridge, Overstock, Transitions Optical, Joulica, HP, IBM, Channel Mechanics. Students will be provided with training and support in CV preparation and interview skills.  

• Dr. Owen Molloy – Programme Director
• Dr. Attracta Brennan
• Dr. Des Chambers
• Dr. Malika Bendechache
• Prof. James Duggan
• Dr. Jawad Manzoor
• Dr. Enda Barrett
• Dr. Sam Redfern
• Dr. Waqar Qureshi
• Dr. Takfarinas Saber
• Dr. Mamoona Asghar

The course academic content is delivered over Semesters 1 and 2. In Semester 3 (after the exams at the end of Semester 2) students will either embark on their industry internship / work placement or a group project. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

• Continuous Assessment is performed using a combination of practical assignments, group projects, lab exams, and quizzes. At the end of semesters 1 and 2 there are written exams. 
• Assessment of the work placement is by means of fortnightly log entries, with a final report, presentation and supervisor appraisal towards the end of the placement (typically around end June). 
• Assessment of the group project is by means of a number of deliverables (e.g. project proposal, design specifications, etc.) and a final report and presentation.

Course queries: 

Gail Cassidy  
ICT Skills Conversion Courses Administrator  
Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development  
University of Galway  
Galway  
E: ictskills@universityofgalway.ie  
T: 091-495241

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Owen Molloy  
Lecturer 
School of Computer Science 
College of Science and Engineering 
E: owen.molloy@universityofgalway.ie  
T: 091 493330 

Applicants who do not meet the formal entry requirements may still be considered through a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience as detailed in the Applicant's CV and application.  

Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board.  

Graduates of this course will be able to demonstrate the following transferable skills:  

• Problem-solving
• Communication and Presentation
• Teamwork
• Project Management
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking
• Analytic Reasoning

This programme is open to applicants with numerate backgrounds (e.g. Engineering, Science, Maths, Psychology, Economics, Business, Accounting) who hold a NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent. Applicants from non-numerate backgrounds will also be considered based on their relevant experience.   

Persons who hold formal qualifications at Level 7 may also apply, subject to provision of satisfactory evidence of having attained Level 8 competencies through prior experiential learning (minimum of 2 years working in an IT role).   

Processing of RPL cases will be conducted by the programme director in conjunction with the programme board.

Before applying you should check carefully your eligibility to apply:  https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility  

Please see the Springboard course page for further details on application requirements and procedures: 

https://springboardcourses.ie/details/15238/postgraduate-diploma-in-software-development,-cloud-computing-and-devops .

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27