Expand+Minimum Entry Requirements
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
Including At least one H5 Grade, or minimum Points Score of 200 And Mathematics Grade F2, O6 or H7
And English Grade O6 or H7
Or Irish Grade O6 or H7

Bonus Points fo...

Hide-Minimum Entry Requirements
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
Including At least one H5 Grade, or minimum Points Score of 200 And Mathematics Grade F2, O6 or H7
And English Grade O6 or H7
Or Irish Grade O6 or H7

Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level mathematics in the Irish Leaving Certificate examination. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total is 625. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.

The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the higher level mathematics subject (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for point’s purposes. Consequently, if higher level mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.

Foundation Level Mathematics
Foundation level mathematics will be accepted as a passing subject for Level 6 and Level 7 programmes where Leaving Certificate Mathematics is not a specific subject requirement.

The minimum Level 6 and Level 7 entry requirement in Mathematics is as follows:

a F2 at Foundation Level
Or
a O6 at Ordinary Level
Or
a H7 at Higher Level

Where a grade of F2 or higher is achieved and Foundation Level Mathematics is acceptable for entry to a specific programme, the following points scoring system will be used:

Grade Points
F1 20
F2 12

Note
Applicants are advised that despite the fact that Foundation Level Mathematics may meet the minimum Mathematics requirement for entry into some academic courses, some employers require Ordinary Level Mathematics or higher to meet minimum educational attainment for some positions.

Foundation Level Mathematics does not meet the entry requirements for Level 8 programmes.

Expand+Applications from Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Students

Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate...

Hide-Applications from Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Students

Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate. The LCVP subject will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves at least a pass grade. This will apply to entry for honours degree (NFQ Level 8), Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7) and higher certificate (NFQ Level 6) academic courses.

The following points scoring system will be used:

Grade Points
Pass 28
Merit 46
Distinction 66

Expand+QQI-FET level 5 and 6 awards are now made by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – For further details please visit: www.qqi.ie.

Applicants must have obtained a full QQI-FET Level 5/6 major award with a minimum credit value of 120. A Compone...

Hide-QQI-FET level 5 and 6 awards are now made by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – For further details please visit: www.qqi.ie.

Applicants must have obtained a full QQI-FET Level 5/6 major award with a minimum credit value of 120. A Component Award will not suffice.

A full QQI-FET major award normally contains 8 components.

A full award may be accumulated over a number of years. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to apply to QQI-FET for a major award prior to release of QQI-FET results.

The minimum entry requirement for graduates of QQI-FET (Level 5 and 6) awards to:

• Higher Certificate (NQAI Level 6) programmes is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award;

• Ab-initio Ordinary Degree (NQAI Level 7) programmes (with the exception of Veterinary Nursing) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award, plus one Distinction or two Merits;

• Ab-initio Honours Degree (NQAI Level 8) programmes (with the exception of nursing & midwifery programmes) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award including a Distinction grade in at least three modules.

In these three cases, a general specific requirement for Mathematics or a language will not apply. Notwithstanding the minimum entry requirements listed above, relevant cognate courses and / or specific pre-requisite QQI-FET modules may be required for some programmes. Details are available from the Admissions Office or the ‘QQIFET Information’ section of the CAO website www.cao.ie.

In some programmes, a specific module such as a Mathematics or language module is a mandatory component of the QQI-FET award being presented. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has evidence of equivalent achievement from other examinations (such as previous Leaving Certificate award). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence directly to the Admissions Office.

QQI-FET has introduced a new awards system known as the Common Awards System, or CAS. All QQI-FET awards are part of CAS since 2014.

Expand+Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a fulltime programme is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on m...

Hide-Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a fulltime programme is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on mature grounds and we reserve a minimum of 20% of places on all programmes for applicants who access the programme via the mature entry route. Mature students register on all programmes and contribute positively to academic and campus life.

In recent years, mature students have represented approximately 15% of all first year entrants. We offer a specialised induction process for mature students on entry and provide a range of learning supports designed to assist mature students reach their full potential.

How do I decide on a Programme?
It is important that you make an informed choice. Our Undergraduate Handbook provides contact details of academic staff in each department. You should make contact with the relevant person – ideally, arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

It is important to make sure that the programme is in line with your career plans and that you are academically prepared for and suited to that particular area of study. Talking with academic staff on the programme is also an opportunity for you to find out the level of demand for certain programmes (among mature applicants) and to find out what the minimum criteria may be.

When do I have to apply?
To be considered as a mature applicant, you must apply to the CAO by 1st February. If the mature student quota is not filled with 1st February applicants, the decision may be taken to assess late applications to the CAO (i.e. those who apply to the CAO after 1st February). However, there is no guarantee that late applications will be assessed. Demand is high for mature student places on many programmes and the quota on each programme is usually filled with 1st February applicants.

How does the mature entry route operate?
All programmes for which the mature applicants apply are assessed on mature grounds.

Assessment is based on the evaluation of all aspects of the applicant’s preparedness and motivation; this includes examining the applicant’s:

• education record to date
• employment history (e.g. signed references from former employers, etc.)
• relevant skills gained to date
• personal statement(s)

The application is assessed on the basis of documentation provided to CAO at the time of application. In the interests of fairness and transparency, only claims supported by evidence are taken into account. Therefore, it is essential that all claims are backed up by the appropriate documentation.

Contact Ms Eileen Lynch
Access Officer
t 042 9370236
e access@dkit.ie
w www.dkit.ie/mature

Documentation includes, inter alia, copies of examination transcripts, copies of training certificates, signed and dated employer references on headed paper, etc.) CAO scans the documentation provided by the applicant and it is then available to the relevant members of academic staff at DkIT to view.

For most programmes, interviews do not form part of the assessment process. Currently, interviews are held for BA (Hons) in Social Care (DK862) and BSc in Veterinary Nursing (DK784) and BA in Community Youth Work (DK767)

You should regularly keep an eye on www.dkit.ie/mature to keep informed of any changes from year to year.

How can I keep my options open?
We can only offer applicants programmes for which they have applied. If your mature application for a Level 8 programme is unsuccessful, but academic staff would be willing to offer you a Level 7 programme in the same area, they can only do so if you have also applied for the Level 7 programme. An application for a Level 8 programme is not disregarded because the applicant has also applied for the Level 7 programme. However, by only applying for the Level 8 programme the applicant is limiting his/ her possible options. It is worth bearing in mind that often a Level 7 programme leads to Level 8 qualification. (This applies to DK710 and DK810, DK721 and DK821, etc.)

Can I be considered for entry on other grounds?
The mature entry route is a non-standard entry route and it is the applicant’s choice as to whether or not to avail of it. The advantage of this entry route is that it takes a number of factors into consideration and not just ‘points’ from an examination.

Whether an applicant avails of the mature entry route or not, as he/she has applied to the CAO he/ she will still be automatically rated by the CAO for each programme on the basis of ‘points’ from the Leaving Certificate, QQI-FET examinations, A-Levels or other. This is known as the standard entry route.

The mature entry route, then, is an additional entry route for those who meet the age criteria.

Mature applicants are advised to consult our website for further details: www.dkit.ie/mature

Please note:
• Entry to programmes DK870/DK871 BSc (Hons) in General Nursing, DK872/DK873 BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, DK874/ DK875 BSc (Hons) in Psychiatric Nursing, and DK877/DK878 BSc (Hons) in Midwifery is coordinated by the Nursing Board (nationally). Mature interviews for these programmes are not arranged by the Access Office at DkIT. The Nursing Board will contact you separately;

• Programme DK860 BA (Hons) in Applied Music: interviews are not arranged by the Access Office. Instead, the academic department will contact you directly.

• For further details please refer to www.dkit.ie/mature

Expand+The Alliance has worked to enable access to the second year of DkIT programmes in a number of areas.
Full details of the courses where this option is available can be found at www.dkit.ie/nefhea in the section called Information for Students. This i...

Hide-The Alliance has worked to enable access to the second year of DkIT programmes in a number of areas.
Full details of the courses where this option is available can be found at www.dkit.ie/nefhea in the section called Information for Students. This is an expanding area of work so please check the website for up to date information.
Currently programmes in Business Studies, Informatics and Science are accepting students via the NEFHEA route. Access in this way is in high demand and is competitive.
Students who enter DkIT via the NEFHEA route are well prepared for College life and evidence to date suggests that they do well in examinations and assessments.

The alliance is a ladder of opportunity for students who may not have achieved the requirements for direct entry to DkIT. By availing of further education programmes in NEFHEA partner Colleges throughout the North East that lead to a FETAC award, students will be provided with (in most cases) advanced access to degree-level programmes at DkIT.

Further information on NEFHEA and application forms are available at www.dkit.ie/nefhea.

Route into Year 2 of a designated programme at DkIT:

- Bachelor of Science in Computing in Applications & Support DK721

FETAC Module Title:
Advanced Cert in Computer & Network Technology (CCNTX), or Advanced Cert in Networks & Software Systems (CNSSX), or Advanced Cert in Advanced IT & Business Administration (BAXXX or 6M5013)

Requirement:
Merit Grade in Web Authoring at Level 6 (C30148).
Merit Grade in Networks at Level 6 (C30143).
Distinction Grade in Systems Maintenance at Level 6 (C30146)

Route into Year 2 of a designated programme at DkIT:
- Bachelor of Science in Computing in Networking & Support DK721

FETAC Module Title:
Advanced Cert in Computer & Network Technology (CCNTX), or Advanced Cert in IT (CCNTX),
or Advanced Cert in Networks & Software Systems (CNSSX)

Requirement:
Merit Grade in Web Authoring at Level 6 (C30148).
Distinction Grade in Networks at Level 6, or in Network Models & Technologies (Level 6).
Merit Grade in Systems Maintenance (Level 6)

Route into Year 2 of a designated programme at DkIT:
- Bachelor of Science in Computing in Software Development DK721

FETAC Module Title:
Advanced Cert in Computer & Network Technology (CCNTX), or Advanced Cert in IT (CCNTX),
or Advanced Cert in Networks & Software Systems (CNSSX)

Requirement:
Merit Grade in Web Authoring at Level 6 (C30148). Distinction Grade in Computer Programming or Software Development (C20013).

Distinction Grade in Mathematics at Level 6 (C20139 Or 5N1833), or in Mathematics for Engineering at Level 6 (C20174), or in Mathematics for Computing at Level 6 (C20175)

Applications for Advanced Entry should be made to the Admissions Office at Dundalk Institute of Technology on or before Friday, 25th April, 2014.

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2017 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2017 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2017 CAO Handbook: Fee €50 Closing Date: 22nd July 2017 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2017 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2017, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2017 CAO Handbook.

Late Applications (Exception to Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these three HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2017 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.

Expand+About this Programme
Discover the power of computers and the knowledge required to work in the vibrant Information Technology industry through this uniquely structured programme. Gain knowledge in Programming, Web, Networking and IT Systems Enviro...

Hide-About this Programme
Discover the power of computers and the knowledge required to work in the vibrant Information Technology industry through this uniquely structured programme. Gain knowledge in Programming, Web, Networking and IT Systems Environments. Acquire Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing and lifelong learning skills. Become a confident and in-demand IT professional by developing your problem-solving skills in an overwhelmingly hands-on learning environment.

Study selected combinations of the following areas:
* Databases
* Hardware
* Maths
* Networking
* Professional Development
* Software Development
* Software Engineering
* System Administration
* Technical Problem Solving
* Web & Mobile

Structure
This course allows you to tailor your learning towards where your interests and aptitudes are. Students enter a common first Semester which is designed to enable them to choose between the following three Elective Streams:
* Networking
* Software Development
* System Administration

Software Development Elective Stream:
About this Elective Stream
The Software Development elective stream focuses on Web Development. Students will have repeated exposure to the principles and practices of web development using various technologies. On completion of the course they will be capable of integrating a range of techniques and technologies to create and deploy a quality web application working independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team.

You will learn to:
* Build applications
* Develop websites
* Test applications
* Apply appropriate software engineering processes to develop quality software solutions
* Apply problem-solving techniques
* Design and implement database systems
* Work as part of a multidisciplinary development team

System Administration Elective Stream:
About this Elective Stream
Learn fundamental principles across a broad range of computing, and specialise in the analysis, design, development, deployment, management and administration of computer systems and services using both virtualization and cloud platforms.

The computing industry experiences enormous growth. Today, products from the industry are everywhere in our homes, in our daily lives, and in every sector of the economy. This has resulted in the growth of a large service and support industry whose main task is to design, deploy and manage the server and network infrastructure, and provide technical support to both customers and users in the effective use of computing resources. In addition, there is a continual need for the development and support of Web Applications and Database Systems for small to medium-sized working environments.

You will learn to:
* Design, develop, implement, administer, manage and secure websites, database systems and other network infrastructure services (such as file, directory, and mail) in virtualised and cloud environments.
* Gain specialised knowledge of computer hardware, software and networking.
* Design and Implement an IT Service Desk.
* Provide and deliver effective technical support to customers.
* Develop advanced problemsolving skills.
* Develop as a team player, capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Networking Elective Stream:
About this Elective Stream
Learn fundamental principles of computing and go on to specialise in the design, implementation and maintenance of computer network systems, data communications systems and in the support of Internet-based systems.

This programme was created in response to the continued growth in communications using computing devices and the resulting demand for graduates. Broadband technology and wireless networks are the fabric of the new economy. Underpinning this growth are computer network technologies and systems. A large service and support industry to manage and administer these systems has evolved.

You will learn to:
* Develop advanced problemsolving skills;
* Acquire skills in defining, analysing and choosing methods for solving problems across a variety of areas relating to IT support;
* Provide effective IT support to customers;
* Specialise in local and wide area network technologies and data communications;
* Develop as a team player, capable of working as part of a multidisciplinary development.

In addition, students completing this course will have sufficient knowledge and skill to undertake CISCO CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. DkIT is a certified Cisco Academy.

Expand+Year 1:
Semester 1:
Mandatory:
* Introduction to Programming
* Introduction to Web Development
* Digital Systems
* Mathematics for Computing 1
* Study & Learning Skills

Semester 2:
Mandatory:
* Web Development & Databases
* Mathematic...

Hide-Year 1:
Semester 1:
Mandatory:
* Introduction to Programming
* Introduction to Web Development
* Digital Systems
* Mathematics for Computing 1
* Study & Learning Skills

Semester 2:
Mandatory:
* Web Development & Databases
* Mathematics for Computing 2
* Personal Skills Development
* Computer Architecture

Software Development Stream:
* Procedural Programming

System Administration Stream:
* Systems & Networking

Networking Stream:
* Systems & Networking

Year 2:
Semester 1:
Mandatory:
* Database Programming
* Data Analysis for Computing
* Technical Writing

Electives:
Software Development Stream:
* Web Application Development (year-long)
* Object-Oriented Programming (year-long)
* Introduction to Software Engineering

System Administration Stream:
* Software Product Support
* Computer Hardware
* Internetworking (year-long)

Networking Stream:
* Internetworking (year-long)
* Computer Hardware
* Data Communications and WAN Protocols (year-long)

Semester 2:
Mandatory:
* Operating Systems

Electives:
Software Development Stream:
* Web Application Development (year-long)
* Object-Oriented Programming (year-long)
* Software Testing
* Database Development
* Network Programming

System Administration Stream:
* Database Development
* Directory Services
* Technical Problem-Solving
* Broadband Technology
* Internetworking (year-long)

Networking Stream:
* Directory Services
* Technical Problem-Solving
* Broadband Technology
* Internetworking (year-long)
* Data Communications and WAN Protocols (year-long)

Year 3:
Semester 1:
Mandatory Common:
No Common modules

Electives:
Software Development Stream:
* Web Patterns
* Web Services
* Web Frameworks (year-long)
* Software Project Management
* Database Management Systems
* Computer Security for Software Developers

System Administration Stream:
* Service Desk Support
* System Administration (year-long)
* Computer Service Management
* Database Management Systems
* Web Integration
* Project (year-long)

Networking Stream:
* Service Desk Support
* System Administration (year-long)
* Computer Service Management
* Network Design
* Wireless Technologies
* Project (year-long)

Year 3:
Semester 2:
Mandatory Common:
* Professional Issues in ICT

Electives:
Software Development Stream:
* Software Project
* Web Frameworks (year-long)
* Testing for Web Development
* Systems Administration for Software Developers

System Administration Stream:
* Applied Network Security
* System Administration (year-long)
* Scripting for Administrators
* Database Administration
* Project (year-long)

Networking Stream:
* Applied Network Security
* System Administration (year-long)
* Network Management
* IP6
* Project (year-long)

Expand+Software Development Elective Stream:
Career Options
As a graduate of this stream you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the software industry.

Typical job titles include:
* Programmer/Analyst
* Programmer
* Web Developer...

Hide-Software Development Elective Stream:
Career Options
As a graduate of this stream you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the software industry.

Typical job titles include:
* Programmer/Analyst
* Programmer
* Web Developer
* Database Developer
* Software Tester

System Administration Elective Stream:
Career Options
As a graduate of this stream you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the IT support industry as well as in website development and database administration.

Typical job titles include:
* System Administrator
* IT Technical Support Analyst
* IT Service Desk Manager
* Database Developer
* Website Developer
* Webmaster/Web Editor

Networking Elective Stream:
Career Options
As a graduate of this programme you will be capable of filling a range of positions in the network and IT support industry.

Typical job titles include:
* Network Administrator
* Network Technician
* Systems Technologist
* Systems Administrator
* IT Support Technician/Specialist

Progression Opportunities
On achieving an average mark of at least 50% in the award year of the BSc in Computing, students become eligible for the Level 8 one-year add-on programmes (BSc (Honours) in Computing in Commercial Computing or BSc (Honours) in Computing in Information Technology Management) depending on their Level 7 elective stream.

Entry to the honours degree programmes is subject to the number of places available in any given year. Graduates of the BSc in Computing with the specialisation in Software Development may transfer to year 3 of either of the Level 8 ab-initio degrees (BSc (Honours) in Computing - with the specialisation in Web/Mobile development - or the BSc (Honours) in Computing in Games Development).