Software development is the creation and maintenance of software products. These products range from mobile phone apps to highly complex software control systems such as those found in self driving cars.

In the broad sense, it includes everything from initial concept identification and design through to the final production of software. It can include identification of required software, analysis of software requirements, system design, programming, testing and maintenance.

This course will equip students with the range of skills required to become competent IT managers or software developers. Modules for the first three years include a broad range of subjects and an industry work placement. IT Management involves the coordination of complex computer systems in organisations including the selection, installation and maintenance of all computing technologies. This is a critical role in any organisation as the efficient management of IT is vitally important for all aspects of a business. In Software Development, Year 4 concentrates on state-of-the-art, high-level software development topics such as: secure app development, data science, distributed systems and an extensive project.

This course provides a foundation for learners who wish to gain employment in the field of Computers or who wish to continue their studies and progress to Higher Education.

The course is supported by F.I.T. (FastTrack to Information Technology), who provide supports such as CV writing and Interview Skills workshops along with mock interviews.

Ireland has an international reputation as a centre of excellence in Information Technology. Both multinationals and home-grown talent contribute to making technology one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Intel, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, AirBnB, PayPal, eBay and Twitter are just some of the tech giants established here.

This full-time course is ideal as a stepping stone for those considering further study in computer science and software engineering or those who simply wish to gain the basic skills and knowledge essential for a thriving career in the ever-evolving field of software development.

Location: Athlone

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to enable the learner to design, develop and test software components and systems in a workplace environment, working as a team member under supervision, while contributing to the workflow for the finished product. There are 35 programme modules in this programme. Upon successful completion of a minimum of 8 programme modules the learner may achieve the required 120 credits for a level 5 QQI major award. There are many employment options after this course in the IT industry ranging from working in the area of Web Design creation to programming in the larger IT companies.

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. 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.  

This course provides a foundation for learners who wish to gain employment in the field of Computers and Gaming or who wish to continue their studies and progress to Higher Education. The course is supported by F.I.T. (FastTrack to Information Technology), who provide supports such as CV writing and Interview Skills workshops along with mock interviews.

Two years, part time for the full award. Students will obtain a QQI component certificate at the end of the first year.

This programme takes into account the specific requirements of the global software industry and what it expects from graduates. The emphasis on the programme is in supplying students with coding and communication skills to enable them to be productive members of a growing worldwide software technology sector. This programme takes into account the specific requirements of the global software industry and what it expects from graduates. 

Our objective is to equip graduates with the skills to seek employment in this level of business. We constantly re-assess programme content to keep apace of emerging platforms and industry trends.This programme takes into account the specific requirements of the global software industry and what it expects from graduates. The emphasis on the programme is in supplying students with coding and communication skills to enable them to be productive members of a growing worldwide software technology sector. 

This course is designed to give the student a firm foundation in the skills required to develop software.

Software development involves writing and testing computer programs to meet a customer’s needs. Students are introduced to the basics of programming using the Java programming language. Once the basic principles of programming are understood, students move on to more advanced concepts using an Object Oriented programming language.

Throughout the course there is a focus on the development of ‘soft skills’ such as problem solving, communications and team working. Students learn how to identify and document customer requirements. Programming is taught in a fun and interactive way.

This course gives students who have already achieved a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development, Computer Systems & Networks or qualifications from an IT related area the opportunity to further enhance their skills. There is a growing need and demand for qualified IT professionals. This course will give you the skills, knowledge and competence required in the software development and design sector.

This Level 5 Certificate in Software Development and Data Analytics gives students an excellent grounding in computer programming and software architecture. Students develop practical skills and can progress to our QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Software Development. This course provides a thorough introduction to coding, hardware and networking concepts so students can appreciate what data analytics involves.

The Certificate in Software Development and Data Analytics course also enables students to apply through the CAO directly to third level. This course has a high success rate in terms of students securing places in TU Dublin, NCI, Maynooth University, UCD and IADT.

This comprehensive course offers a dual-focus pathway, blending the technical rigour of software development with the creative artistry of game design. Students master in-demand skills in software architecture and programming languages like Node JS, while simultaneously exploring the full game development lifecycle—from storyboarding and character creation to level design using Unreal Engine. By combining fundamental engineering principles with imaginative design, the program prepares aspiring developers to create robust software solutions and immersive gaming experiences for a high-demand global market.

Cloud computing is an exciting area of study where you will learn about cloud computing models e.g. IaaS and cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud). You will study cloud storage solutions and networking in the cloud and learn about cloud security challenges, data protection measures and compliance requirements associated with cloud services. Finally you will learn about developing and deploying applications in the cloud.

This course aims to provide students with the skills and training to enable them to pursue a career in the computer industry and in particular, in the areas of Computer Programming (Learning to Code) and Software Development with particular emphasis on ‘Cloud’ Computing. Information Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Irish Economy, with particular growth in the field of computer-based services and Software Development. Successful students will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development. All students complete a two week work experience placement as part of their studies on this course.

A minimum of 8 modules must be completed for certification made up of mandatory and electives, see opposite list. Choice of modules is decided by CCFE and subject to annual staffing/college resources.

Software Development with Cyber Security is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the essential aspects of Software Development and the skills associated with Cyber Security. You will learn how to design and develop secure software applications and systems, utilizing various programming languages, security frameworks, and data analytics tools.

The course will equip you with practical skills needed to create, deploy, and maintain secure software applications. You will learn about software design, enterprise coding, database and data analytics, and cross-platform production, ensuring you have a comprehensive skill set for the industry.