Computing with Information Technology ManagementRíomhaireacht le Bainistíocht Teicneolaíochta Faisnéise

In the world of Information Technology (IT), there are unique job roles. IT roles that involve the management of IT infrastructure are crucial for keeping an organization's technology running smoothly. Here are a few of these roles explained:

IT Infrastructure Manager: IT Infrastructure Managers oversee the entire IT setup, including servers, networks, data storage, and more. They make sure everything is secure, efficient, and aligned with the organization's goals.

Network Administrator: Network Administrators manage and maintain an organization's computer networks, ensuring data can flow without interruptions and securely.

Systems Administrator: Systems Administrators handle the behind-the-scenes systems that power an organization. This includes servers, operating systems, and software applications.

Cloud Administrator: Manage cloud resources, ensuring data is safe, and applications run smoothly in the cloud.

Database Administrator (DBA): DBAs handle the organization's databases, ensuring data is organized, secure, and accessible when needed.

Storage Administrator: Storage Administrators manage data storage systems, ensuring that data is stored securely and efficiently.

IT Security Manager: They develop and implement security policies and measures to safeguard an organization's IT infrastructure from cyber threats.

IT Operations Manager: IT Operations Managers oversee the daily operations of IT services, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Disaster Recovery Specialist: These are the heroes who prepare for the worst-case scenario. Disaster Recovery Specialists create plans and procedures to recover data and systems in the event of a disaster.

These IT roles are the backbone of any organization's technology setup. They ensure that the IT infrastructure is secure, efficient, and ready to support the business's needs, making them vital to the smooth operation of modern businesses and institutions.

Applicants to Year 2 are required to have successfully completed Year 1 of TU859 Computing (General Entry) or equivalent.

Advance Entry is only available to Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4. 

Graduate Job Titles:

• Software Engineer/Developer: Develop, test, and maintain software applications according to project requirements.
• Web Developer: Specialize in creating and maintaining websites and web applications, utilizing technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Mobile App Developer: Focus on designing and building applications for mobile devices, often using platforms like iOS (Swift) or Android (Java/Kotlin).
• Full-Stack Developer: Proficient in both front-end and back-end development, capable of working on all aspects of an application, from user interface to server-side logic.
• Front-End Developer: Concentrate on creating user interfaces and experiences, utilizing technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Back-End Developer: Focus on server-side logic, databases, and APIs, ensuring the proper functioning of the application's core.
• DevOps Engineer: Combine development and operations responsibilities, emphasizing collaboration between development and IT operations to streamline the software delivery process.
• QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Specialize in testing software applications to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the quality and reliability of the software.
• Embedded Systems Developer: Work on designing and programming software for embedded systems, such as microcontrollers or IoT devices.
• Database Developer: Specialize in creating and maintaining databases, designing efficient data structures, and optimizing queries for performance.
• Game Developer: Focus on designing and programming video games, using specialized tools and programming languages relevant to game development.
• UI/UX Developer: Combine user interface and user experience design with development to create visually appealing and user-friendly applications.
• Security Developer: Focus on building secure software systems, identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities to protect against cyber threats.
• Systems Software Developer: Design and develop operating systems, compilers, and other low-level software that enables higher-level applications to run.

Graduate Employers:

• Amazon AWS
• SAP
• Workday
• Microsoft Ireland
• Bank of America/ Merrill Lynch
• Fidelity Investments
• Accenture
• Version1
• Mastercard
• Bearing Point
• Ergo
• Evros

Students on this course will participate in a 6-8 month work placement in the third year of the course. The process is summarised as follows:

In September, the company contacts the placement coordinator with a job description. In the subsequent weeks, CVs of student candidates are sent to the company and from this, suitable candidates are selected for interview. A job offer will be made to the successful candidate through the placement coordinator. In December, the company liaises with student to finalise the contract. Students will commence their placement from mid‐January. The placement coordinator visits the student in May/June. The student returns to college in September.

Time of placement: From mid‐January to end of August (3rd Year Semester 6)
Placement duration: 6‐8 months
Placement roles of interest: Software Development/Software Test/Web Development/Service Desk/Applications Support/Technical Support/Cloud/Infrastructure/Networking/IT Security/Data Analysis
College Contact: Sean.McHugh@TUDublin.ie 

Typical Placement Roles:

Typical Placement Companies 

We are currently closed for Advanced Entry Applications. The courses that will be open for advanced entry will be listed on the CAO website in January 2025. For information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. If this course opens for advanced entry, the following will apply. 

Advanced Entry applications are usually accepted to Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 of this course. 

Applicants to Year 2 are required to have successfully completed Year 1 of TU859 Computing (General Entry) or equivalent.

I chose this course on a recommendation from a friend who had previously studied it, he said he loved it and that it led him to a good and fulfilling job. By far the best thing about this course is the work placement. I did my placement in Fidelity Investments. While I found it daunting at first at the thoughts of going out to work for a company, once there and settled in I didn't want to leave. The seven months flew by and to say I learned loads is an understatement.

I was also lucky enough to be offered a place in Fidelity's graduate program, Leap, for the following August, once I had completed 4th year. This really takes some of the pressure off 4th year, knowing you won't have to go looking for a job after the May exams. But it's good to remember not to take the foot off the pedal either.

My advice to those considering applying for this course is, to give it a shot. It's an amazing course and I've enjoyed all four years of it. There's a wide variety of modules to be studied over the four years. From business oriented modules to more technically challenging ones, such as software development and databases. Each one is as interesting as the last. The best thing about being a TU Dublin student is the help and guidance you get from lectures. They can't do enough to prepare you for exams of continuous assessments.

Andrew Sullivan, Student TU859