This course is designed to further a student’s learning in how to produce commercially viable software by learning about modern software development methodologies and modelling tools, and applying those tools to design, code and test GUI and Object Oriented programs and websites (using WordPress). The student will learn how to create and use a relational database and how to integrate a database with their developed software. The student will also learn key skills in project management and leadership. Classroom work will be complemented with relevant work placement, one day a week. Students participate in site visits.

View Frequently Asked Questions for this course.

  • Graphical User Interface Programming (JavaFX) 6N0736 – Learn how to use controls to build industry-standard GUI apps and how to connect to a database at the back-end of a Java app, and extract data from the database into the app.
  • Software Architecture 6N1449 – Understand the techniques and roles involved in traditional and Agile SDLCs to build information systems and analyse projects. Create structural and behavioural type diagrams through Unified Modelling Language (UML), and gain knowledge on how visual modelling has greatly aided software design. Learners will also create object‐oriented code, based on UML Class and Object diagrams, using the Eclipse Marketplace, draw.io and Visual Paradigm. Please note:
    Visual Paradigm grants Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus online UML tools, BPMN tools, Agile Story Mapping tools, Task Management tools under the Academic Partner Program.
  • Project Management 6N4090 – Master the essential skills and tools of Project Management by learning how to integrate its 5 process groups following the PMBOK guidelines. Learn how to use Ms Project to schedule your project & also create WBS diagrams. Complete assignments as part of this course to demonstrate your skills.
  • Object Oriented Programming (C++) 6N2108 – Build Object Oriented programs (IDE: Code::Blocks) using objects, classes, constructors, operator overloading and inheritance.
  • Relational Database 6N4785 – This module uses a database management system (DBMS) to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to design, analyse and implement a relational database and to understand database concepts and terminology.  Learn how to use MS SQL Server.
  • Leadership 6N2191 – Gain practical experience in implementing leadership skills including problem solving, strategic analysis and planning, effective communication skills and conducting meetings appropriately. Learn how to manage projects and tasks resulting in effective team performance and incorporating handling group dynamics, group roles, conflict resolution, diversity, teamwork and motivation
  • Work Experience 6N1946 – Plan an prepare effectively for work placement. Learn how to present a professional CV and personal statement. Hone your interview skills, and examine your employability skills. Work placement is one day a week.
  • Web Development 6N1277 –  Attain the knowledge, skill and competence to develop and deploy dynamic, data driven websites, using modern technologies including CSS and WordPress.

Additional Workshops/Training

  • Data Analytics Workshop: This workshop gives learners an overview of data analytics and actionable recommendations, including planning for a bigger focus on Data Analysis as they continue their studies. The workshop examines the essential techniques and methodologies used to gather and assess data and help learners to identify future career paths in Data Analytics. By the end of the workshop each learner will know what Big Data is and identify examples of Big Data in IT.  They will understand the essential techniques and methodologies used to gather and assess data.
  • Note: To be confirmed for 2023/2024 – STEM Aspire Mentorship Programme (for female students), run by Dell EMC: DELL EMC and VMware invite our female students to participate in workshops that will help them progress along their chosen IT path. Each participant is assigned a mentor who provides continued support, engagement and encouragement to facilitate a student in achieving their IT career goal.

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Software Development 5M0529 / QQI Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536 (or equivalent). All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.  An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

Excellent progression opportunities including:

  • MTU Cork (Year 2): Computing MT700 (Level 7)
  • MTU Cork (Year 2): Software Development MT700 (Level 8)
  • MTU Cork (Year 2): Software Development and Computer Networking MT800 (Level 8)
  • MTU Cork (Year 2): IT Support MT705 (Level 7)
  • MTU Cork (Year 2): IT Management MT805 (Level 8).
  • UCC: Computer Science CK401 (Level 8).

Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS),  MTU Kerry and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrisons Island locations.  See Progressions for details.

On successful completion of this award, the student can apply for a position as a junior programmer, a junior website developer, a junior computer technician (in the hardware and networking areas) or a project manager. The student is also in a strong position to apply for an apprenticeship with some of the big companies in the Computer Science area.

  • Duration: September to May
  • Fees: €380 including QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from €80). See Payment for details.
  • Certification: QQI Level 6 Certificate in Software Development 6M0691
  • Work Experience: Students undertake work placement one day per week for the duration of the year. Students are required to source their own placement in a suitable IT related setting

Email: computing@morrisonsislandcampus.ie          Tel: (021) 4223834

Or send us your contact details and your query.

    Your name

    Your email address

    Select a course

    Your telephone number:

    Your message

    I decided to study at Cork College of Commerce as I didn’t want to commit to a four-year course and the course specifications really interested me. I chose Computer Science and loved it so much that I decided to do the Level 6 Advanced Software Development course afterward. I really enjoyed both years and found the continuous assessment took off a lot of the pressure for the end of year exams. The teachers were so accommodating- often doing extra classes with me to ensure I understood the work. I’ve gained so much experience and great contacts through college meet-ups and guest speakers. Highly recommend!

    Rachel Caplice

    In 2015 I enrolled in a FIT course in the College of Commerce. Over 20 years had passed since I had attended any educational setting and I was unsure of what lay ahead of me. Five years later, I have graduated with an honours degree in Software Development from CIT. My success would not have been possible without the experience I had in my 2 years in the College of Commerce. The PC Maintenance and Support course and then the Advanced Software Development course gave me a great foundation on which to build when I went to CIT. With constant access to PCs, theory and practice went hand in hand. The staff were wonderful. Their dedication and commitment to the students was first class, always encouraging and ever helpful. It was a pleasure to attend Cork College of Commerce.

    Jeremy Staunton, Nimbus, CIT

    I recently finished my final year of CIT, graduating with a level 8 degree in Software Development. As I have finally reached the end of the road, I just wanted to say a huge thanks to the staff at the College of Commerce because I feel like if it wasn’t for starting the long road to becoming a Software Developer in the College of Commerce, I don’t think I would have taken to it the way I did. My time in CCoC was extremely enjoyable and it was an excellent environment to begin learning the foundations of software development and it’s all down to the teachers being excellent at their jobs and creating a great environment to learn and just making it a great place to enjoy the experience of learning new things.

    Cian Neally, Level 8 Software Development, CIT

    My time at the Cork College of Commerce was very enjoyable and I made many friends. All of the course subjects are relevant to my current position as a Software Developer (with Customer Support) in Neon Communication Solutions. The lecturers in the college are great, have a broad knowledge of their subject areas, are very encouraging and provided me with a very sound knowledge of the areas that I am working in.

    Anthony Hanley, Neon Communication, Software Development and Customer Support

    I enrolled in College of Commerce in September 2011 doing a Computer Science Level 5 FETAC course and then the following year, I completed the Level 6 Computer Science course. The lecturers and staff members passion and devotion towards their students and their willingness to devote extra time to explain fundamentals in detail were an essential to my success at the college. I am now fully graduated from CIT with a 1st Class Honours degree in Computing.

    Ricardo Varanda, Cloud Developer for Trend Micro

    The Computer Science course in the College of Commerce appealed to me because the modules looked interesting and I would get a qualification after one year and could then seek employment or progress to further studies. Applying for the course was the best decision I made. The teachers on the course are great, they made classes interesting and cared about each student. I would thoroughly recommend the Computer Science to anyone interested in ultimately working in IT.

    Margarita Tsekvava, Java Programmer