NCI Blog

While rugby is a demanding sport, Ireland Men’s Sevens player Ian Fitzpatrick set himself another challenge; to gain a qualification in cybersecurity from National College of Ireland.

Dr Anu Sahni from NCI's School of Computing recently hosted a webinar focusing on the area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, giving participants a taste of what it would be like to study the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing specialising in AI/ML.

The Higher Diploma in Computing specialising in Blockchain offered through Springboard+ and the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) starts in January 2021. This one-year course is offered free of charge to those who are unemployed and at a reduced rate of 10% of the course fee to those who are currently in employment (the student contribution fee for this course is €540).

At National College of Ireland, we have a number of courses available under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which are free of charge for people who are currently unemployed or for 10% of the course fee for applicants who are in employment. These initiatives address skills shortages in the workforce and so are funded by the government to improve Ireland's ability to fill job vacancies.

In June 2023, The Government announced 11,000 free and subsidised higher education places under both Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) which includes a number of specialised computing courses in data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning at National College of Ireland.

The 30% Club is a campaign group with a single goal; to achieve better gender balance at all levels in business. One way the group strives to increase gender diversity in Irish businesses is by partnering with third-level institutions to offer scholarship programmes.

Data science is a relatively new and emerging field. As it’s not a well-known study area, it causes uncertainty for second-level students who are considering their college options and applying for courses through the CAO.

Computer science is one of the most popular areas of study worldwide. Those who complete the course are equipped with highly valuable skills in areas including website development, cybersecurity, games programming, artificial intelligence, data analytics and machine learning.

Cathy Dunne, who graduated with the MSc in Data Analytics from NCI this year, started her higher education studying French and Maths, before transferring to Economics.

Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics graduate, Darren Malone, shares his experience of studying at National College of Ireland through the Springboard+ scheme along with his advice for anyone considering a career change.