Science in Computing
The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing is a Level 8 course. The course will teach you the computing fundamentals, complemented with detailed knowledge, problem-solving and specialised technical skills required for designing, developing and deploying software.
The course offers a specialisation in Software Development in the second semester.
Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to progress to a Master’s programme (Level 9) in a specialised area of computing such as MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in Cybersecurity, MSc in Cloud Computing and MSc in Fintech.
Cloud Computing
This programme aims to fulfil the ICT sector-specific needs as reported in Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025. By combining technical skills with innovation principles, it effectively delivers core technology skills in cloud software development, fog/edge computing, DevOps, security and data governance. Having also considered global industry trends, it includes electives in innovation, quantum computing, blockchain and machine learning.
Students will gain experience with the latest ethical design principles, models and technologies via our state-of-the-art Cloud Competency Centre. The course is delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with proven expertise in cloud computing.
Cyber Security
The course is technical and practical in nature, uniquely embedded in industry, and develops in-depth expertise of core technical topics within the area of cybersecurity such as information security, secure programming, network security, penetration testing, malware analysis, IT law and ethics, and technologies and tools that support application and service vulnerability detection, incident detection, data and log retrieval and analysis. The course also provides a sharper focus into forensics and cloud security through the two specialisations that are offered to the learners.
Data Analytics
The course structure accommodates a wide audience of learners whose specific interests in data analytics may be either technically focused or business focused. All students will also gain exposure to pertinent legal issues and product commercialisation considerations associated with the data analytics field.
The course will be delivered using academic research, industry-defined practical problems, and case studies. This approach will naturally foster a deeper knowledge of the subject area and create transferable skills for work such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, communication, teamwork and research skills. The course is completely delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with proven expertise in data analytics.
Enterpreneurship
The MSc in Entrepreneurship will provide you with a critical insight into entrepreneurship through a deep exploration of the stages of creativity, innovation and enterprise. Moreover the course will provide a critical insight into the culture of the entrepreneurial firm and the culture of the individuals who build and create such enterprises.
The course will allow you to develop an advanced understanding of the management function across a broad range of business disciplines including enterprise, innovation management, technology, strategy, finance and law, providing you with the ability to analyse and critically evaluate management theory and practice.
Finance
The learning environment for the course is practical and applied in nature and on completion graduates will be able to think independently, make informed and effective decisions and proactively troubleshoot financial and technical business problems.
Graduates from the MSc in Finance will be able to apply advanced research skills and critically evaluate seminal, as well as contemporary literature, paradigms and concepts which underpin the operation of international capital markets and the investment management process.
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Finance is a highly regulated industry that resists disruption and change. However, information technology innovations and computing resources availability have revolutionised the financial sector in the last decades. Data analytics, new technologies (e.g., blockchain) and business models (e.g., crowdfunding), and the modernisation of the financial sector regulations are creating opportunities to the emergence of disruptive services and challenger institutions.
This course provides learners with the latest knowledge and competencies at the intersection of finance and technology, allowing them to exploit opportunities in this rapidly evolving area.
NCI is perfectly placed to deliver an industry-focused programme inspired by its location at the heart of the International Financial Services Centre. The course is completely delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with established experience in the fintech domain.
International Business
The MSc in International Business has been specifically designed for those wishing to gain deeper knowledge of the international business environment as both employees or as owner/managers of businesses operating internationally. The requirement for managers to think globally but act locally is vital to success. An understanding of the international environment in which organisations are now situated cannot be over-emphasised.
Marketing
The programme comprises of a carefully selected range of both contemporary and fundamental marketing topics such as: integrated marketing communications, brand management, postmodern marketing and digital marketing strategy, and thus caters for multinational organisations, indigenous SME initiatives and entrepreneurial enterprises.
The ethos of this programme is to work in tandem with industry, ensuring that graduates are competent, well-versed marketers, possessing the up-to-date knowledge and application skills necessary to develop and drive successful commercial (and non-commercial) enterprises. The programme offers students real insight and experience into how to plan and execute marketing campaigns and strategies in actual organisations, enabling our graduates to enter management roles, hitting the ground running.
‘Block teaching’ is used to provide more in-depth development of knowledge for each module. This means that the course is delivered one module at a time to allow full immersion in each subject. An applied approach to teaching is used within the programme with lectures interspersed with exercises, use of case study analysis, group activities in class, debate on contemporary issues as well as independent learning.
Accounting and Finance
The course will help you understand the relationships between finance and other business disciplines. You will develop a critical and methodical approach to problem-solving and decision-making in a financial context and develop the ability to interpret and communicate financial and other information. The broader business viewpoint of the course will give you an excellent foundation in leadership and management and give you the broad perspective necessary for the modern interconnected business world.
This degree will equip you for a career in accountancy, finance and related fields. NCI has particular expertise in this area and graduates have achieved graduate-level employment positions.
You may also be able to take advantage of an opportunity to engage in a year-long, accredited work placement between years two and three. This placement will be credit-bearing and comprises an extra year in the degree. Access to such placements will be limited and highly competitive.
