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Part-time Prospectus 2009 | 2010 

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ITB . TEN YEARS 

new horizons 

Part-time Prospectus 

2009/2010

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ii 

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown 

Part-time Prospectus 2009 | 2010 1 

Celebrating 10 Years of ITB! 

2009 marks our tenth anniversary. 

Since opening our doors in 1999 ITB has 

developed a quality flexible third-level 

programme which enhances educational 

opportunity and access, and has become 

an important part of the local community. 

And, after a year of celebration with staff, 

students, our industry partners and the 

local community, we’re looking forward to 

meeting the challenges and opportunities 

of the next ten years. 

Mission Statement 

ITB’s mission is to serve its students 

and the community by meeting the skills 

needs in the economy and increasing 

the level of participation in third-level 

education and training in Dublin North- 

West and its environs. 

We will do this: 

(a) by achieving consistently high 

standards of relevance and quality in 

teaching, research, development and 

consultancy, and 

(b) by offering a welcoming and 

supportive environment to students 

from all educational and social 

backgrounds, and to adults wishing 

to increase or update their level of 

technical skills. 

Shared Vision 

“We believe in the capacity of people to 

develop their potential through education 

and training. 

We will provide this education and 

training in a way that is innovative, 

responsive and holistic. 

We will be to the forefront of 

developments in third-level education, 

industry and organisational effectiveness. 

We seek a diverse community of 

students and staff and we will provide 

the support needed for each person’s full 

participation.” 

Shared Values 

Community 

We acknowledge the diversity of people 

involved in our work. We respect the 

different role played by each person. 

We listen with patience and 

understanding. We work to build 

genuine relationships founded on 

acceptance and trust. 

Enjoyment 

We aim to enjoy our work and derive 

fulfillment from it. We value positive 

attitudes throughout our workplace. 

Excellence 

We strive for excellence in the provision 

of internal and external services, courses 

and programmes. 

Success 

We will celebrate our achievements.

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Contents 

p. 8 Computing Courses for 

January 2010 

Section One 

Long journeys, short steps 

p. 11 Welcome to the Institute of 

Technology Blanchardstown 

p. 12 Learning for life – 

what we aim to achieve 

Section Two 

What do I do next? 

p. 14 Choices for Mature Students 

Return as a full-time student 

Attend courses part-time 

How do I Make the Best 

Course Choice? 

A few words of advice! 

p. 15 Once I’ve Made My Choice, 

How Do I Enroll? 

What Are the Minimum 

Entry Requirements? 

Applicants presenting 

FETAC Awards 

p. 17 Closing Dates 

Exams 

How do I Pay? 

Fee Refund Policy 

p. 18 Confidentiality and Data Protection 

Open Days 

Quality Assurance of Courses – 

The National Framework 

of Qualifications 

Placement of ITB awards on 

the NFQ 

Delegation of Authority 

p. 19 European Credit Transfer System 

(ECTS) 

International Students – 

English Language Requirements 

p. 21 Academic Calendar

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4 



Section Three 

What courses are on offer? 

p. 44 English for Academic Purposes 

(Level 6) 

p. 77 Certificate in CompTIA Server+ 

p. 78 Certificate in CompTIA Security+ 

ITB PART-TIME COURSES 

SCHEDULE 2009 – 2010 

School of Business and 

Humanities 

Business Courses 

p. 24 Higher Certificate in Business 

(part-time evenings) 

p. 26 Bachelor of Business (1 year addon 

to Higher Certificate) 

p. 28 Bachelor of Business (Honours) 

(1 year add-on to Bachelor of 

Business) 

p. 30 Project Management 

p.31 Project Framework and 

Scope Management 

p.32 Project Time Management 

p.32 Project Cost Management 

p.33 Project Quality Management 

and Procurement Management 

p.34 Project Risk Management 

p.34 Communications and Human 

Resource Management 

p. 36 Certificate in IATI (Institute of 

Accounting Technicians in Ireland) 

Language Courses 

p. 40 Master of Arts in Language 

Education (French) 

Master of Arts in Language 

Education (German) 

p. 42 Master of Arts in Language 

Education (English as a Second 

Language) (2 years) 

Social Studies Courses 

p. 47 Bachelor of Arts in Applied 

Social Studies in Social Care 

(work based) 

Sports Management and 

Coaching Courses 

p. 50 Certificate in Conditioning 

for Gaelic Games 

p. 52 Certificate in Olympic Lifts 

for Sports 

p. 54 Certificate in Conditioning 

for Association Football 

School of Informatics and 

Engineering 

Computing Courses 

p. 56 Higher Certificate in Science in 

Computer Systems Management 

p. 59 Bachelor of Science in Computer 

Systems Management 

p. 62 Higher Diploma in Science 

in Computing 

p. 65 Master of Science in Computing 

p. 67 Cisco-Networking Academy – 

Industry Certified IT Programmes 

p. 69 Certificate in Cisco-CCNA 

p. 71 Certificate in Cisco-Network 

Security 2 

p. 73 Certificate in CompTIA A+ 

Engineering Courses 

p. 81 Higher Certificate in Engineering 

in Mechatronics 

p. 84 Bachelor of Engineering in 

Mechatronics 

Horticulture Courses 

p. 90 Bachelor of Science in 

Horticulture (work based) 

p. 92 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 

(work based) (advanced entry to 

year 3) 

p. 94 Landscape and Garden 

Management 

p. 95 Landscape Design 

Creative Digital Media Courses 

p. 98 Visual Language 

p. 100 Digital Photography 

p. 102 Digital Imaging 

p. 104 Design Principles and Practice 

Other Accredited Programmes 

p. 106 Certificate in ECDL 

p. 108 Location Map 

Code Course Day Time Fee 

Business 

BN003 Higher Certificate in Business 

Tues and Thurs and 6.00pm – 10.00pm €1,750 per year 

(part-time evening) 

alternate Sat mornings 

for students taking the 

taught elective 

9.30am – 1.30pm 

BN303 Bachelor of Business Tues, Thurs, taught 

elective subject on 

alternate Sat mornings 

6.00pm – 10.00pm €2,000 

BN403 Bachelor of Business (Honours) Tues, Wed and Thurs 6.00pm – 10.00pm €2,100 

PMGT H3011 Project Framework and Scope 

Mon 6.00pm – 10.00pm €500 

Management 

PMGT H3012 Project Time Management Wed 6.00pm – 8.00pm €390 

PMGT H3013 Project Cost Management Wed 8.00pm – 10.00pm €390 

PMGT H3014 Project Quality Management and Tues 6.00pm – 8.00pm €390 

Procurement Management 

PMGT H3015 Project Risk Management Wed 6.00pm – 8.00pm €390 

PMGT H3016 

BN709 

BN709 

Languages 

BN510/BN511 

BN510/BN511 

BN516 

Communications and Human 

Resource Management 

Certificate in IATI (Institute 

of Accounting Technicians) 

(First year) 

Certificate in IATI (Institute 

of Accounting Technicians) 

(Second year) 

Master of Arts in Language Education 

– French/German year 1 


– French/German year 2 


– (English as Second Language) year 1 

Tues 8.00pm – 10.00pm €390 

Tues and Wed 6.00pm – 10.00pm €880 or 

€220 per module 

Tues and Wed 

and some Sat 

6.00pm – 10.00pm 

Wed 4.30pm – 8.30pm €2,650 

Tues 5.00pm – 8.00pm €3,200 

Mon 4.00pm – 7.00pm €2,650 

€880 per year or 

€220 per module 

Certificate in Language Education 

(English as a Second Language) 

(1 year) 

p. 76 Microsoft Certified Technology 

Specialist (MCTS) 

INTB H1021 & 

INTB H1032 

NEW 

English for Academic Purposes 

(Level 6) 

Mon 6.00pm – 8.00pm €640

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6 Institute of Technology Blanchardstown 



Social Studies 

BN906 

Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social 

Studies in Social Care (work based) 

Two full days per 

week 

Sports Management and Coaching Courses 

BN730 NEW Certificate in Conditioning for 

Wed 6.00pm – 10.00pm €650 

Gaelic Games 

BN736 NEW Certificate in Olympic Lifts for Sports Wed 6.00pm – 10.00pm €650 

BN734 NEW 

Computing 

BN026 NEW 

BN308 NEW 

BN509 

Certificate in Conditioning for 

Association Football 

Higher Certificate in Science in 

Computer Systems Management 

Bachelor of Science in Computer 

Systems Management 

Higher Diploma in Science in 

Computing 

Wed 6.00pm – 10.00pm €650 

€3,700 per year 

Mon, Wed and Thurs 6.00pm – 10.00pm €2,200 per year 

Mon, Wed and Thurs 6.00pm – 10.00pm €2,200 per year 

Blended learning, ITB, 

1 Saturday a month 

9.30am – 5.30pm €4,400 

BN512 Master of Science in Computing Tues and Wed 6.00pm – 10.00pm €5,000 

BN701 Certificate in Cisco-CCNA Mon, 

1 Sat morning 

per month 

5.00pm – 10.00pm 

9.00am – 1.00pm 

€3,500 

BN719 Certificate in Cisco Network Security 2 Tues 5.00pm – 10.00pm €2,000 

BN707 Certificate in CompTIA A+ Tues 5.00pm – 10.00pm €2,000 

BN724 NEW Certificate in CompTIA Server+ Thurs 5.00pm – 10.00pm €2,000 


Horticulture 

BN907 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 

(work based) year 1 

Mon, 3 week block 

release per semester, 

on-line via Moodle 

6.00pm – 10.00pm €2,400 per year 

BN907 

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 

(advanced entry to year 3) 

Mon and Tues, 3 week 

block release per 

semester, on-line 

via Moodle 

HORW H2024 Landscape and Garden Management Thurs and four Sat 

practical sessions of 4hr 

duration per semester 

6.00pm – 10.00pm 

6.30pm – 9.30pm €1,600 

HORW H2016 Landscape Design Thurs 6.30pm – 9.30pm €1,600 

Creative Digital Media Courses 

DMED H1011 Visual Language Mon 6.30pm – 9.30pm €750 

NEW 

DMED H1014 Digital Photography Sat 9.30am – 1.30pm €750 

NEW 

DMED H1019 Digital Imaging Mon 6.30pm – 9.30pm €850 

NEW 

DMED H2011 Digital Principles and Practice Tues 6.30pm – 9.30pm €850 

NEW 


BN723 Certificate in ECDL Thurs 6.30pm – 9.30pm €500 


BN727 NEW Certificate in CompTIA Security+ Thurs 5.00pm – 10.00pm €2,000 

BN728 NEW 

Engineering 

BN903 

BN306 

Microsoft Certified Technology 

Specialist (MCTS) 

Higher Certificate in Engineering in 

Mechatronics 

Bachelor of Engineering in 

Mechatronics 

Thurs 5.00pm – 10.00pm €3,000 

Tues 

Thurs 

On-line lectures 

(recorded) Mon 

Wed 

3 Sat sessions 

per semester 

6.00pm – 10.00pm 

2.00pm – 10.00pm 

5pm – 6pm and 

6.30pm – 7.30pm 

5pm – 6pm 

9am – 3pm 


€2,500 per year

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for January 2010 

ITB hopes to offer the following industry 

certified courses for January 2010: 

• BN737 Certificate in Cisco Certified 

Network Associate Security 


Network Associate Voice 


Network Associate Wireless 

• BN706 Certificate in CompTIA 

Network+ 

• BN740 Certificate in CompTIA Digital 

Home Technology Integrator+ 

• BN725 Sun Certified Java 

Programmer (SCJP) 

SECTION ONE 

Long journeys, short steps 

Please check our website at www.itb.ie 

for further updates on these courses 

or contact the marketing team on 

01 885 1000 or email info@itb.ie.

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Section ONE 

WELCOME TO 

THE INSTITUTE 

OF TECHNOLOGY 

BLANCHARDSTOWN 

Our mission at ITB is to make a 

significant contribution to the ongoing 

prosperity and economic development 

of a region which is now the fastest 

growing population centre in the country. 

An essential part of that mission is 

the provision of a continuing education 

programme which enhances educational 

opportunity and allows people to acquire 

the knowledge and skills to advance in 

their working lives. 

FÁILTE GO H-INSTITIÚID 

TEICNEOLAÍOCHTA BAILE 

BHLAINSÉIR 

Is é ár misean anseo in ITB ná chur le 

feabhsú agus forbairt an réigiúin, áit in a 

bhfuil an daonra ag méadú níos tapaí ná 

aon áit eile sa tír seo. Is í cuid mhór den 

mhisean seo ná cúrsaí oideachais a chur 

i bhfeidhm, a dtabharfaidh deiseanna do 

dhaoine agus a gcabhróidh leo scileanna 

a fháil, agus dul chun cinn sa slí bheatha. 

We support all adult learners across a 

wide spectrum of educational attainment. 

ITB offers programmes to graduates 

wanting to upgrade their skill sets as well 

as those looking for a second chance at 

third level education, to mature full-time 

students as well as part-time learners. 

Tugaimíd tacaíocht do fhoghlaimtheoirí 

go léir ar iliomad leibhéil. Tairgeann ITB 

cúrsaí do chéimithe agus iad ag iarraidh a 

scileanna a mhéadú, do fhloghlaimtheoirí 

ag lorg seans breise oideachais ar an árd 

leibhéal, do mic léinn aibí, lánaimseartha, 

chomh maith le páirtaimseartha. 

We are here to work with you – use our 

marketing team and our network of staff 

to nurture you and help you get the most 

out of your time at ITB. 

Tá muidne anseo chun oibriú leat – bain 

úsaid as an lucht Margaíochta agus as an 

bhfoireann cabhrú leat an aimsir is fearr 

a bhaint amach, chomh fada is a bheidh 

tú anseo in ITB. 

Dr Mary Meaney 

President




LEARNING FOR LIFE 

– WHAT WE AIM TO 

ACHIEVE AT ITB 

Providing a viable continuing education 

programme which broadens access to 

our academic programme and meets 

the skills needs of the local economy is 

central to our Institute’s mission. We will 

do this by: 

SECTION TWO 

What do I do next? 

• Developing, in consultation with our 

stakeholders, a range of high quality 

courses from higher certificate to 

postgraduate level across all academic 

disciplines within the institute. 

• Using best educational practice and 

technology to create a supportive 

learning environment for mature 

students particularly for those who 

have to combine study with work and 

family commitments. 

• Becoming a leader within the region 

we serve in the development of 

partnership arrangements for 

lifelong learning with industry, 

community groups and other 

education service providers. 

At ITB we believe that a new approach to 

sharing and teaching information results 

in a new direction for learning. Changes 

in society and business and the ongoing 

development of an information age 

throws out challenges for all of us. We 

are committed to providing a high quality 

and a sustainable continuing education 

programme which meets the needs of 

people living and working in the region.



14 



Section TWO 

THE WHO, WHY AND 

WHAT OF CONTINUING 

EDUCATION AT ITB 

CHOICES FOR MATURE STUDENTS 

The following education options are 

available to you as a mature student at ITB. 

RETURN AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT 

Choosing any course of study, part-time 

or full-time, represents a commitment 

to your future. The primary advantage of 

full-time study is that qualifications can 

be obtained over a shorter time period 

than is possible when studying part-time. 

For those currently employed full-time, 

there are the obvious financial implications 

inherent in changing your situation. 

Returning to full-time study means a 

big life change. However, many full-time 

students find that they can concentrate on 

studies with a lot less distraction; that it 

is easier to integrate into college life, and 

that they get a more rounded educational 

experience. For details of full-time courses 

on offer see our full-time prospectus or 

visit our website www.itb.ie 

ATTEND COURSES PART-TIME 

Part-time courses allow you to combine 

full-time employment with education. 

You can maintain an income and work 

towards your educational objective 

at a pace that suits your particular 

circumstances. At ITB we have designed 

our part-time programmes in a way 

which accommodates the competing 

commitments of employment and 

education. Full details of our part-time 

courses offered are in the next section of 

this prospectus. 

HOW DO I MAKE THE BEST COURSE 

CHOICE? 

There are a lot of factors to consider 

before returning to education. Before you 

decide to apply for any individual course, 

you should be comfortable that the course 

suits your learning needs. 

A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE! 

• Read information on courses carefully. 

If you have any queries, contact the 

marketing team on 01 885 1000 or 

e-mail info@itb.ie. 

• Check that your present qualifications 

and/or life and work experience are 

sufficient to allow you to take the 

course and be comfortable with the 

material and coursework involved. 

• Remember taking any course 

represents a significant time and 

energy commitment. Check that your 

home and work situations facilitate the 

time necessary to attend class, study 

and examinations. 

The ITB marketing team will be happy 

to give you information and advice in 

relation to all programmes before you 

start the course. When you apply to ITB 

the admissions team will process your 

application form and meet you when you 

arrive to register and start your course. 

The part time course administrator will be 

available during the year should you have 

any queries or questions. 

ONCE I’VE MADE MY CHOICE, HOW 

DO I ENROLL? 

Application to part-time courses is 

made directly to ITB by completion of 

the application form enclosed with this 

prospectus or download the form at 

www.itb.ie or by applying on-line at 

www.itb.ie and follow the links. Please 

note that the number of participants on 

certain courses is limited. We recommend 

that you apply early in order to ensure 

a place on the course of your choice. 

Applications for all courses in this 

prospectus are being accepted now. Once 

you have decided the course that best 

suits you and your learning requirements, 

there are a few simple steps to follow. 

• Complete the application form. If you 

do not already have an application 

form please request one from ITB’s 

marketing team on 01 885 1000, or 

e-mail info@itb.ie. Alternatively if you 

wish to pay by credit card you can apply 

online at www.itb.ie 

• Return the application form, with 

appropriate payment and necessary 

supporting documentation to ITB (see 

‘How Do I Pay?’ pg 17 for details). 

• All applications will be acknowledged 

by the admissions team. Online 

applicants will receive an email 

acknowledgement and a receipt. 

• Successful applicants will be notified of 

their registration date and the course 

start date in September/February. 

• Successful applicants will be asked 

to attend a registration session. 

Registered students will receive: 

– Information on library services, 

computer services and information 

from the estates department. 

– General information and guidance on 

course content. 

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ENTRY 

REQUIREMENTS? 

Having the right motivation for returning to 

education is as important as any previous 

academic achievement. Work experience 

and personal interests will also have a 

bearing on your suitability for the course. 

The standard minimum entry requirement 

is a pass in five Leaving Certificate 

subjects including mathematics and either 

English or Irish, or equivalent qualification. 

Leaving Certificate mathematics at 

foundation level is acceptable, at grade B2 

or higher, for meeting the mathematics 

entry requirements for entry to certain 

part-time programmes in ITB. Please 

refer to each individual course for more 

information. 

Mature students (i.e. those who are 

aged 23 years or more on January 1st 

in the year of entry) applying for the first 

level of programmes are exempt from 

this requirement. 

However, if you are under 23 years of 

age, some of the programmes have 

very specific requirements in relation 

to Leaving Certificate results or FETAC 

awards, so be careful to check the 

minimum entry requirement listings for 

each programme in the course information 

section and submit copies of results if 

necessary in order for your application to 

be processed. 

APPLICANTS PRESENTING FETAC 

AWARDS 

The minimum entry requirement for 

graduates of FETAC Level 5 or 6 (formerly 

NCVA level 2 or 3) awards to programmes, 

or modules from programmes; 

• Higher certificate (NFQ level 6) courses 

is a full FETAC (Level 5 or 6) award. 

• Ab-initio ordinary degree (NFQ level 7) 

courses is a full FETAC (Level 5 

or 6) award. 

• Ab-initio honours degree (NFQ level 

8) courses is a full FETAC (Level 5 or 

6) award in a course in a cognate area 

and including a distinction grade in at 

least three modules. 

The award must include mathematics 

(C20139) or mathematics for computing 

(C20175) or mathematics for engineering 

(C20174) for applicants to the Higher 

Certificate in Science in Computer 

Systems Management (BN026) and the 

Higher Certificate in Engineering in 

Mechatronics (BN903).

16 





CLOSING DATES 

For courses starting in September the 

closing date for most applications is 

Friday 4th September 2009 with the 

exception of 

– Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social Care 

(work based) (BN906) 

which is 1st June 2009. Please note that 

the number of participants on certain 

courses is limited and courses will fill over 

the summer months. For courses starting 

in January the closing date is Friday 22nd 

January 2010. 

EXAMS 

Please note examinations are held during 

the day. Examination dates are published 

on the academic calendar (pg. 21). 

HOW DO I PAY? 

If you make an online application you will 

be required to pay by credit card (Master 

Card or Visa) at the time of application. 

If you make a paper application you 

may pay by cheque, postal order, bank 

draft or a purchase order number 

from your employer. We do not accept 

cash. Invoices can be sent directly to 

employers on request. The application 

form is considered incomplete until 

the appropriate course fee is received. 

When you apply on-line fill in your 

credit card details, the information is 

encrypted for your security and sent to 

Realex Payments (AIB Bank Approved 

Vendor) for verification. Details of your 

course reservation(s) are then sent to the 

admissions office at ITB for processing. 

NOTE: The admissions office at ITB does 

not have access to your credit card details 

at any time but we are able to confirm or 

cancel your banking transaction as well 

as refund your credit card if required. 

Also when applying online, if you do not 

input your credit card details, ITB will not 

receive your application. 

Students who pay their own fees are 

entitled to tax relief at the standard rate 

on tuition fees paid on courses leading 

to a third level qualification. Send a 

copy of the receipt for fees to your local 

revenue district along with your P60. A 

list of approved colleges/courses can be 

accessed on the revenue commissioner’s 

website using the following link: http:// 

www.revenue.ie/leaflets/it31.pdf. 

A list of local revenue offices is also 

available from their website at 

www.revenue.ie under “contact us.” 

Where numbers attending are restricted, 

places will usually be allocated on a firstto-pay 

basis. Please note that acceptance 

of fees is not a guarantee of a place on 

a course. Where a place is not allocated 

to you, a refund of fees paid will be 

processed. Places on all courses are 

allocated to qualifying candidates in order 

of receipt of completed applications (an 

application is complete when the Institute 

has received a completed application 

form, the full course fee, and copies 

of previous transcripts/awards). For a 

course to commence, it is necessary to 

receive a minimum number of complete 

applications from eligible applicants. If 

this number is not reached, the Institute 

reserves the right to cancel or discontinue 

the course. Students will be notified 

and a full fee refund will be processed 

automatically. Students may only attend 

classes for which they have applied, 

paid all fees in full and completed the 

registration process. It is important that 

the level and content of a course suits your 

needs and meets your expectations. In 

order to find out relevant information on 

course content, entry requirements, extent 

of extra work required outside class, 

assessment methods etc. you should study 

the relevant section of this prospectus. 

FEE REFUND POLICY 

• A refund of fees will be considered 

where a student on a part-time 

course formally withdraws from the 

institute prior to commencement of 

the programme. An administration fee 

of €30 may be retained. No refund will 

be made where a student withdraws 

from a part-time programme after 

commencement of the programme. 

• In exceptional cases, an application for 

refund of fees may be considered after 

commencement of the programme 

on the basis of medical or hardship 

grounds, following formal withdrawal 

from the course. In this instance, 

requests for fee refunds should be 

made to the registrar in writing, setting 

out the reason that the refund is 

sought. Medical certification must be 

provided where relevant. Such requests





are considered by the institute’s fees 

committee on the first Thursday of 

each month. The student is then 

notified of the decision in writing. An 

administration fee of €120 may be 

retained if the refund is approved. 

For course fees paid by credit card, these 

refunds are processed and refunded to 

the credit card which was used to pay the 

course fee. 

CONFIDENTIALITY and DATA 

PROTECTION 

• The institute undertakes to use its best 

endeavours to treat as confidential any 

information provided by individuals 

or others, subject to the Institute’s 

obligations under law. 

• The information requested and held by 

the institute is only such information 

as is required to determine eligibility 

for admission, for statistical purposes 

and for marketing by this institute 

only (e.g. you may receive information 

about future courses offered by the 

Institute). Your personal information 

will not be given to parties outside of 

the institute and will be treated in strict 

confidence, except when required by 

state organisations. 

OPEN DAYS 

Prospective students, parents, relatives 

and friends are welcome to our open days 

to find out more about the courses on 

offer, to meet lecturing staff and to view 

the campus. 

Wed 17th June 2009 

Post Graduate Open Evening, 

to be confirmed. 

Thurs 3rd Sept 2009 

Open Evening, 4.00pm – 7.00pm 

Please check our website for further 

information www.itb.ie. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE OF COURSES 

– THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF 

QUALIFICATIONS 

The introduction of the National 

Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in 

October 2003 was the end result of a long 

and detailed process involving significant 

national and international research and 

undertaken in close consultation with a 

wide range of stakeholders. 

This learner-centred framework, which is 

transparent and readily understandable, 

relates all education and training awards 

(Colleges, Institutes of Technology, 

Universities) made in Ireland to each 

other. In doing so, it brings coherence to 

the awards system. It establishes clearly 

defined standards about the quality of 

awards and about what a learner can be 

expected to achieve for each award. It 

introduces a new approach to the meaning 

of an award, that an award will recognise 

learning outcomes – what a person with 

an award knows, can do and understands 

– rather than time spent on a programme. 

It also shifts the emphasis of the awards 

system from the maintenance of existing 

systems and structures to meeting the 

needs of learners. 

As a result of the framework, learners, 

employers and others will be able to 

compare Irish qualifications more easily 

and accurately with those from other 

countries. 

This is becoming easier with the 

introduction of ‘Diploma Supplements’. 

These are supplements to full awards that 

list all modules taken, results and credits, 

and are issued to all graduates of full 

awards within three months of graduation. 

PLACEMENT OF ITB AWARDS 

ON THE NFQ 

The Institute of Technology 

Blanchardstown has reviewed all its 

programmes to ensure that they meet 

the standards defined in the NFQ. 

Programmes have been examined by 

expert external peer review groups 

and have now been validated for the 

new awards. 

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY 

The Institute of Technology 

Blanchardstown has been granted 

Delegated Authority from HETAC to make 

awards to suitable candidates. 

EUROPEAN CREDIT TRANSFER 

SYSTEM (ECTS) 

The European Credit Transfer and 

Accumulation System is a student-centred 

system based on the student workload 

required to achieve the objectives of a 

programme with objectives preferably 

specified in competences to be acquired. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

– ENGLISH LANGUAGE 

REQUIREMENTS 

Instruction for all courses at ITB is 

normally through English (excluding any 

language modules) and applicants who do 

not have Leaving Certificate English must 

provide evidence of equivalent competence 

through school leaving or matriculation 

examinations or achievements of a 

minimum standard in recognised tests 

of English as listed in the table below. 

Please submit a copy of these certificates 

at the time of application. In exceptional 

circumstances students may be admitted 

to courses without these formal 

certificates. Where an applicant cannot 

provide certificates of results in school 

leaving exams equivalent to the Leaving 

Certificate or in the recognised tests listed 

on the previous page they must complete 

the international students – assessment 

of English competency form and return 

it to the admissions office at the time of 

application. This form can be requested 

from the admissions office on 01 885 1000 

or by downloading it from the Institute 

website www.itb.ie. 

General or 

Academic English 

Academic 

Academic 

Academic 

Academic 

Academic 

Title of Award 

IELTS (International English Language 

Testing System) 

ETAPP (English Test for Academic and 

Professional Purposes) 

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign 

Language) 

British Council UCLES/IDP (University of 

Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate/ 

International Development Programme of 

Australian Universities) 

JMB University Entrance test in English 

(Overseas) (Joint Matriculation Board of the 

Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, 

Sheffield and Birmingham) 

Academic AEB (Associated Examining Board) C 

Academic 

OEB – English as a Foreign Language 

(Higher Paper) (Oxford Examining Body) 

General TIE (Test of Interactive English, Ireland) C 

General Council of Europe C1 

General 

General 

General 

General 

Trinity College (UK) (Integrated Skills in 

English Examination) 

TOEIC (Test of English for International 

Communication) 

London Tests of English (Edexcel) 

Pearson Language Assessment 

Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of 

Other Languages) 

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) 

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) 

Level 

Required 

6 

C1 

PBT 550 

CBT 213 

6 

Pass 

Pass 

10 

ISE – Level III 

750 

Level 4 

Grade C 

Grade C 

General Pitman UK Level 5 

(Advanced) 

General 

ARELS/Oxford UK (Association of Recognised 

English Language Services) 

Higher – Good





THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF QUALIFICATIONS 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 

DATE 

EVENT 

Winter Semester 2009 

21/09/09 – 25/09/09 Start of part-time courses 

21/09/09 – 25/09/09 Registration for part-time courses with some exceptions. Exact dates will be notified 

26/10/09 – 30/10/09 Mid-term break 

21/12/09 – 01/01/10 Christmas break 

04/01/10 – 08/01/10 Revision week 

11/01/10 – 19/01/10 Winter semester examinations 

21/01/10 – 26/01/10 Inter semester break 

Spring Semester 2010 

05/02/10 – 12/02/10 Start of part-time courses 

05/02/10 – 12/02/10 Registration for part-time courses with some exceptions. Exact dates will be notified 

17/03/10 St. Patrick’s day holiday 

29/03/10 – 9/04/10 Easter break 

03/05/10 Bank holiday 

10/05/10 – 14/05/10 Revision week 

17/05/10 – 25/05/10 Spring semester examinations 

10th and 11th June 2010 

Examination board meetings 

Autumn Examinations 2010 

16/08/10 – 20/08/10 Winter semester 2009 repeat examinations 

23/08/10 – 27/08/10 Spring semester 2010 repeat examinations 

08/09/2010 Examination board meetings



SECTION THREE 

WHAT COURSES ARE ON OFFER?



24 Part-time Prospectus 2009 | 2010 

Business Courses 25 

Section THREE 

School of Business 

and Humanities 


HIGHER CERTIFICATE 

IN BUSINESS 

(PART-TIME EVENING) 

Programme Code: BN003 

Award Type: Major 

Award Title: Higher Certificate in 

Business 

NFQ Level of Award: 6 

ECTS Credits in Award: 120 

Minimum entry requirements: 

Applicants must have a pass in five 

subjects (ordinary level) in the Leaving 

Certificate, to include Mathematics 

and English or Irish, or an equivalent 

qualification. Leaving Certificate 

Mathematics at Foundation Level at 

grade B2 or higher is acceptable for 

this programme. The minimum entry 

requirements for graduates of FETAC 

level 5 or 6 awards is any full award. 

Please note: Mature applicants (i.e. those 

who are aged 23 years or more on January 

1st in the year of entry) applying for the 

first level of programmes are exempt from 


Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday nights 

6pm – 10pm (and alternate Saturday 

mornings 9.30am – 1.30pm for students 

taking the taught elective) 

Fee: €1,750 per year 

Duration: 2 years part-time 

(4 semesters) 

OVERVIEW 

Management and administration staff 

play an important role in enterprise. 

Graduates of business courses are 

responsible for managing the many 

services that allow organisations to 

operate efficiently. Specific duties for 

business administrators and managers 

vary according to the degree of 

responsibility and authority. These duties 

may include managing people, finance, 

marketing or clerical work. Management 

and administration staff should have 

good communication skills and be able to 

establish effective working relationships 

with people throughout the organisation, 

from senior management to clerical staff. 

They should be analytical, pay attention 

to detail, be flexible and decisive. The 

ability to coordinate several activities at 

once, quickly analyse and resolve specific 

problems and cope with deadlines are 

necessary skills. 

This course is aimed at those who wish to 

enhance their career by gaining a greater 

understanding of the world of business, in 

preparation for a career in business. 

Graduates of this course may decide 

to pursue more specialised studies 

in accounting, marketing, production 

or personnel management or they 

may continue with a general business 

qualification, leading to an Honours 

Degree in Business. 

COURSE CONTENT 

The course will cover subjects such 

as accounting, economics, business 

management, marketing and human 

resource management. All students are 

required to study 6 subjects per semester 

of which 5 are mandatory. 

To facilitate students who are working, one 

mandatory subject per semester will be 

offered through self-directed learning. This 

will be supported by material available 

over the web and face to face workshops. 

Students will also be offered the choice 

of taking a taught elective or completing 

a work based elective. The work based 

learning project can only be undertaken 

where students have sufficient work 

experience and are currently engaged in 

an appropriate working environment. The 

work-based project allows students to 

map their experience against the learning 

outcomes on the course. Students who 

elect to take the work based project in 

Year 1 must continue with the project in 

Year 2. Similarly students who take the 

taught elective in Year 1 must continue 

with the taught elective in Year 2. 

Each course will be accompanied by a 

handbook which will set out the material 

to be covered and the learning outcomes 

for each module. This will allow students 

who are unable to attend classes at 

particular times to keep in touch with 

what has been covered in class. 

COURSE SCHEDULE 

The Higher Certificate in Business is a 

two year programme. 

All students will attend lectures two 

nights a week (Tuesday and Thursday 

6.00pm – 10.00pm). Students who elect 

for the taught elective will also attend 

classes on alternate Saturday mornings 

(9.30am – 1.30pm). 

Please note: final examinations are held 

during the day. 

PROGRESSION 

On successful completion of the Higher 

Certificate in Business (NFQ level 6), 

students are eligible to progress on to the 

Bachelor of Business (NFQ level 7). 

Graduates of higher certificate and 

ordinary degree programmes can avail 

of exemptions from all of the major 

accountancy bodies. 

APPLICATION 

For further details and an application 

form please contact the marketing team 

on 01 885 1000 or e-mail: info@itb.ie. 

Year 1 Semester 1 

Accounting 1 

Economics 1 

Business Mathematics and Statistics 1 

Business Information Systems 

Business Administration 

Elective: Irish Culture and Society or 

Work Based Learning Project 


Accounting 2 

Economics 2 

Business Mathematics and Statistics 2 

Business Communications 

Business Management 

Elective: Applied Media Studies or Work 

Based Learning Project 


Financial Accounting 

Electronic Commerce 

Principles of Marketing 1 

Business Law 1 

Introduction to Human Resource 

Management 1 

Elective: European Studies or Work 

Based Learning Project 


Management Accounting 

Information Management 

Principles of Marketing 2 

Business Law 2 

Introduction to Human Resource 

Management 2 

Elective: Environmental Resource 

Management or Work Based 

Learning Project





BACHELOR OF BUSINESS 

(1 year add-on 

to BN003) 


Programme Title: Bachelor of Business 


Award Title: Bachelor of Business 




Higher Certificate (NFQ level 6) with 

pass grade in a cognate area (or 

equivalent qualification). 

Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday 

nights 6pm – 10pm and alternate 

Saturday mornings 

Fee: €2,000 

Duration: 1 year part-time 

(2 semesters) 

OVERVIEW 

This Bachelor of Business degree 

programme builds on knowledge and 

competencies developed at the higher 

certificate (NFQ level 6). Knowledge, 

skills and competencies across a wide 

variety of areas will be further developed 

focusing on the roles and functions of 

business administrators and managers. 

The ordinary degree programme includes 

organisational psychology, operations 

management, finance, marketing and 

enterprise development. Graduates of this 

programme will have further developed 

the ability to integrate concepts into 

working and professional environments 

and will develop diagnostic and creative 

skills allowing them to operate at 

advanced levels in organisations. 

Emphasis will be placed on the exercise 

of judgement in planning, design, 

technical and/or supervisory functions at 

the operations level of the organisation. 

COURSE AIM 

This course was designed as a logical 

step in the academic development of 

those who wish to pursue a career in 

business. Specifically those students who 

have completed or are completing the 

Higher Certificate in Business (NFQ level 

6) at ITB or an equivalent qualification are 

directed to this programme to enhance 

and further develop their personal, 

academic and professional development. 


The Bachelor of Business programme is 

one academic year in length commencing 

in September and running until the 

following May. ITB operates a fully 

semesterised system with two semesters 

of equal length. Students will study 12 

modules divided into 6 modules per 

semester. All students will attend for two 

nights per week (Tuesday and Thursday, 

6.00pm – 10.00pm). Four modules will 

be delivered on these evenings with a 

fifth subject being offered through self 

directed and blended learning. This 

subject will be supported by online 

material and face to face tutorials. A sixth 

subject will be delivered on alternate 

Saturday mornings. 



PROGRESSION 

On successful completion of the Bachelor 

of Business (NFQ level 7), students are 

eligible to progress on to the Bachelor of 

Business (Honours) (NFQ Level 8). 

Semester 1 Modules 

Financial Management 1 

Business Psychology and Behaviour 1 

Business Systems Analysis 

Operations Management 1 

Global Business Environment 

Entrepreneurship 


Management Accounting 2 

Business Psychology and Behaviour 2 

Databases for Business 

Operations Management 2 

Services Marketing 

Enterprise Development 




accountancy bodies. 

APPLICATION 



on 01 885 1000 or e-mail: info@itb.ie.





BACHELOR OF BUSINESS 

(HONOURS) 

(1 YEAR ADD-ON 

TO BN303) 


Programme Title: Bachelor of Business 

(Honours) 


Award Title: Bachelor of Business 

(Honours) 




Ordinary Bachelor Degree (NFQ level 7) 

with pass grade in a cognate area 

(or equivalent qualification). 

Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and 

Thursday nights 6pm-10pm 

Fee: €2,100 


(2 semesters) 

OVERVIEW 

This course is designed to give students a 

strategic overview of the main functional 

areas of a modern business environment. 

Subject areas on the honours degree 

program include Strategic Management, 

Finance, International Marketing, 

Strategic Human Resource Management, 

Service Quality Management and 

Project Management. 




Strategic Management 1 

Financial Management 2 

Strategic Human Resource 

Management 

Project Management 

Strategic Business Marketing 

Managing Service Quality 


Strategic Management 2 

Financial Information Analysis 

Strategic Management of Information 

Systems 

Strategic Marketing Management 

Strategic Logistics and Supply Chain 

Management 

International Marketing 

APPLICATION 




Student Profiles 

School of Business and Humanities 

“The college has a good reputation. The 

resources are great – the libraries, Moodle, 

the whole package you get with it is very 

convenient and easy to understand. It helps 

you to study more than if you just had a book 

at home. 

If it’s the path you want to go down the course 

is fantastic. It covers absolutely everything 

– even stuff you didn’t know you needed to 

know. We’re all diving into it and making our 

study groups and helping each other out It’s 

challenging but in a good way.” 

Mary Jane Fowkes, IATI 

“I always wanted to go to college but I didn’t 

think I’d ever get to the stage when I’d be ready 

to. Now the kids are grown up, and I thought 

‘I can do this now!’ I wanted to get the overall 

education rather than specialise too soon, 

and this course was pretty broad. None of my 

own kids went to third level, and I’d like them 

to know that it’s still a possibility, no matter 

where they are now. Nobody I knew growing 

up went to college. I’ll be 50 when I graduate, 

which my kids think is hilarious!” 

Alison Martin, Higher Certificate in Business 




accountancy bodies.



30 



31 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 


September 2009 – January 2010 

PMGT H3011 Project Framework and 


PMGT H3012 Project Time Management 

PMGT H3013 Project Cost Management 


January 2010 – May 2010 

PMGT H3011 Project Framework and 


PMGT H3014 Project Quality Management 

and Procurement Management 

PMGT H3015 Project Risk Management 

PMGT H3016 Communications and 

Human Resource Management 

In March 2008 Ed Naughton, director 

general of the Institute of Project 

Management and the vice president of 

the International Project Management 

Association predicted that the need for 

professional Project Management will 

continue to increase worldwide. He 

further stated that Project Management 

skills and capabilities will be recognised 

as critical for survival and that 

Governments will increase Project 

Management education funding as they 

recognise the contributions of Project 

Management to national competitiveness. 

The following series of modules has been 

developed to meet the specialist needs 

of those involved in project management. 

The modules will be most relevant to 

participants who: 

• Are currently working in a project lead 

or Project Management role. 

• Are working towards a career with a 

Project Management component. 

• Require a professional certification for 

their Project Management activity. 

PROJECT FRAMEWORK AND 

SCOPE MANAGEMENT 

Programme Code: PMGT H3011 

NFQ Level: 7 

ECTS Credits: 5 credits 

Award Type: Single Subject 

Award Title: Project Framework and 


Schedule: Sept 2009 to Jan 2010 

or Jan 2010 to May 2010 

Monday nights 6pm – 10pm 

Fee: €500 

Duration: 1 semester 

This module examines the various 

processes involved in the scoping of 

projects, from their initiation, planning, 

definition and ultimately scope control. 

The perspective emphasised is that of an 

engineer or IT specialist in the role of a 

manager responsible for the conceptual 

development of a project in terms of its 

objectives and deliverables. The specific 

objectives of the module are to appreciate 

and understand: 

• The difference between Projects and 

Operations. 

• What is meant by Projects and Project 

Management. 

• The distinct lifecycle phases of 

Projects. 

• The specific elements, processes 

and tools involved in the scoping and 

conceptual planning of Projects. 

On completion of this module, students 

will be able to scope and define projects, 

develop work breakdown structures, 

develop organisational structures 

and a high-level project master plan. 

The assessment of the module is a 

combination of an end of semester exam 

and practical assignments/case studies.





PROJECT TIME MANAGEMENT 


NFQ Level: 7 



Award Title: Project Time Management 


Wednesday nights 6pm – 8pm 

Fee: €390 


This module examines the processes 

and techniques involved in the detailed 

planning and scheduling of a project. 



project manager responsible for defining 

the overall project plan and schedule of 

activities. The specific objectives of the 

module are to appreciate and understand: 

• The importance of the planning 

process in ensuring project success. 

• The components of a project plan. 

• The techniques for estimating 

duration and project schedules. 

• The use and application of 

estimating tools. 

• The allocation and scheduling of 

resources. 

• The techniques for monitoring and 

controlling the project schedule. 

On completion of this module students 

will be able to define and build project 

plans, estimate project duration, and apply 

appropriate techniques including earned 

value for monitoring project schedules. 



and practical assignments/case studies. 

PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT 


NFQ Level: 7 



Award Title: Project Cost Management 



Fee: €390 



processes involved with planning, 

estimating and managing project cost. 



project manager responsible for ensuring 

that a project is assigned an appropriate 

budget, and completed within that budget. 

The specific objectives of the module are 

to appreciate and understand: 

• The principles of project cost 

management. 

• The concepts and techniques of 

cost estimation. 

• The processes involved in compiling 

a project budget. 

• The application of Earned Value 

Analysis. 

• The techniques for cost management 

and control. 

• The use of project software tools 

in cost management. 


will be able to estimate project budgets, 

select and apply cost management 

techniques, and measure financial 

progress in a project environment. 




PROJECT QUALITY MANAGEMENT 

AND PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT 


NFQ Level: 7 



Award Title: Project Quality 

Management and Procurement 

Management 

Schedule: Jan to May 2010 

Tuesday nights 6pm – 8pm 

Fee: €390 



processes involved in two key supporting 

knowledge areas for Project Managers, 

Quality and Procurement. These separate 

topics are covered from the perspective of 

outlining the various tools and techniques 

that all Project Managers should be 

familiar with in these domains. The 

specific objectives of the module are to 

appreciate and understand: 

• The concepts of Quality and 

Procurement Management. 

• The Cost of Quality. 

• Continuous Improvement and 

Total Quality Management. 

• Quality Assurance and Control. 

• The Contract Management Process. 

• Contract Pricing Structures. 

• Best Practices in the Procurement 

Cycle. 


will be able to understand the steps 

involved in the procurement process, and 

be able to manage all the steps involved 

from solicitation through to contract. 

Additionally from a quality perspective, 

students will be able to develop quality 

management plans and be able to use 

the various quality tools and techniques 

to measure and control the process once 

these plans are in place. The assessment 

of the module is a combination of an 

end of semester exam and practical 

assignments/case studies.





PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT 


NFQ Level: 7 



Award Title: Project Risk Management 



Fee: €390 



processes involved with identifying, 

analysing and responding to project risk. 



manager responsible for minimising the 

probability of adverse events occurring 

coupled with controlling risks that do 

occur in the lifetime of a project. The 

specific objectives of the module are to 

appreciate and understand: 

• The concepts of Risk and Risk 

Management. 

• The components of Risk Management. 

• The processes involved in Risk 

Identification and Quantification. 

• How to plan and implement the basic 

risk response strategies. 

• Evaluate effective techniques used in 

developing risk management plans. 

• The relative capabilities of risk 

management software tools. 


will be able to undertake both quantitative 

and qualitative risk assessments, 

develop risk response strategies and 

ultimately develop Risk Management 

Plans. The assessment of the module is a 



COMMUNICATIONS AND HUMAN 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 


NFQ Level: 7 



Award Title: Communications and 

Human Resource Management 


Tuesday nights 8pm – 10pm 

Fee: €390 


This module examines the processes and 

techniques involved in two key areas of 

Project Management, Communications 

Management and Human Resource 

Management. The module emphasises 

the importance of communications in 

Project Management, and the techniques 

required to make effective use of people 

involved in projects. The perspective 

emphasised is that of an engineer or IT 

specialist in the role of a project manager 

responsible for managing a project team 

through the project life cycle. The specific 

objectives of the module are to appreciate 

and understand: 

• The importance of understanding 

the communication requirements 

of stakeholders. 

• The components of a communications 

plan. 

• The techniques used for performance 

reporting. 

• The use and application of formal 

project documentation. 

• The identification and assigning 

of roles and responsibilities within 

the project team. 

• Team development. 


will be able to compile a project 

communications plan, effectively report 

project performance and understand 

how effective project teams are achieved. 




APPLICATION 








CERTIFICATE IN IATI 

(INSTITUTE OF 

ACCOUNTING 

TECHNICIANS IN 

IRELAND) 


Programme Title: Certificate in IATI 

(Institute of Accounting Technicians in 

Ireland) 

Award Type: Special Purpose 

Award Title: Certificate in IATI (Institute 

of Accounting Technicians in Ireland) 

NFQ Level of Award: TBC 

ECTS Credits in Award: TBC 


Standard minimum entry requirements 

as defined by the IATI. Details can be 

found on the IATI website: www.iati.ie. 

Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday nights 

6pm – 10pm 

Fee: 

ITB Fee: €880 per year (or €220 per 

module). ITB fees are additional to any 

registration, subscription, examination 

or exemption fees from IATI. Please 

check with IATI directly. 


(4 semesters) 

OVERVIEW 

The Institute of Accounting Technicians 

in Ireland (IATI) is the leading accounting 

technician body in the country. It was 

founded in 1983 to provide a recognised 

business qualification for ambitious 

people working or planning to work in the 

accounting area. The IATI is a partner body 

of the Institute of Chartered Accountants 

in Ireland and a member of IFAC, which 

means that it has close links with the 

accounting profession as a whole and with 

major employers. The IATI has offices and 

libraries in Dublin and Belfast and links 

with local networks throughout Ireland. 

The mission of the IATI is “To provide 

a qualification in accounting and 

information skills for persons working in 

firms in public practice, in industry and 

commerce and in the public sector and 

to provide those attaining membership of 

the Institute with a range of services to 

support them in their professional work”. 

Further information is available on 

www.iati.ie or directly from: 

IATI 

Burlington House 

Burlington Road 

Dublin 4 

Tel: 01 637 7363 

Fax: 01 637 7357 

NEW SYLLABUS 

First Year S1011 

Financial Accounting I 

Business Management 

Taxation I 

Law and Ethics 

Second Year S2011 

Financial Accounting II 

Management Accounting 

Taxation II 

Integrated Accounting Systems 

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 

A qualified Accounting Technician will be 

able to: 

• Prepare financial statements. 

• Prepare financial reports and other 

management information. 

• Compute tax liabilities for companies 

and for individuals. 

• Set up and manage systems 

for budgets, stock control, cost 

accounting, cash reconciliation. 

• Set up and manage credit control 

procedures. 

• Use computers effectively in a 

business environment. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? 

Accounting Technicians work alongside 

qualified accountants in business, 

industry, private practice and the public 

sector. The comprehensive training 

received means that they can play a wide 

range of roles in any organisation from 

accounts clerk to assistant accountant, 

from credit controller to systems 

administrator. Entry routes to IATI are: 

• Leaving Certificate: 5 passes on 

ordinary level papers or four passes of 

which at least two are on higher level 

papers. Passes must be obtained in 

English and at least one subject from 

mathematics or accountancy. 

• 2 A levels (grade D or better) and 

passes must be obtained in English 

and at least one subject from 

mathematics or accounting not lower 

than grade C at GCSE level or students 

with a BETEC National Diploma or 

Advanced GNVQ or equivalent. 

• Mature Students: Intending students 

over 21 years of age with relevant 

work experience may be accepted 

as a student on the basis of age 

and experience rather than 

educational background. 

• It is the responsibility of all students 

to confirm they meet the IATI entry 

requirements.





REGISTRATION AND ASSESSMENT 

First Year 

Every first year student must register with 

the Institute of Accounting Technicians 

in Ireland in addition to registering at 

ITB. First year students may be granted 

exemptions from certain subjects on the 

basis of prior achievements. Details of 

registration and the exemption process 

may be obtained directly from the IATI. 

Students should note that fees for 

registration and exemptions apply. 

Second Year 

Second year students must pay an annual 

student subscription to IATI. No exemptions 

are granted to second year students. 

Please note: students must submit 

Examination Application forms directly to the 

IATI each year. 

SINGLE SUBJECT CERTIFICATION 

Students may take single subjects from 

this course and complete the course over 

a number of years. 

Exams are set and conducted by the IATI 

in summer and autumn of each year. 

Students who do not attempt all four 

modules in the one sitting on their first 

attempt are ineligible for an overall credit 

pass or honours. Students who may 

wish to go on to further studies should 

consider taking all four second year 

level subjects together as it can have 

implications later. Students have six years 

from the date of registration with the IATI 

to complete the qualification. 

APPLICATION 




For information regarding IATI 

registration please visit www.iati.ie. 

Student Profiles 

School of Business and Humanities 

“I came from a languages background, then 

I went into primary school training and I’ve 

been teaching a few years. It was nice to get 

back into French again and also to be able to 

tell my students that I was learning as well! 

I think it’s good for them to see learning as a 

choice; that it’s not just something you have to 

do. I’m very glad I did it. Hopefully it will benefit 

the students to see that as a teacher, you’re not 

just staying at the same point, you are learning 

and improving.” 

Jane O’Toole, MA in Languages 

“Originally I did the Graduate Diploma in 

German in 2004 and I loved the course, it was 

great. I had great fun. There was a lot of work 

in it, a lot of reading, a lot of assignments, but 

the atmosphere was good every week and 

everyone was very helpful – the other students 

and the lecturers. I was very excited when the 

opportunity came up to do the Masters and 

I’m delighted I have the same lecturer again. 

It makes me feel young again. I forget about all 

those years in between.” 

Rosaleen Sampson, MA in Languages 

“For the first module I found I could just go 

home and do the work but with this Module – 

Computer Assisted Language Learning – 

it’s very hands-on, so the minute I go into 

the classroom in the morning I’m on Moodle. 

I find it great – the lecturer posts notes and 

assignments on it and because there’s only six 

of us doing this module it’s a great way to have 

communication. Basically when I log on if there’s 

someone on I can chat or I can leave a message 

if there’s not.” 

Debbie Connor, MA in Languages



40 



41 


MASTER OF ARTS IN 

LANGUAGE EDUCATION 

(FRENCH) 



(GERMAN) 

Programme Code: BN510/BN511 

Programme Title: Master of Arts in 

Language Education (French) (BN510) 


(German) (BN511) 


Award Title: Master of Arts 




Second class honours grade 2 (GPA 

2.5) or equivalent in a Bachelor of 

Education, Bachelor of Arts, or 

other relevant primary degree at NFQ 

level 8, and a minimum of one year’s 

teaching experience. 

Schedule: 

Year 1: Wednesday 4.30pm – 8.30pm 

Year 2: Tuesday 5pm – 8pm 

Fee: Year 1: €2,650 

Year 2: €3,200 

Duration: Year 1: 12 months part-time 

Year 2: 18 months part-time 

COURSE AIM YEAR 1 

The aim of the first year of the 

programme is to develop the knowledge 

skills and competences of modern 

language teachers to enable them to 

teach French or German effectively at 

primary or second level. 

This course aims to: 

• Develop teachers’ communicative 

competence in the target language 

and to provide the skills and 

competences necessary for the 

development of communicative 

competence in the classroom. 

• Increase language awareness through 

the study of phonetics, morphology 

and semantics and an introduction 

to the theories underpinning second 

language acquisition. 

• Provide teachers with a high level of 

cultural awareness through the study 

of the culture and society of the target 

language, including both historical 

and contemporary issues. 

• Introduce teachers to research 

skills in language learning and 

cultural studies. 

• Develop reflective practitioners with 

an understanding of issues in second 

language learning and capable of 

compiling a portfolio of appropriate 

learning materials for the classroom. 

Year 1 of the programme is run over two 

semesters with a typical course contact 

time of four hours per week. In addition 

participants will be expected to attend 

one research seminar per semester. 

Year 1 Modules 

Communicative Competence 

Language Awareness 

Cultural Awareness 

An award with the title Certificate in 

Language Education (French or German) 

may be granted if learners leave this 

programme after successfully completing 

the first year modules (36 ECTS credits). 


The aim of Year 2 of the programme is 

to build on skills acquired in year 1 and 

to develop more specialised knowledge 

and competencies in the areas of 

language, culture and society, and 

language learning. 


• Provide teachers with expertise in the 

area of applied linguistics through 

the study of a mandatory module in 

Second Language Acquisition theory 

and practice. 

• Develop language teacher awareness 

through the analysis of learner 

language, teaching and learning 

processes, and engagement in action 

research in the context of modern 

language classrooms. 

• Provide participants with the 

opportunity to specialise in an area 

of interest through the provision of 

electives in Language Culture and 

Society or Computers in Language 

Teaching and Learning (CALL). 

– The Language Culture and Society 

module aims to provide an in-depth 

study of a historical period or a 

thematic analysis of contemporary 

society through the study of authentic 

resources including film, literature 

and the media. 

– The Computers in Language 

Teaching and Learning (CALL) 

module introduces participants to 

the use of CALL in the classroom 

and the design and development of 

language learning materials. 

• Produce competent researchers 

through the development of 

participants’ powers of critical 

analysis, the ability to apply theory to 

practice and relate their learning to 

the field of education in a coherent and 

logical manner. This will be realised 

through the planning and execution of 

a Research Project linked to one of the 

thematic areas of the course. 

Year 2 of the programme will run 

over three semesters with a course 

contact time of three hours per week in 

semesters 1 and 2. Students normally 

complete the research project in 

the semester immediately following 

completion of the two taught modules. 

Students will need to attend the college 

for three research methodology seminars 

and individual meetings with the 

supervisor assigned to them. 


(2 Mandatory Modules + 1 Elective) 

Mandatory modules: 

Second Language Acquisition Theory 

and Practice 

Research Project (14,000 words) 

Elective modules: 

Computers in Language Teaching and 

Learning (CALL). Basic knowledge of 

computing skills required. 

Language Culture and Society: 

1. France under German occupation 

1940 – 1944 

2. Contemporary France 

3. The Final Years of the German 

Democratic Republic 

Note: elective modules will run subject to 

sufficient numbers. 

An award with the title ‘Postgraduate 

Diploma in Arts Language Education 

(French/German)’ may be granted if learners 

leave this programme after successfully 

completing the first and second year taught 

modules (60 ECTS credits). 

APPLICATION 







Language Courses 43 



(ENGLISH AS A SECOND 

LANGUAGE) (2 years) 

Certificate in 

Language Education 

(English as a second 

Language) (1 year) 


Programme Title: Master of Arts in 

Language Education (English as a 

Second Language) 


Award Title: Master of Arts 




Second class honours grade 2 (GPA 

2.5) or equivalent in a Bachelor 

of Education, Bachelor of Arts, 

Postgraduate Diploma in education or 

other relevant primary degree at NFQ 

level 8, and a minimum of one year’s 

teaching experience. Where English 

is not a subject taken to degree level, 

a level of C1 on the Council of Europe 

Framework should be demonstrable. 

Schedule: Year 1: Monday 4pm – 7pm 

Year 2: Tuesday 5pm – 8pm 

Fee: Year 1: €2,650, Year 2: €3,200 

Duration: Year 1: 12 months part-time 

Year 2: 18 months part-time 


The aim of the first year of the programme 

is to provide teachers with the opportunity 

to develop knowledge, skills and 

competence in the areas of language 

pedagogy (English as a Second Language) 

and intercultural competence for dealing 

with diversity in an educational setting. The 

programme aims to provide theoretical 

components and practical applications 

providing teachers with the opportunity to 

acquire new knowledge and reflect on their 

own educational contexts. 


Language Awareness 

The Development of Communicative 

Competence and Literacy Skills 

Cultural Awareness and 

Intercultural Competence 

The Language Awareness module will 

consider the function of language in 

general and the features of the English 

language in particular which make it 

difficult for learners to acquire in terms of 

phonology, grammar and lexis. 

The Development of Communicative 

Competence and Literacy Skills module 

will look more specifically at how language 

is acquired, the role of instruction in 

facilitating the learning of English as a 

Second Language and issues relating to the 

development of the four skills of reading, 

writing, speaking and listening. 

The Cultural Awareness and 

Intercultural Competence module will 

trace the development of diversity in the 

Irish context and current government 

policy and legislation; explore the 

concepts of culture and values in 

relation to ethnic identity; consider the 

issue of diversity in the classroom and 

Department of Education approaches and 

guidelines currently in place. 

Duration 

The Year 1 programme is run in blended 

learning mode with three hours per week 

class contact and an equivalent workload of 

reading and research on a weekly 

basis supported by on-line resources 

through Moodle. 

Exit to Achieve Certificate in 

Arts in Language Education 

(English as a Second Language) 

An award with the title Certificate in 

Language Education (English as a 

Second Language) may be granted if 

learners leave this programme after 

successfully completing the first year 

modules (36 ECTS credits). 


The aim of Year 2 of the programme is to 

build on skills acquired in year 1 and to 

develop more specialised knowledge and 

competencies in the areas of language, 

culture and society, and language learning. 


(2 Mandatory Modules + 1 Elective) 

Mandatory modules: 

Second Language Acquisition: 

Theory and Practice 

Research Project (14,000 words) 

Elective modules: 

Race and Ethnicity: Theory and Practice 

Computers in Language Teaching 

and Learning (CALL) 

Basic knowledge of computing 

skills required. 

Note: elective modules will run subject to 

sufficient numbers 

The SLA: Theory and Practice module 

is designed to provide teachers with 

expertise in the area of applied linguistics 

and develop language teacher awareness 

through the analysis of learner language, 

teaching and learning processes, and 

engagement in action research in the 

context of the language classroom. 

The Race and Ethnicity: Theory and 

Practice module aims to critically 

theorise and contextualise the concepts 

of ‘race’ and ‘ethnicity’, with a view 

to providing teachers with a greater 

understanding of the problems relating 

to such categorisation and how this may 

impact on professional practice and 

contemporary Irish society at large. 

The Computers in Language Teaching 

and Learning (CALL) module introduces 

participants to the theoretical basis for 

and practical use of computer assisted 

language learning in the language 

classroom. It will focus on both using and 

critically evaluating available products, and 

designing and developing their own learning 

materials using authoring software. 

The Research Project module aims 

to produce competent researchers 

through the development of participants’ 

powers of critical analysis, the ability 

to apply theory to practice and relate 

their learning to the field of education 

in a coherent and logical manner. The 

research project will be linked to one of 

the thematic areas of the course. 

Duration 

Year 2 of the programme will comprise 

two taught modules with a course 

contact time of three hours per week in 

semesters 1 and 2. Students normally 

complete the research project in 

the semester immediately following 

completion of the two taught modules. 

Students will need to attend the college 

for three research methodology seminars 

and individual meetings with the 

supervisor assigned to them in the course 

of this semester. 

An award with the title Post Graduate 

Diploma in Arts in Language Education 

(English as a Second Language) may 

be granted if learners leave this 

programme after successfully 

completing 60 ECTS credits. 

APPLICATION 







Language Courses 45 

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC 

PURPOSES (LEVEL 6) 

Programme Code: INTB H1021 

or H1032 

Programme Title: English for Academic 

Purposes (Level 6) 1 + 2 

Award Type: Single subject 

Award Title: English for Academic 

Purposes 1 + 2 


ECTS Credits in Award: 5 per module 


General English to intermediate level. 











Please note: Mature applicants (i.e. those 

who are aged 23 years or more on January 

1st in the year of entry) applying for the 

first level of programmes are exempt from 


MODULE AIM 

The level 6 modules are designed to 

support non-native speakers of English 

who are currently or considering engaging 

in third level education. These modules 

aim to provide non-native speakers of 

English with the knowledge and skills to 

enable them to perform successfully in an 

English-language academic context. 

APPLICATION 




INTB H1021 


Semester 1 will focus on reading and 

writing skills in English and will include: 

Writing 

Analysis of the features of academic 

writing 

Planning essays, writing paragraphs, 

introductions and conclusions 

Referencing and bibliographies 

Cohesion – discourse markers 

Paraphrasing and summarising 

Reading 

Reading for gist, skimming and scanning 

Extracting detailed information from an 

academic text 

Using context to identify meaning 

Text types and registers 

Grammar 

Tense review 

Nominalisation in academic writing 

INTB H1032 


Semester 2 will focus on developing more 

advanced skills in speaking and listening: 

Speaking 

Making academic requests 

Participating in tutorials and seminars 

Small-group discussion techniques, 

seminar and tutorial skills 

Making a presentation 

Pronunciation work 

Listening 

Listening to lectures, for main points 

and gist, note-taking 

Strategies for listening 

Pronunciation work 

Grammar 

Review of the use of definite articles 

Cohesion, ellipsis 

Other grammar topics based on a 

needs analysis 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Having successfully completed these 

modules, the student will be able to: 

• Write with the vocabulary used in 

English language academic contexts. 

• Write essays that conform to the 

conventions of academic writing in 

English. 

• Extract general and detailed 

information from academic texts. 

• Make a presentation on an academic 

topic that adheres to the conventions 

of academic presentations in English. 

• Use the appropriate language to 

participate successfully in seminars 

and tutorials. 

• Extract general and detailed 

information from lectures. 

APPLICATION 




Schedule: Monday 6pm – 8pm 

Fee: €640 

Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)




Social Studies Courses 47 


BACHELOR OF ARTS IN 

APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES 

IN SOCIAL CARE (WORK 

BASED) 


Programme Title: Bachelor of Arts in 

Applied Social Studies in Social Care 

(work based) 


Award Title: Bachelor of Arts 














Mature applicants (i.e. those who are 


in the year of entry) applying for the 

first level of programmes are exempt 

from this requirement. Applicants 

applying for this course must be in fulltime 

employment in a recognised social 

care setting for more than two years. 

Each applicant must provide a letter 

of recommendation and support from 

their employer. 

Schedule: 

Year 1: Two days per week 



In addition to fee subsidy, delivery is 

being reviewed and it may be possible 

to offer this programme on a one day 

per week basis. See ITB website for 

details of delivery at ww.itb.ie 



(6 semesters) 

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social 

Studies in Social Care will be offered to 

mainly mature adults, who are currently 

employed in the social care industry and 

require further qualifications. 

The entry route into the programme is via 

employers and applicants must be in fulltime 

employment throughout their course 

of study. 

Employment must be in an organisation 

offering services through or on behalf of 

statutory bodies.



48 



49 

AIM 

The course is designed primarily to meet 

the needs of employees of the industry 

that have substantial practical experience. 

The aim of the course is to educate 

reflective practitioners who can continue to 

learn and develop throughout their career 

and to produce ordinary degree graduates 

with the professional knowledge, 

interpersonal skills and self awareness 

appropriate for careers in social care, 

who can work in a variety of social care 

settings, which include residential child 

care, disability sector, youth community 

and family support services. 


The course is offered over three years 

on a part-time basis and is divided into 

seven academic streams. Each subject will 

focus on knowledge, skills promotion and 

practical implications while also facilitating 

student’s personal development. 

The following is a brief description of each 

of the seven main academic streams: 

Psychology 

Psychology is a core subject in each of 

the three years of the course leading to 

the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Social 

Studies in Social Care. Professional 

practice in social care is informed by 

a thorough foundation in psychology 

and an understanding of psychological 

perspectives in human development. The 

various theoretical models and approaches 

provide a framework for working with 

vulnerable and/or dependent service user 

groups to best support them and meet 

their identified needs. 

Sociology 

This course of sociological study has 

been allocated throughout the three 

years of the course. It focuses on the 

fundamentals of sociology, Ireland 

as a sociological profile and family 

studies. The aim of these modules is to 

challenge and encourage the student to 

an understanding of society as a human 

collective with the family at its core. It 

provides the student with an appreciation 

of the significant factors pertaining to 

societal development, concentrating on 

the role of social care therein. 

Communications 

Development in both communication and 

information technology skills throughout 

this course will equip the student in 

areas of communication such as human 

interaction, acquire communications 

skills relevant to the social care 

environment and personal development. 

This stream includes a module on 

research methods and practice. 

Group Dynamics and Personal 

Development 

On completion of the course students 

will fully appreciate the role of groups, 

teams and the working of both groups 

and teams within organisations. 

Furthermore they will understand how 

groups and teams are best constructed 

together with an a awareness of the 

different roles and personality types in 

groups and teams and have the ability to 

work effectively as a team member thus 

ensuring that each student develops from 

a personal perspective. This stream is 

completed with a module on personal and 

professional development. 

Health and Well-Being 

This subject provides the student with 

an understanding and appreciation of 

significant factors relating to physical 

development and healthy lifestyles for 

children, adolescents and adults. This 

subject challenges the student to explore 

their own attitudes relating to diet, 

fitness and lifestyle. Skills development 

in the area of cooking and first aid are 

a necessary component of health and 

well-being to prepare the student for the 

reality of the workplace. 

Applied Social Studies 

This subject introduces the student to 

social care as a discipline and examines 

issues relating to social studies. This is a 

pivotal subject that provides opportunities 

to link theory to practice and integrates 

the learning from other subjects, and lays 

the foundation for their development as 

professional practitioners. 

Supporting Studies 

In the case of recreation and creative 

studies, the course invites the student to 

partake in a personal journal of creativity 

and personal development. The course 

then moves on to challenge the student 

into both direct and indirect application 

of the creative methodologies of art, 

movement and drama, to the modern wider 

professional social care environment. 

In the case of legal studies, the students 

will be equipped with knowledge relating 

to the factors which govern legislation in 

this country and with an understanding 

of the main legislative frameworks within 

which social care operates. The practice 

implications of such legislation and 

standards will be explored to equip the 

students with the necessary awareness to 

function as a professional practitioner. 

Work Placement Projects 

The aim of this part of the course is to 

allow students to make clear connections 

between practical experiences and 

knowledge that has resulted from 

experience on the basis of appropriate 

and assessed learning outcomes, not the 

experience itself. During work placement, 

students will produce a portfolio to 

demonstrate evidence of knowledge 

skills and competencies acquired in the 

current workplace. The term portfolio 

refers to a claim for learning based on a 

collection of suitable pieces of evidence of 

that learning and will demonstrate work 

based learning experiences in the context 

of potentially creditable learning. 

The portfolio and evaluation report will 

be appraised for authenticity (that the 

student has undertaken what is claimed), 

directness (that the learning is specific, 

relevant and has been identified and 

categorised), breath (that the learning 

took place in a wider theoretical and 

vocational context which was understood 

by the applicant), currency (that the 

learning is sufficiently recent to be 

relevant), and balance (between theory 

and practical application). 

APPLICATION 







Sports Management and Coaching Courses 51 

Sports Management and 

Coaching Courses 

NEW 


Conditioning for 

Gaelic Games 


Award Type: Special Purpose Award 

Award Title: Certificate in Conditioning 

for Gaelic Games* 









Mathematics or Foundation Level at 


this programme. 

The minimum entry requirements for 

graduates of FETAC level 5 or 6 awards 

are any full award. 





from this requirement. 

Schedule: 

Semester 1: 

Wednesday nights 6pm-10pm 

Semester 1 and 2: 

Sport Placement Project 

Fee: €650 


(2 semesters) 

COURSE AIMS 

This course was developed in association 

with the Dublin County Board to meet the 

educational needs of Elite, Development 

and Club Coaches. 

This course is aimed at those who wish 

to enhance their team conditioning 

capabilities by gaining a greater 

understanding of the current theory and 

practice in the conditioning of teams. 

Graduates of this course may decide to 

pursue more specialised studies in Sports 

Management and Coaching, either on a 

full-time or part-time basis. 

This Special Purpose Award is 

comprised of two distinct modules 

• Conditioning for Gaelic Games. 

• Sport Placement Project. 

Conditioning for Gaelic 

Games Module 

This module is designed to introduce the 

student to fundamental concepts, debates 

and methodologies in conditioning for 

Gaelic Games. The topics and content 

imparts an introductory insight into 

the conditioning theory and practices 

employed in preparing teams. The 

module will ensure that students will 

recognise, understand and implement 

best practice. 

Course Content 

Physical Demands of Gaelic Games 

Conditioning for Gaelic Games 

Functional Performance in Field Sports 

Training Principles and Planning 

Nutrition 

Power and Strength Training 

Speed Development 


This module is comprised of 90 hours 

practical application and 15 hours 

Coaching Theory. 

This Sport Placement Project allows 

the students to map their practical 

experience against the learning outcomes 

of this Special Purpose Award. It is seen 

as a capstone module for this award and 

ensures that the underpinning theoretical 

concepts are transferred into practical 

applications and settings. 

Each course will be accompanied by 

an electronic handbook which will set 

out the material to be covered and the 

learning outcomes for each module. 

This will allow students who are unable 

to attend classes at particular times 

to keep in touch with what has been 

covered in class. 


The Special Purpose Award in 

Conditioning for Gaelic Games is a one 

year part-time programme. 

All students will attend lectures one night 

a week Wednesday 6.00pm-10.00pm. 

PROGRESSION 

On successful completion of the Special 

Purpose Award in Conditioning for Gaelic 

Games (NFQ level 6), students will obtain 

15 ECTS. This particular module will be 

considered for exemption from Coaching 

Theory and Practice 1 and 2 in year 1 of 

the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sports 

Management and Coaching (NFQ level 8). 

APPLICATION 




*Programme subject to validation




Sports Management and Coaching Courses 53 

NEW 

Certificate in Olympic 

Lifts for Sports 



Award Title: Certificate in Olympic Lifts 

for Sport* 




















Schedule: 

Semester 1: 


Semester 2: 


Fee: €650 


(2 semesters) 

*Programme subject to validation 

This course is designed to give 

participants a comprehensive exposure 

to the techniques and benefits of 

Olympic Lifts and the function they play 

in conditioning individuals and teams. 

This Special Award is very practically 

orientated and requires a good level 

of physical fitness on behalf of the 

participants. 

COURSE AIMS 





practice in use of Olympic Lifts in sport. 







• Olympic Lifts for Sport. 

• Sport Placement Project. 

Olympic Lifts for Sport Module 


student to fundamental concepts and 

methodologies in conditioning individuals 

and teams using Olympic Lifts. The 





Functional Movement Assessment and 

Solutions 

Physiology and Anatomy of Olympic 

Lifts 

Backward Chaining 

Forward Chaining 

The Snatch 

The Clean 

The Jerk 

Ancillary Exercises 




Coaching Theory. 

This Sport Placement Project allows 

the students to map their practical 

experience against the learning outcomes 

of this Special Purpose Award. It is seen 

as a capstone module for this award and 


concepts of Olympic Lifts are transferred 

into practical applications and settings. 

Each course will be accompanied by an 

electronic handbook which will set out the 

material to be covered and the learning 

outcomes for each module. This will allow 

students who are unable to attend classes 

at particular times to keep in touch with 



The Special Purpose Award in Olympic 

Lifts is a one year part-time programme. 


a week Wednesday 6.00pm – 10.00pm. 

PROGRESSION 


Purpose Award in Conditioning for 

Association football (NFQ level 6), 

students will obtain 15 ECTS. This 

particular module will be considered for 

exemption from Coaching Theory and 

Practise 1 and 2 in year 1 of the Bachelor 

of Arts (Honours) in Sports Management 

and Coaching (NFQ level 8) and from 

Functional and Fundamental Movement 1 

and 2 on the same programme. 

APPLICATION 






54 


Sports Management and Coaching Courses 

55 

NEW 


Conditioning for 

Association Football 



Award Title: Certificate in Conditioning 

for Association Football* 




















Schedule: 

Semester 1: 


Semester 1 and 2: 

Sports Placement Project 

Fee: €650 


(2 semesters) 

This course is a joint initiative 

between the Institute of Technology, 

Blanchardstown and the Football 

Association of Ireland. 

COURSE AIMs 





practice in the conditioning of teams. 







• Conditioning for Association Football. 

• Sports Placement Project. 

Conditioning for Association 

Football Module 


student to fundamental concepts, debates 

and methodologies in conditioning for 

Association football. The topics and 

content imparts an introductory insight 

into the conditioning theory and practices 

employed in preparing teams. The 





Physical Demands of Association 

Football 

Conditioning for Association Football 

Functional Performance in Field Sports 

Training Principles and Planning 

Nutrition 

Power and Strength Training 

Speed Development 




coaching theory. 

This Sport Placement Project allows the 

students to map their practical experience 

against the learning outcomes of this 

Special Purpose Award. It is seen as 

a capstone module for this award and 


concepts are transferred into practical 

applications and settings. 

Each course will be accompanied by an 

electronic handbook which will set out the 

material to be covered and the learning 

outcomes for each module. This will allow 

students who are unable to attend classes 

at particular times to keep in touch with 



The Special Purpose Award in 

Conditioning for Association football is a 

one year part-time programme. 


a week Wednesday 6.00pm – 10.00pm. 

PROGRESSION 


Purpose Award in Conditioning for 

Association football (NFQ level 6), 

students will obtain 15 ECTS. This 

particular module will be considered for 

exemption from Coaching Theory and 

Practise 1 and 2 in year 1 of the Bachelor 

of Arts (Honours) in Sports Management 

and Coaching (NFQ level 8). 

APPLICATION 




*Programme subject to validation



56 



57 

School of Informatics 

and Engineering 


NEW 

HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN 

SCIENCE IN COMPUTER 

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT 


Programme Title: Higher Certificate 

in Science in Computer Systems 

Management 



Science 








qualification. 



is any full award and this FETAC award 

must include Mathematics (C20139) or 

Mathematics for Computing (C20175) or 

Mathematics for Engineering (C20174) 






COURSE AIM 

This course is designed to produce 

graduates with the skills required 

to operate as a first line information 

technology support person in a 

wide range of industry and business 

environments. The course comprises both 

taught modules and credits for relevant 

work experience. 

COURSE STRUCTURE 

The course will be offered over 2 years 

in four semesters. Delivery of course 

content will be through a combination 

of lectures and self-study learning 

material. There is also a strong emphasis 

on practical work across all modules. 

Students will attend ITB three nights per 

week each semester. 

PROGRESSION 

On successful completion of the Higher 

Certificate in Science in Computer 

Systems Management (NFQ level 6), 

students are eligible to progress on to the 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems 

Management (NFQ level 7). 


Year 1 

Computer Systems (M) 

Operating Systems 1 (M) 

Computer Networks 1 (M) 

Software Development 1 (M) 

Interpersonal Communications and PC 

Applications (M) 

Work Based Learning (M) 

Year 2 

Computer Networks 2 (E) 

Operating Systems 2 (E) 

Software Development 2 (E) 

Mathematics (E) 

Databases (E) 

Training and Support (E) 

Hardware and Software Forensics (E) 

Business Management (E) 

(M) Mandatory Modules 

(E) Elective Modules 

All Modules are 10 ECTS Credits. 

Computer Networks I and 2 

The aim of these modules is to give 

the student an overview of computer 

networking technologies and standards. 

Networks 2 follows on from Networks 1 

to extend the student’s knowledge 

of computer networking technologies 

and standards, and to develop network 

design skills. 

Operating Systems I and 2 

The aim of operating systems 1 is to 

introduce the student to the basics 

of operating systems and systems 

administration. Operating systems 2 

extends the concepts from operating 

systems 1 to multi-user and network 

based operating systems. 

Software Development I and 2 

The aim of these modules is to develop 

the students’ ability to solve problems 

in a structured way using basic 

programming techniques. Software 

Development 2 follows from Software 

Development 1, and aims to further 

develop programming skills and an 

understanding of data structures, 

algorithms and their applications. 

Computer Systems 

This module aims to educate the 

student in the installation, configuration, 

troubleshooting and fault diagnosis/ 

reporting associated with modern 

personal computer motherboard/ 

peripherals and device driver software. 

Interpersonal Communications and 

PC Applications 

This module is designed to emphasise, 

reinforce and extend the key practical 

skills of communication to enable the 

student to communicate competently and 

successfully in any future professional 

context. The module will also give the 

student a working knowledge of office 

management software. 

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday 

and Thursday nights 6pm – 10pm 



(4 semesters)




Computing Courses 59 

Databases 

This module follows on from the 

relational database section of the 

Computer Applications module. It is 

designed to equip the student with the 

skills required to work with a relational 

database in a multi-user environment. 

Mathematics 

This module is designed to provide the 

student with the basic mathematical 

concepts and tools required for 

information technology. 

Training and Support 

The aim of the module is to teach the 

student how to train and support both 

customers and users in the effective 

use of the computer facilities available 

to them. 

Hardware and Software Forensics 

This subject covers the basics of the 

computer security and vulnerabilities in 

both hardware and software parts of a 

computer system. The modules will also 

develop the student’s ability to find and 

recover user activity on a computer. 

Work Based Learning 

A portfolio will have to be created by 

students to gain these credits. A portfolio 

refers to a claim for learning based on a 

collection of suitable pieces of evidence 

of that learning. It is usually a folder 

containing statements about what a 

student has learned and supporting 

appendices of evidence. The portfolio 

should describe work based learning 

experiences in the context of potentially 

credible learning. The experiences cited 

should be certified by the employer. 

APPLICATION 




NEW 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE 

IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS 

MANAGEMENT 


Programme Title: Bachelor of Science 

in Computer Systems Management 


Award Title: Bachelor of Science 







Schedule: Monday, Wednesday 

and Thursday nights 6pm – 10pm 



(4 semesters) 

COURSE AIM 

This course is designed to provide 

students with the education and skills to 

carry out the duties and responsibilities 

of an information technology support 

supervisor. The ordinary degree builds 

upon the foundation provided by the 

Higher Certificate in Science in Computer 

Systems Management. 

SUBJECT OVERVIEW 

Computer Networks 3 

The aim of this subject is to extend 

the student’s knowledge of computer 

networking technologies and standards, 

and to develop network management and 

troubleshooting skills. 

Computer Systems Administration 

This subject provides the students with 

the necessary theoretical and practical 

skills to be able to specify, install, 

configure, debug and manage both the 

hardware and operating system of both 

workstations and servers. 

Computer Services Management 

This subject is designed to provide the 

student with the techniques required 

in planning, organising and providing 

computer services, particularly in small 

and medium sized companies. 

Software Development 3 

This subject develops the student’s 

working knowledge of object-oriented 

analysis, design, programming and 

maintenance. 

Database Systems 

This subject extends the students’ 

database skills and knowledge in four 

key areas: Database structure, database 

administration, backup and recovery and 

distributed databases.





Network Security 

This subject covers the basics of the 

computer network security planning, 

implementation and network security 

vulnerabilities. The module will develop 

skills in the testing of a networks security 

using penetration testing methodologies. 

Project 

The Bachelor of Science in Computing 

Systems Management project will develop 

the vocational skills of the student and 

have an employment focus. 

The suite of modules on offer will 

alternate each year. 

Suite A 

Computer Networks 

Computer Systems Administration 

Computer Services Management or 


Software Development 1 (M) 

Suite B 

Project 

Software Development 

Database Systems 

APPLICATION 




Student Profile 

School of Informatics and Engineering 

“I did my primary degree here so I knew the 

lecturers would be excellent help. Also the 

subject range interested me greatly, and I 

wanted to learn new technologies and gain new 

skills. I was interested in developing research 

skills too – it’s great to be able to go out on 

your own with a problem and come back with 

a solution – so that I’d be able to complete my 

thesis promoting digital literacy among people 

not engaging with technology. That’s a huge thing 

that came out of the masters for me.” 

Karen Shaw, MSc Computing 

“I work in IBM, they funded my course. It’s great 

to have that. At work I found that a lot of people 

had higher qualifications, there were a lot of 

doctorates, masters… For getting on in your 

job, the qualification would definitely be in your 

favour. You just have to keep looking forward and 

say ‘this will benefit me’…for some people it will 

be a pay rise, for some a step to a doctorate. 

I look at it as advancement. It’s hard work while 

you’re doing it. But you’re not thrown into it; it’s 

good that way. There’s nothing to be afraid of!” 

Paul King, MSc Computing 

“I work for IBM as a logistics systems specialist 

but it’s more on the application side and I’d 

prefer to be on the IT side. Before I came to 

ITB I actually stayed away from software 

development but it’s sort of taken away my fear 

of that. They keep the material interesting and 

it’s good quality. It’s a well put-together course 

and I believe that if someone will put in the effort 

they will learn something that they can use later 

on if they’re going to get into the IT industry.” 

Charles Williams, Higher Certificate in 

Science in Information Technology Support





HIGHER DIPLOMA IN 

SCIENCE IN COMPUTING 


Programme Title: Higher Diploma in 

Science in Computing 


Award Title: Higher Diploma in Science 




Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree in 

a non related discipline or Ordinary 

Bachelor Degree in Computing (NFQ 

level 7) where their date of award 

exceeds 5 years previous from their 

date of application. 

Schedule: 1 Saturday per month 

9.30am – 5.30pm 

Fee: €4,400 

Duration: 18 months part-time 

COURSE AIM 

The Higher Diploma in Science in 

Computing is designed to give students 

a comprehensive understanding 

with specific abilities in the areas of 

computing, information technology and 

associated best practices, as well as to 

act as a basis on which to progress to 

higher studies in computing. 

WHO SHOULD APPLY? 


Computing is suitable for degree holders 

at NFQ level 7, or higher: 

• Working as IT professionals at the 

level of the enterprise (Enterprise IT). 

• Working as IT professionals in 

the localisation industry (IT and 

Localisation). 

• Who want a skills conversion path to 

an IT environment, that is, individuals 

who wish to redirect their careers into 

the IT industry (Conversion to IT). 

WHAT DOES THE HIGHER DIPLOMA IN 

SCIENCE IN COMPUTING ACHIEVE? 

• The Higher Diploma in Science in 

Computing introduces students to 

theoretical foundations in a variety of 

specialist areas to prepare students 

for further postgraduate and higher 

degree studies. 

• The course is built on the premise 

that there are a number of domains 

of knowledge and skills that are 

fundamental to a graduate with 

a Higher Diploma in Science in 

Computing qualification. 

• The course streams provide a flexible 

but comprehensive study path through 

key skill areas. 

• The complementary nature of 

the subject modules means that 

the students will receive a sound 

theoretical knowledge grounded in 

a strong practical ability coupled 

with focus on quality and technical 

solutions. 

The emphasis on the course is on a 

theoretical and practical approach in 

a modern working environment with 

the latest appropriate technology and 

techniques necessary for the cultivation 

of advanced computing skills valuable 

to today’s IT market place at the level 

appropriate for a Higher Diploma in 

Science in Computing. 

SUBJECTS BY SEMESTER BY 

MAJOR THEME 


Computing requires the student to take 

a total of 9 modules and a project. The 

subjects are shown in the following table, 

by major theme. (Note that not all of the 

subjects in the table need to be taken). 

(M) Mandatory module, otherwise elective 

module prerequisites must be respected 

and specific mandatory modules must 

be taken. Typically this represents a 

student taking 3 modules in the first and 

second semester and 3 modules and a 

mandatory project in the third semester. 

A choice of modules from the table 

above will be offered over an academic 

year. Electives will only be available at 

the discretion of the institute, subject to 

availability of lecturing staff and sufficient 

expression of interest from students. 

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (BN509) 

Subject Areas Modules Modules 

Software Engineering Software Engineering 1 (M) Software Engineering 2 

Fundamentals of Game 

Development 

Net-centric 

Computing 

Computer 

Architecture and 

Organisation 

Information 

Management 

e-Learning Design 

and Development 

Multimedia Design 

and Development 

Management 

Information in 

Enterprise Computing 

Communications and 

Networking 

Computer Architecture 

Modelling and 

Database Design 

Instructional Design 

for e-Learning 

Two-dimensional Graphics 

and Animation 

Decision Support Information 

for Management 

Internetworking 

Web Development (client) 

Web Development (server) 

Operating Systems 

Database Administration 

Strategic Planning for 

Enterprise IT 

Project Design and 

Development (M) 

e-Learning 

Implementation 

Digital Audio and 

Digital Video 

Computational Forensics





A UNIQUE DELIVERY METHOD 

The innovative feature of this course 

is that it will be delivered using a 

blended learning approach consisting 

of workshops, on-line and self study 

materials. The aim is to deliver the 

programme in a way that accommodates 

participants work and other time 

constraints. All students are expected to 

have access to a PC and the internet and 

have a high level of computer literacy. 

APPLICATION 




MASTER OF SCIENCE IN 

COMPUTING 

Programme Code: BN512* 

Programme Title: Master of Science 

in Computing 


Award Title: Master of Science 




Second class honours grade 2 (GPA 2.5) 

or equivalent in a Bachelor of Science 

(Honours) in Computing, or equivalent. 

Schedule: Tuesday and Wednesday 

6pm – 10pm 

Fee: €5,000 

Duration: 18 months part-time 

*This course is being revalidated and any 

changes and/or additional course modules 

will be posted on www.itb.ie. 

COURSE AIM 

The MSc in Computing course is designed 

to offer a pathway to computing science 

through modules relevant to the IT 

industry. This is an area in Ireland that 

has a constant need for people with 

advanced computing skills, particularly 

at the postgraduate level. The emphasis 

placed by the MSc in Computing 

programme is on a theoretical and 

practical approach in a modern working 

environment with the latest technology 

and techniques necessary for the 

cultivation of advanced computing skills. 

One of our most important course aims 

is the development of personal initiative, 

problem ownership, analytical problem 

solving and research skills in a computing 

science environment. This is incorporated 

in the teaching and continuous 

assessment methodology of the course. 


1. Provide the students with the skills 

mastery, competences and knowledge 

to undertake research in advanced 

technical domains. 

2. Produce MSc in Computing degree 

holders with comprehensive 

knowledge, skills mastery and 

attitudes appropriate for careers in 

computing and information technology 

in a rapidly evolving market place. 

3. Develop the students’ powers of 

critical analysis and their ability to 

tackle technical and enterpriserelated 

problems and issues in a 

coherent and logical manner. 

4. Give students the theoretical 

foundations they will need for 

continuing studies at PhD level, in ITB 

or elsewhere. 

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE MSc 

IN COMPUTING DEGREE? 

The MSc in Computing programme is of 

particular value to holders of a primary 

degree in computing, IT, or equivalent, 

working as IT professionals at the level 

of the enterprise or as IT professionals. 

It is also of value to individuals with a 

computing degree background who wish





to develop their career towards working 

within a research-oriented environment 

at a postgraduate level. 

EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL FOR MSc 

IN COMPUTING GRADUATES 

Because we work very closely with local 

industry, we are aware of the strong need 

for graduates with specialist information 

technology skills able to cope with an ever 

expanding IT environment. The specific 

skills required now by the IT industry 

include computing, software development, 

scalable back-end operating systems 

and server management, distributed 

computing, web development and web 

services, enterprise computing with the 

management of the enterprise information 

resource, localisation and language skills 

in software, information security and 

digital forensics. 


Students can choose a suite or modules 

from different suites, on offer from 

the following: 

Digital Information Security 

Digital Forensics 

Cyber Crime Investigation 

Secure Communications and 

Cryptography 


Business Continuity and Disaster 

Recovery 

Business Risk and Compliance 

Data Mining 

Business Intelligence 

Data Mining Algorithms 

Data Pre-processing and Exploration 

Applications of Business Intelligence 

and Data Mining 

Web Content Mining and Text Mining 

Geographical Information 

Systems Mining 

Hardware and Software Forensics (E) 

Intelligent Multimedia 

Three-dimensional Graphics and 

Animation 

Multimedia Interaction Design 

Applied Artificial Intelligence 

Intelligent MM Interfaces 

Procedural Generation of Multimedia 

Content 

Game-based Learning 

The master’s degree is made up of 6 

modules and a research project. 10 

Credits for each module and 30 credits 

for research project giving a masters 

award of MSc in Computing with 90 

credits. Students who fail to achieve a 

pass award in the research project will be 

offered a graduate diploma (level 9) with 

60 credits. 

Other available modules on offer are: 

• Distributed Systems. 

• Mobile Computing in Converged 

Networks. 

• Intelligent Software Agents. 

• Enterprise Computing Web Services. 

• Localisation in a Java Enterprise 

Environment. 

• Language Engineering. 

• Three-dimensional Graphics and 

Animation. 

• Advanced Operating Systems. 

• Real-time Systems. 

• Advanced Industrial Computing and 

Communications. 

• Advanced Systems Design and 

Management. 

APPLICATION 




CISCO Networking 

Academy – Industry 

Certified IT 

Programmes 

The Cisco Networking Academy 

Programme (CNAP) was founded in 1997 

to help students gain the real world 

networking skills that are in high demand 

in the IT economy. The Cisco curriculum 

combines both theory and practical 

skills and aims to give a student the 

knowledge and ability to design, develop 

and implement LAN and WAN networking 

solutions. The Cisco Networking Academy 

Programme is delivered by more than 

8,300 local academies in over 134 

countries world-wide. 

ITB became a regional Cisco academy 

in 2002 with a view to extending access 

for computer network training to more 

students in the wider Dublin area. As a 

regional Cisco academy, ITB can deliver 

CCNA and security courses at the highest 

professional training level. 

ITB has established a strategic 

partnership for industry relevant 

education in conjunction with a number 

of colleges of further education in the city 

of Dublin and bordering counties. The 

partnership now offers CCNA and other 

industry certified courses given below 

in order to provide access to relevant IT 

knowledge and skill-sets. 

ABOUT THE CNAP PROGRAMME – 

WHY ATTEND? 

Computer networking is a vital resource 

for organisations in the private and public 

sectors. Yet many are confronting a 

shortage of the skilled personnel needed 

to design, build and maintain networks. 

The aim of this CNAP programme is to 

equip participants with the knowledge 

and skills needed to design, build and 

maintain networks: 

• CCNA training, modules 1-4 

• Cisco Security Part 2 

• CCNA Security 

• CCNA Voice 

• CCNA Wireless. 

The successful completion of these 

programmes allows candidates to take 

the following certifications: 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate 

(CCNA) 640-802 


Security 640-553 IINS 


Voice 640-460 IIUS 


Wireless 640-721 IUWNE. 

The course will achieve its aim by 

transferring knowledge and skills to the 

participants in a dynamic and exciting 

way, making the best use of instructor led 

tuition, practical skills sessions, project 

work and the most up to date online 

learning materials. 

APPLICATION 








CERTIFICATE IN 

CISCO-CCNA 


Programme Title: Certificate in 

Cisco-CCNA 


Award Title: Certificate in Cisco-CCNA 




Basic computer literacy skills. 

Schedule: Monday evenings 

5pm – 10pm 

1 Saturday morning per month 

9am – 1pm 

Fee: €3,500 

Duration: 10 weeks per module 

10 months part-time 


The programme is intended for those 

already involved in IT who wish to acquire 

or improve networking skills and to 

obtain certification for such skills. No 

formal qualification in computing is 

required for entry to the course but 

potential participants should have a basic 

knowledge of computer technology e.g. 

familiarity with a PC and the internet. 

Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 

16 students per instructor. 

HOW IS CERTIFICATION OBTAINED? 

Participants will receive a Cisco 

certificate of completion for each of the 

modules that they successfully complete. 

Those wishing to obtain industrial 

certification must sit the 640-802 

examination conducted in a test centre 

recognised by Cisco. Candidates can do 

this in ITB, which has a Pearson VUE test 

centre. The cost of the exam is built into 

the course fee. 

PROGRAMME DELIVERY 

The CCNA® curriculum provides 

foundational networking knowledge, 

practical experience, opportunities 

for career exploration, and soft-skills 

development to help students prepare for 

entry-level careers in IT and networking. 

The curriculum offers a hands-on 

approach to learning, and uses interactive 

tools and easy-to-follow labs to help 

students learn the general theory needed 

to build networks. 

CCNA allows for quick application of 

learned concepts to encourage students 

to consider additional education in 

IT. It uses easy-to-follow, step-bystep 

laboratories that provide detailed 

instructions and feedback to help 

students reach the final solution. It 

includes embedded e-doing, highly 

interactive activities that stimulate 

learning and improve knowledge 

retention. E-doing involves rich 

multimedia, including Flash-based 

activities, videos, and interactive quizzes,



70 



71 

that address a variety of learning styles, 

increase comprehension, and provide a 

rich learning experience. 

Course Description 

The CCNA curriculum is composed of 

four courses: 

Networking for Home and Small 

Businesses 

Working at a Small-to-Medium 

Business or ISP 

Introducing Routing and Switching in 

the Enterprise 

Designing and Supporting Computer 

Networks. 

The courses are delivered sequentially, 

and each course is a prerequisite for the 

next course. 

CCNA teaches networking based 

on applications covering the types 

of practical networks students may 

encounter, from simple home or small 

office networks to more complex 

enterprise models. Students learn the 

technical skills and soft skills needed 

to succeed in entry-level networking 

professions such as a network installer, 

help desk technician, pre-sales support 

technician, or network technician. CCNA 

also provides an introduction to advanced 

technologies such as voice, video, 

wireless, and security. 

CAREER PROSPECTS 

The CCNA offers strong employment 

prospects for graduates in the areas 

of networking. Skills developed are 

particularly attractive to any institution or 

organisation that has computer networks 

at the core of their business. Among the 

companies that CCNA graduates now 

work are Intel, HP, Symantec, IBM, Yahoo, 

Amazon, BT, Google and Digiweb. 

Some Unique Features of our 

CISCO Networking Academy 

1. The exam cost of €180 is built into 

the course fees and booked in 

Pearson VUE. 

2. Access to state of the art ITB 

Cisco labs. 

3. Face to face support, email and phone 

contact with ITB lecturing staff. 

4. Eight books included in the price. 

5. Cisco exam preparation at the end 

of the course. 

APPLICATION 




CERTIFICATE IN CISCO- 

NETWORK SECURITY 2 


Programme Title: Certificate in Cisco- 

Network Security 2 


Award Title: Certificate in Cisco- 

Network Security 2 




A valid CCNA certification or a Certificate 

in Cisco-Networking Security. 

Schedule: Tuesday 5pm – 10pm 

Fee: €2,000 

Duration: 1 semester: September 2009 

to January 2010 

Computer networks are now a vital 

resource for organisations in the 

private and public sectors. Yet many are 

confronting a shortage of the skilled 

personnel needed to design, build and 

maintain their networks. 

There is a growing need for professionals 

trained in CCNA to build on this with 

network security techniques. Companies 

are frequently attacked through their 

connections to remote users or business 

partners who have less stringent security 

policies or implementation. Companies, 

governments, and organisations must 

guard against hackers, and outsiders 

who threaten their information security, 

integrity, and daily business operations. 



or improve their networking security 

skills and to obtain certification for such 

skills. It is recommended that students 

complete courses 1-4 of CCNA through 

the Cisco Networking Academy Program 

as a minimum or have a valid CCNA 

certification. 

The Network Security 2 course focuses 

on the overall security processes in a 

network with particular emphasis on 

hands-on skills in the following areas: 

• Security policy design and 

management. 

• Security technologies, products, 

solutions and design. 

• Advanced firewall installation, 

configuration, monitoring and 

maintenance. 

• The configuration of Network Intrusion. 

• Detection and Prevention systems 

• Encryption and VPN Technology. 

• The configuration of Site-to-Site 

VPN using Pre-Shared Keys and 

Digital Certificates. 

• The configuration of remote 

access VPN. 

• PIX Security Appliance Contexts, 

Failover and Management.





The Cisco Network Security 2 course 

prepares students to take the Securing 

Networks with Routers and Switches 

(SNRS) and Securing Networks with ASA 

Foundation (SNAF) certifications. These 

exams will also count towards the CCSP 

(Cisco Certified Security Professional) 

certification. This course will also discuss 

topics found on the CompTIA Security+ 

exam and will prepare students for 

further network security study. 




way, making the best use of instructorled 

tuition, practical skills sessions, 

project work and the most up-to-date 

on-line learning materials. 

After completing this course and the 

Network Security 1 course, students will 

be prepared to take the CCNA Security, 

Securing Networks with Cisco Routers 

and Switches (SNRS) and Securing 

Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF) 

Certification exams. These are three of 

the five exams that count towards the 

Cisco Certified Security Professional 

(CCSP) certification. 

This course will also discuss topics found 

on the CompTIA Security+ exam and will 

prepare students for further network 

security study. 

APPLICATION 




CERTIFICATE IN 

COMPTIA A+ 



CompTIA A+ 


Award Title: Certificate in CompTIA A+ 




Basic computer literacy skills. 

Schedule: Tuesday 5pm – 10pm 

Fee: €2,000 



Computer systems are now a vital 

resource for organisations in the 

private and public sectors. Yet many are 

confronting a shortage of the skilled 

personnel needed to design, build and 

maintain their computer systems. ITB has 

developed its training resources in order 

to meet this need and is now registered 

as a CompTIA E2C partner, authorised to 

deliver the CompTIA range of modules. 

CompTIA A+ 

CompTIA A+ certification validates 

the latest skills needed by today’s 

computer support professionals. It is an 

international, vendor-neutral certification 

recognised by major hardware and 

software vendors, distributors and 

resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a 

technician’s ability to perform tasks 

such as installation, configuration, 

diagnosing, preventive maintenance and 

basic networking. The exams also cover 

domains such as security, safety and 

environmental issues and communication 

and professionalism. 

CompTIA A+ ensures the right people 

have the right skills. While many of the 

essential skills are universal, there are 

additional skills required to support 

the needs of businesses. By offering 

alternative validation paths for specific job 

scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals 

the ability to develop their careers in a 

certain area and employers the flexibility 

to choose the validation that best fits 

their needs. 







on-line learning materials.







or improve hardware and operating 

systems skills and to obtain certification 

for such skills. No formal qualification 

in computing is required for entry to the 

course but potential participants should 

have a basic knowledge of computer 

technology e.g. familiarity with a PC and 

the Internet. 

Those who successfully complete the 

programme will be trained to a level where 

they are thoroughly prepared to take the 

CompTIA A+ certification. This consists of 

two exams, which are listed below. 

CompTIA A+ Essentials 

CompTIA A+ Essentials validates 

knowledge of basic computer hardware 

and operating systems, covering skills 

such as installation, building, upgrading, 

repairing, configuring, troubleshooting, 

optimising, diagnosing and preventive 

maintenance, with additional elements 

of security and soft skills. The essentials 

exam validates the basic skills needed 

by any entry-level service technician 

regardless of job environment. 

CompTIA A+ 220-602 

The CompTIA A+ 220-602 exam is targeted 

for individuals who work or intend to 

work in a mobile or corporate technical 

environment with a high level of face-toface 

client interaction. Examples of job 

roles include: Enterprise Technician, IT 

Administrator, Field Service Technician, 

PC Technician. Ideally, the CompTIA A+ 

220-602 candidate has already passed 

the CompTIA A+ Essentials examination. 

Candidates who pass both CompTIA 

A+ Essentials and exam 220-602 will 

be CompTIA A+ certified with the IT 

Technician designation. 

APPLICATION 






“I’m a painter and decorator. I was doing a 

Higher Cert in Computing and took a year 

out… I’m back now hopefully to change career. 

The job market is good for networking at the 

moment, there’s a shortage of networkers. 

Internet security is the big thing now. A while 

ago it was all connectivity issues, now it’s all 

security. Here they have all the routers and 

switches, so you can manually do everything. 

It’s better, more of a hands-on approach. 

I hope to come back and do the CCNP. It’s the 

next step.” 

Leon O’Neill, CCNA 

“I work with photocopiers and computers and I 

need to be able to link them all together – set 

up a network, hook them to the server so I 

thought this course would help with my work. 

The college is fun and I’m really happy with the 

course, the fact that there is a lot of practical 

in it and not all just theory… the practicals are 

very good – it’s very hands on. I’ve already done 

the A+ and I’ll do the CCNA next. It’ll all look 

good on my CV.” 

Pearse Lynch, CompTIA A+





NEW 

MICROSOFT CERTIFIED 

TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST 

(MCTS) 



MCTS: .NET Framework 2.0 Windows 

Applications Certificate in MCTS: NET 

Framework 2.0 Web Applications 


Award Title: Certificate in Microsoft 

Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) 




Fundamentals of Programming module 

at NFQ level 6. 

Schedule: Thursday 5pm – 10pm 

Fee: €3,000 


Microsoft certification represents a 

rich and varied spectrum of job roles 

and responsibilities. Earning a specific 

credential provides objective validation 

of the ability to successfully perform 

critical IT functions. Embraced by industry 

professionals worldwide, Microsoft 

certification remains one of the most 

effective ways to reach long-term career 

goals, and it is an exciting and reliable way 

for companies to develop and retain their 

valuable IT staff. The MCTS certifications 

enable professionals to target specific 

technologies such as .NET Framework 

2.0/3.5 and to distinguish themselves 

by demonstrating in-depth knowledge 

and expertise in the various Microsoft 

specialised technologies. 

There are a number of specific 

certifications within the MCTS suite. Some 

(or all) of the following are available at the 


(consult with Institute admissions office 

regarding course availability). 

Developers who hold the MCTS .NET 

Framework 2.0 Windows Applications 

certification have demonstrated breadth 

and depth of skills and knowledge of 

Windows Forms technology, in addition 

to expertise in data access in Microsoft 

Windows applications. 

Developers who earn the MCTS .NET 

Framework 2.0 Web Applications 

certification have demonstrated breadth 

and depth of skills and knowledge of Web 

application technology and data access in 

Web applications. 

Technology Specialists typically pursue 

careers as Web developers, Windows 

developers, or enterprise software 

developers. They may also be database 

developers or systems administrators 

who do not work daily with the .NET 

Framework 2.0 but who want to show 

their breadth of technology experience. 

APPLICATION 




NEW 

CERTIFICATE IN COMPTIA 

SERVER+ 



CompTIA Server+ 


Award Title: Certificate in CompTIA 

Server+ 




CompTIA A+ recommended. 


Fee: €2,000 



Almost every business needs a server 

to function. Servers give networked 

computers a shared resource, storing 

documents, programs and printer 

information. CompTIA Server+ was 

developed to validate the skills of 

technicians who maintain this important 

technology and covers server issues and 

technology, consisting of installation, 

configuration, upgrading, maintenance, 

environment and troubleshooting. 

CompTIA Server+ validates the knowledge 

and skills of advanced IT technicians. 

It is an international, vendor-neutral 

certification for individuals with 18-24 

months of experience with Industry 

Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) 

technology. CompTIA Server+ certifies 

technical knowledge in areas such 

as RAID, SCSI and multiple CPUs, as 

well as capabilities with server issues, 

including disaster recovery. Although 

not a prerequisite, it is recommended 

that CompTIA Server+ candidates hold a 

CompTIA A+ certification. 

Previous work experience may show 

employers your capabilities as an IT 

technician, but being CompTIA Server+ 

certified proves it. Because CompTIA 

Server+ is vendor-neutral and industrywide, 

it validates to employers your 

ability to work in any company or any 

environment. Prove your knowledge of 

server issues and technology, by adding 

CompTIA Server+ to your CV. 


programme will be trained to a level 

where they are thoroughly prepared to 

take the CompTIA Server+ certification. 








APPLICATION 







NEW 

CerTIFICATE IN COMPTIA 

SECURITY+ 



CompTIA Security+ 


Award Title: Certificate in CompTIA 

Security+ 




Two years of technical experience in 

networking with emphasis on security. 

CompTIA Network+ recommended, but 

not required. 


Fee: €2,000 



CompTIA Security+ is a “vendor-neutral” 

certification. As such, it validates security 

skills across a broad security spectrum 

that is applicable in a variety of network 

configurations, rather than a restricted 

environment. CompTIA Security+ certifies 

two years of hands-on network security 

experience, making it a useful discriminator 

for compliance and staffing purposes. 

Security affects all areas of business, not 

just the IT department. In addition to a 

loss of income and employee productivity, 

a security breach can cost your business 

its reputation. Implementing security 

training and certification improves the 

likelihood that your staff will respond 

quickly to security issues and practice 

better security procedures. 

CompTIA Security+ certification validates 

experienced technical knowledge of 

security as it relates to systems security, 

access control, network infrastructure, 

assessments and audits, cryptography 

and organisational security across all 

vendor products. 

Earning CompTIA Security+ measures 

the ability to apply knowledge of security 

concepts and implementation in today’s 

security environment. These skills have 

become increasingly important, as 

additional safeguards such as intrusion 

detection systems, physical access 

control and multi-factor authentication 

become standard methods of protection. 


programme will be trained to a level 

where they are thoroughly prepared to 

take the CompTIA Security+ certification. 








APPLICATION 







Engineering Courses 81 



“When I got a job in Intel I took up the 

Mechatronics course as it’s a really relevant 

qualification. There are a lot of people being 

moved around in the departments and there are 

jobs opening up, so this opens up opportunities 

for me. I enjoyed the course, it’s very 

challenging, especially on family life. But it was 

worth it, I think I will go on and get the higher 

degree – just not yet!” 

George Fox, Mechatronics 

“Mechatronics is a mixture of different kinds of 

engineering together. I work for Intel, so in order 

to progress in my job I had to go back to college. 

They give the time and the money, and I do the 

study! I work shift work so it’s easier to be more 

flexible. I just live in Tyrrellstown so I can drop 

down anytime. In the current climate, it’s harder 

to get jobs. Having further education increases 

your chances. It’ll definitely be worthwhile when 

I get the piece of paper at the end!” 

Jason Rafferty, Mechatronics 

“This is my last year of a five year degree. I’m 

working two days a week on an internship with 

a company that does equipment calibration. 

Hopefully come September they’ll take me on 

fulltime. I came to the open day here, and I 

liked the fact that it was small numbers, small 

classes and so hands-on. I work a lot better in 

a small group, I figured that out in the first few 

years of secondary! That the equipment here was 

new was very attractive as well, because in this 

industry the technology moves on all the time.” 

Niall Fagan, Engineering 

HIGHER CERTIFICATE 

IN ENGINEERING IN 

MECHATRONICS 


Programme Title: Higher Certificate in 

Engineering in Mechatronics 



Engineering 








qualification. 



is any full award. 

This award must include Mathematics 

(C20139) or Mathematics for Computing 

(C20175) or Mathematics for 

Engineering (C20174). 






Schedule: Tuesday 6pm – 10pm and 

Thursday 2pm – 10pm 


Duration: 3 years 

COURSE AIMS 

Mechatronics is the integration of precision 

mechanical engineering, control theory, 

computer science and electronics in: 

• Product design process, for creation 

of more functional and adaptable 

products. 

• Process control and automation. 

• Quality control/Management. 

• System efficiency enhancement, 

including ergonomics. 

Employment opportunities exist in 

(among other key industries): 

• Industries requiring automated 

manufacturing processes for mass 

production and quality control (e.g. 

pharmaceutical industry, vehicle 

manufacture and assembly, food 

processing etc.) 

• Design and development of 

intelligent machines (e.g. robots) and 

autonomous vehicles for application in 

hostile environments e.g. fire fighting, 

bomb disposal etc. 

• Medical devices industry incorporating 

sensors, control and machine vision.





This programme allows students to 

achieve the award of Higher Certificate 

in Engineering in Mechatronics. This 

is a widely recognised and accredited 

multidisciplinary engineering 

qualification. It will give students the 

necessary knowledge, know-how and 

skills to find employment as a technician 

in a relevant industry. It will also give 

students the opportunity to proceed to 

further studies in Mechatronics (i.e. 

degree level studies). 


Subjects covered in the programme 

include aspects of Electronics, 

Mechanics, Automation, Production, 

Software Engineering and Mathematics, 

with a strong emphasis on practical 

skills. The theoretical and practical 

skills developed during the programme 

are brought together in the final 

semester, where a significant aspect 

of the programme is the undertaking 

of a project, where students design 

and construct a mechatronics device. A 

detailed breakdown of the modules is 

provided below in the course schedule. 

At ITB we have a range of fully equipped 

laboratories and computer rooms. These 

facilities allow students to successfully 

design, test and build engineering 

projects. The labs are equipped with the 

latest software packages in Computer 

Aided Design, Instrumentation and 

Control, Simulation and Programming. 

COST and FEES 

The programme fee will be €400 per 

module. We envisage that there will 

be a total of 8 modules delivered each 

year. Each student will be provided with 

a toolkit that contains all the necessary 

tools to complete the practical elements 

of the course. Access and support will 

be provided by email and online learning 

resources. Any necessary software 

will be provided to complete additional 

coursework at home. Students registered 

on the programme may apply for 

exemptions from certain subjects based 

on evidence of previous learning. 

COURSE DELIVERY 

It is envisaged that students pursuing 

this Higher Certificate programme will 

complete it within three years. Delivery of 

the modules will be as flexible as possible, 

for example laboratory times may be 

available on different days at different 

times during the week. Occasionally 

during the programme students may be 

expected to be available for accelerated 

delivery of certain practical modules. The 

time and duration of these modules will be 

agreed in good time. 

SUPPORT 

Resources such as lecture notes, past 

exam papers, tutorial etc. will all be made 

available online, for access at home or 

work. The numbers in each tutorial and 

laboratory session is limited to maximise 

your learning experience. Through 

discussion groups, forums as well as 

email and phone support, there is a wide 

range of support available to you from both 

your lecturers and your class colleagues. 

Computer facilities are available to you 

in ITB at all times once registered as a 

student. Computer application training 

is given during the first semester. Online 

material is available to students who 

have internet access. In addition to web 

resources, the library stocks many of the 

texts referred to in class. 

ASSESSMENT 

There is a wide range of assessment 

procedures employed in this programme. 

Assessment will range from laboratory 

assignments to online tests. Many of the 

modules will be continuously assessed 

throughout the semester, 50% of the final 

marks are decided by these assessments; 

the final 50% from an end of term 

exam. However more practical modules 

are assessed by ongoing continuous 

assessment only. 


Year 1 

September 2009 

Mathematics 1 

Personal Development with Computer 

Applications 

Engineering Drawing 

January 2010 

Engineering Science 

Circuit Theory 

Mechatronics Practice 1 

Summer 2010 

Mechanics 1 

Mathematics 2 

Year 2 


Mathematics 3 

Analogue Electronics 

Mechatronics Practice 2 

January 2011 

Mathematics 4 

Digital Electronics 

Electrical Science 

Summer 2011 

Mechanics 2 

Computer Aided Design 

Year 3 


Fluid Power Systems 

Programming 

Computer Electronics 

January 2012 

Electrical Power and Machines 

Electronic CAD 

Instrumentation and Control 

Summer 2012 

Manufacturing and Maintenance 

Project 

APPLICATION 








BACHELOR OF 

ENGINEERING IN 

MECHATRONICS 


Programme Title: Bachelor of 

Engineering in Mechatronics 


Award Title: Bachelor of Engineering 







Applicants who have completed a 

FETAC Level 6 award in a craft such as 

Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation 

or Fabrication and have 3 years postqualification 

experience in an industrial 

environment. Such applicant will be 

required to take bridging modules. 

Students should have access to a PC 

and broadband. 

Schedule: Online lectures (recorded); 

Monday 5pm – 6pm and 6.30pm – 7.30pm 

Wednesday 5pm – 6pm 

Up to 3 practical sessions, 

Saturday 9am – 3pm per semester 


Duration: 2 years 

COURSE AIMS 

The programme is targeted towards those 

working in a related industry, who have 

already achieved the award of Higher 

Certificate in Engineering (Electronics/ 

Mechanical/Mechatronics or related) 

(NFQ level 6) or with a FETAC level 6 craft 

award (subject to conditions), who desire 

to upskill to a Bachelor of Engineering in 

Mechatronics (NFQ level 7). 

Mechatronics is the integration of precision 

mechanical engineering, control theory, 

computer science and electronics in: 

• Product design process, for creation 

of more functional and adaptable 

products. 

• Process control and automation. 

• Quality control/Management. 

• System efficiency enhancement, 

including ergonomics. 

Employment opportunities exist in 

(among other key industries): 

• Industries requiring automated 

manufacturing processes for mass 

production and quality control (e.g. 

pharmaceutical industry, vehicle 

manufacture and assembly, food 

processing etc.). 

• Design and development of 

intelligent machines (e.g. robots) and 

autonomous vehicles for application in 

hostile environments e.g. fire fighting, 

bomb disposal etc. 

• Medical devices industry incorporating 

sensors, control and machine vision. 

This programme allows students to 

achieve the award of Ordinary Degree 

in Engineering in Mechatronics. This 

is a widely recognised and accredited 

multidisciplinary engineering 

qualification. It will give students the 

necessary knowledge, know-how and 

skills to advance in their employment 

as a technician in a relevant industry. It 

will also give students the opportunity 

to proceed to further studies in 

Mechatronics (i.e. honours level studies). 


Subjects covered in the programme 

include aspects of electronics, 

mechanics, automation, production, 

software engineering and mathematics, 

with a strong emphasis on practical 

skills. A significant aspect of the 

programme is the undertaking of a 

project, in which the theoretical and 

practical skills developed during the 

programme are brought together 

in the design and construction of a 

Mechatronics solution to an engineering 

problem. A detailed breakdown of the 

modules is provided in the course 

schedule. 

At ITB we have a range of fully equipped 

laboratories and computer rooms. These 

facilities allow students to successfully 

design, test and build engineering 

projects. The computers have the latest 

software packages in computer aided 

design, instrumentation and control, 

simulation and programming. 

COST and FEES 

The programme fee will be €2,500 per year. 

This fee includes all the learning and 

support sessions, including necessary 

learning material. Each student will 

be provided with a toolkit that contains 

all the necessary tools to complete the 

practical elements of the course. Access 

and support will be provided to email and 

online learning resources. Any necessary 

software will be provided to complete 

additional coursework at home. 

COURSE DELIVERY 

This course will be offered over 2 years in 

four semesters. The lecture content will be 

provided as ‘live’ on-line lectures. These 

are recorded and can be viewed again at 

a time more convenient to the student. 

Students will be required to attend ITB for 

up to four practical days per semester, 

these normally take place on a Saturday. 

Tutorials and continuous assessment will 

be provided online as applicable. 

As Mechatronics is the integration of 

precision mechanical engineering, 

control theory, computer science and 

electronics the first semester will offer 

students elective subjects in a discipline 

they haven’t studied before e.g. a 

student with an electronics background 

will be required to take a mechanics 

module. Students with a FETAC level 6 

qualification will be expected to sit all 

elective subjects as their bridging studies 

for acceptance onto the programme. 

Occasionally during the programme 

students may be expected to be available 

for accelerated delivery of certain practical 

modules. The time and duration of these 

modules will be agreed in good time. 

SUPPORT 

Resources such as lecture notes, past 

exam papers, tutorial etc. will all be 

made available online, for access at 

home or work. 

Through discussion groups, forums as 

well as e-mail and phone support there 

is a wide range of support available to 

you from both your lecturers and your 

class colleagues. 

Computer facilities are available to you 

in ITB at all times once registered as a 

student. Computer application training 

is given during the first semester. Online 

material is available to students who 

have internet access. In addition to web 

resources the library stocks many of the 

texts referred to in class. 

ASSESSMENT 

There is a wide range of assessment 

procedures employed in this programme. 

Assessment will range from laboratory 

assignments to online tests. Many of the 

modules will be continuously assessed 

throughout the semester, and the final 

module mark arrived at by a combination 

of final exam and continuous assessment. 

In some cases modules are assessed by 

ongoing continuous assessment only.





Year 1 

Mathematics 2 (Elective) 

Analog and Digital Electronics (Elective) 

Mechanics (Elective) 

Quality Systems 

Energy Management Systems 

Mathematics 5 

Computer Interfacing Technology 

Mechanics 3 

Year 2 

Mathematics 6 

Automation 1 

Computer Networks 

Design Methodology and Tools 

Automation 2 

Project 

As this course is aimed at providing a 

Mechatronics degree to students from 

various engineering disciplines, two 

elective modules are provided. These 

are Analog and Digital Electronics and 

Mechanics. These provide an in-depth 

basic knowledge which will allow 

students to complete further studies 

in these disciplines. Students with a 

FETAC level 6 background will take these 

modules together with Mathematics 2 as 

bridging modules. 

APPLICATION 







Horticulture Courses 89 


A career in horticulture leads to a 

variety of interesting occupations, 

working with plants and people in a 

creative, imaginative and rewarding 

way. Improvements to our environment 

through the provision of attractive parks, 

gardens, open spaces and sports facilities 

add considerably to our quality of life and 

wellbeing. The work of the horticulturalist 

may be in the production of plants, in 

garden centre sales, or in the provision 

and maintenance of sports facilities and 

other amenity and recreational areas. A 

further vital aspect of horticulture is food 

production, an increasingly important 

element of horticulture in our rapidly 

changing global economy. 

ITB has established itself as a leader in 

the horticulture education sector over 

the last few years. We provide a range 

of horticulture educational courses for 

those working in the industry and keen 

to gain qualifications, and the amateur 

gardening enthusiast. Working in 

conjunction with outside agencies from 

the wider sector we offer comprehensive 

educational packages to suit all, from 

a single module course, with 1 night 

per week and some Saturday practical 

work, to a part time degree programme 

delivered over 3 years via a mix of 

traditional lectures, on-line delivery 

and block release. ITB strives to give its 

students a choice of learning formats, 

and all work-based courses are taught 

through this blended learning format. 

Students of all ages and from a variety 

of backgrounds undertake these courses 

from those gaining the qualification purely 

for their own self satisfaction, to those 

already working in the industry looking to 

gain a qualification and use it as a stepping 

stone the next level, or the individual 

looking towards a change of career. 

All courses are designed to allow 

students flexibility. Students pursue 

qualifications via a variety of routes, 

joining a single model programme 

or completing the full three year 

programme, ending in a Bachelor of 

Science award. 



“This in an area I’ve been in all my life, both my 

parents are keen gardeners. I did a Level 5 in 

Horticulture then spent seven years in various 

related jobs. Coming back to education was a bit 

daunting but the support system is great. One of 

the reasons I’m doing it is that I’m hoping to try 

something else – garden design – and I’ll get the 

skills and the knowledge I need to follow that 

career. I’m delighted with it, it will open up a lot 

of doors for me.” 

James Hill, Horticulture 

“I work in K Club as the resort gardener. I’ve a 

staff of six, augmented by summer seasonals. 

We work annualised hours; during the winter we 

work a seven hour day and during the summer 

at least nine hours. So the course wasn’t 

something that I went into light-heartedly. I just 

try and slot the study in – I have my notes in 

the car and if I have half an hour I look at them. 

Being able to give fresh ideas to my staff is 

important. If you don’t learn something new in a 

day, it’s a day wasted.” 

Philip Musgrove, Horticulture 

“I was a sales representative. I was pretty 

successful, hit targets… but my heart wasn’t in 

it. I was wary that I wouldn’t be able for college, 

not having been in school for so long. It was a 

tough decision to move into something different. 

Worth it though! Even from the start, the change 

in me was apparent. Very quickly into the course 

I knew that I would do my best to get into the 

profession full-time… now I work in landscape 

maintenance. In the job market the qualification 

gives you an edge over other guys.” 

David Langan, Horticulture



90 



91 


IN HORTICULTURE 

(WORK BASED) 



in Horticulture 






















Applicants must have at least 3 years 

continuous work experience in the 

Horticulture industry and must remain 

in employment in the industry for the 

duration of this 3 year course. Each 

applicant must provide a letter of 

recommendation and support from 


Schedule: Monday 6pm – 10pm, 

3 week block release per semester, 





People working in the industry with at 

least 3 years work experience. 

ENTRY TO COURSE 

Prospective students will be required 

to have a letter of support from their 

employer accompanying their application. 

Details of content required, listed on 

application form. Students must remain 


duration of this three year course. Block 

release generally occurs in the period 

October – March. Interviews may be held 

and prospective students will be notified. 

PREVIOUS QUALIFICATIONS 

Students with relevant previous 

qualifications and awards should contact 

ITB for advice regarding application 

for exemptions. When applying for 

exemptions, students will be required to 

provide evidence that they have previously 

achieved the learning outcomes of the 

modules from which they are applying for 

an exemption. 


Year 1 

Orientation & Induction 

Introduction to Horticulture 1 & 2 

Horticulture Science 1& 2 

Computer Applications & 

Communications 1 & 2 

Horticultural Mechanisation 1 & 2 

Accountancy 

Business and Environmental Law 

Note: 1 & 2 means this module runs in 

both semester 1 and semester 2. 

Year 2 

Construction Technology 

Plant Identification & Horticultural 

Application 

Ecology and Environmental Resource 

Protection 

Marketing Principles 

Major Horticulture Elective (choose 1 

from list ) 

– Nursery stock production 

– Landscape design 

– Food crop production 

– Golf course technology 

– Landscape & garden management 

Minor Elective (choose 1 from list) 

– Floristry 

– Food crops under protection 

– Ornamental crop production 

– Mushroom production 

– Landscape construction 

– Principles of turfgrass management 

Year 3 

Customer Service 

Horticulture Business Management 

Project 

Arboriculture 

Financial Planning and Taxation 

Major Elective (choose 1 from list) 

– Garden centre operations 

– Sportsturf 

– Specialty food crops 

– Interior landscaping 

– Turfgrass science and management 

Note: Electives will only be offered at 

the discretion of the Institute, subject to 

availability of lecturing staff and sufficient 

expression of interest from students. 

APPLICATION 








IN HORTICULTURE (WORK 

BASED) (ADVANCED 

ENTRY TO YEAR 3) 



in Horticulture (work based) (advanced 

entry to year 3) 




ECTS Credits in Award: 180 (with 

exemptions from 120 credits based on 

prior certified learning) 


Applicants must have completed a 

full-time relevant course of at least 

2-3 years duration in the area of 

Horticulture. 

Applicants must have at least 3 years 

continuous work experience in the 

Horticulture industry and must remain 


duration of the course. 

Each applicant must provide a letter 

of recommendation and support from 


Schedule: Monday 6pm – 10pm, 

Tuesday 6pm – 10pm, 

3 week block release per semester, 





Entry to year 3 of this course is restricted 

to applicants who would already have 

completed a relevant full-time course of 

at least 2-3 years duration in the area of 

Horticulture e.g. Diploma in Commercial/ 

Amenity Horticulture. 

COURSE CONTENT and STRUCTURE 

The programme is delivered in a blended 

mode with a combination of block 

release weeks from employment, on-line 

learning and evening classes. Students 

complete the course over the period from 

September to May. Block release generally 

occurs in the period October – March. 


Marketing 

Customer Service 

Horticultural Business Management 

Financial Planning & Taxation 

Arboriculture 

Project (Research) 

Horticulture Elective Subjects 

APPLICATION 








Horticulture Single Modules 

LANDSCAPE AND 

GARDEN MANAGEMENT 

Programme Code: HORW H2024 

Programme Title: Landscape and 

Garden Management 


Award Title: Landscape and Garden 

Management 




















Applicants who do not meet the entry 

requirements should contact the 

institute for further information. 

Schedule: Thursday 6.30pm – 9.30pm, 

four Saturdays of 4 hour duration 

per semester 

Fee: €1,600 


Subjects 

Irish Flora Studies 

Identification of outdoor and indoor 

ornamental plants 

Lawn establishment and management 

Planning, establishment and 

maintenance of plant borders 

Construction and management of 

rockeries, dry wall and water features etc 

Selection, cultivation and maintenance 

of glasshouse plants 

Development of fruit and vegetable 

gardens 

Conservation and sustainable 

horticultural practices 

Garden Design 


This course is designed for both the 

professional gardener and serious 

amateur gardeners. 

APPLICATION 




LANDSCAPE DESIGN 

Programme Code: HORW H2016 

Programme Title: Landscape Design 

Award Type: Single subject 

Award Title: Landscape Design 























Schedule: Thursday 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Fee: €1,600 


Students attending this course will 

gain knowledge in the art of designing 

gardens and open spaces, and acquire 

an appreciation of the history of designed 

landscapes. The course is one third 

theory and two thirds studio time. 

Subjects 

Principles of Landscape Design 

Elements of Landscape Design 

History of the Designed Landscape 

The Design Process 

Drafting Skills 

Construction Details 

Planting Plans 

Having successfully completed this 

module the student will: 

Understand principles of designs, 

interpretation of plans and specification. 

Complete a range of landscape design. 


This course is suitable for a person 

who wants to broaden their knowledge 

of the principles and practices of 

landscape design. 

APPLICATION 






Creative Digital Media Courses 97 

Creative Digital 

Media Courses 

One of the most important trends of the 

last few years has been the convergence 

of technologies and platforms in the 

areas of video, audio, image manipulation, 

animation, television and the internet. 

Along with the development of social 

networking and the redirection of what 

was once the standard ‘keyword search’ 

search engine, this has revolutionised 

the entire digital media sector, with a 

knock-on effect on the skills required by 

practitioners in this area. There is now 

a major need for people with the new 

digital technologies, but even more so 

the design and creative skills needed 

to produce digital media objects and 

assets that are far more than merely 

technically competent. 

ITB has established itself as an education 

provider in this new field, offering 

academic programmes that cover both 

the technical knowledge and also the 

design and creativity aspects of these 

skills needs. Our full-time programmes, 

at ordinary and honours degree levels, in 

Creative Digital Media include modules in 

web design and development, multimedia 

development, digital photography 

and imaging, digital sound and video 

production. We also provide instruction 

in design principles, enhancing creativity 

and instructional design and e-learning. 

These modules intend to develop the 

learners appreciation of the rules of visual 

language, their ability to critically assess 

what makes a good website, photograph 

or a good piece of animation, and to learn 

how to design good quality e-learning 

material for the this growing market. In 

recognition of the fact that these may 

represent a very useful addition to the 

skills sets of graduates of technical 

programmes, we are offering a selection 

of modules as single module offerings. 

We can suggest many reasons to take 

our single modules! It can be for your 

own personal satisfaction, to develop your 

own creativity or critical understanding of 

the vast amount of digital information we 

receive in our day-to-day lives. For those 

already working in the industry, these 

design and aesthetic abilities can provide 

valuable extra skills in an increasingly 

competitive environment, or provide the 

stimulus for a change of career path. 

In due course (subject to validation) the 

single modules on offer will come together 

as a minor award in Creative Digital Media. 

The modules we are offering are: 

Semester 1 (September 2009) 

Visual Language 

Digital Photography 

Semester 2 (February 2010) 

Digital Imaging 

Design Principles and Practice





VISUAL LANGUAGE 

Programme Code: DMED H1011 

Programme Title: Visual Language 


Award Title: Visual Language 


















from this requirement. Applicants who 

do not meet the entry requirements 

should contact the institute for further 

information. 

Schedule: Monday 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Fee: €750 

Duration: 1 semester September 2009 



This module introduces the learner to the 

theory and practice of visual language. It 

provides them with practical experience 

of working with a range of imagery and 

image processing tools. Learners will 

also be introduced to the creative process 

by experimenting with a variety of art 

mediums in order to extend the creative 

application within digital media. 

Having successfully completed this 

module, the student will be able to: 

• List the rules of perception and 

describe the basic principles of 

visual language. 

• Discuss issues relating to layout 

and typography. 

• Identify the issues relating to digital 

image formats, storage, retrieval 

and display. 

• Create visual designs that organise 

and communicate information 

through the effective combination 

of visual elements. 

• Demonstrate awareness of visual 

language using a range of media 

through the effective application of 

visual theory (e.G. Formulation of 

messages by typography, text, sign, 

symbol, image). 

• Use traditional and digital media as 

appropriate to realise visual concepts. 

• Explore their own creative potential 

and understand how this potential can 

be encouraged and developed. 


This course is recommended for those 

who would like to build on an existing 

informatics experience or qualification, 

or those who are interested in design and 

visual language for its own sake. 

APPLICATION 








DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 


Programme Title: Digital Photography 


Award Title: Digital Photography 























Schedule: Saturday 9.30am – 1.30pm 

Fee: €750 

Duration: 1 semester September 2009 



This module introduces the student 

to the basic concepts behind digital 

photography. Students will learn how the 

digital camera produces a digital image, 

how images are stored and how images 

are displayed. Specifically this module 

aims to introduce the student to: 

• The principles behind image 

production as it applies to 

photography (pin hole camera/ 

camera obscura). 

• The operation and setup of a modern 

digital camera. 

• Common photographic concepts 

such as exposure, white balance, 

sensitivity (iso), depth of field, lenses 

and how each of these concepts 

should be taken into consideration 

depending on the subject matter and 

the environmental conditions such as 

strong sunlight, indoor lighting, cloud 

cover or low light. 

• Different photographic compositional 

styles such as landscape, portraiture, 

sports, journalistic and architectural. 

Students will also be introduced 

to the history and practical issues 

surrounding image composition. For 

example, students will be introduced 

to portraiture composition techniques 

such as the use of triangular poses 

and the rule of thirds. 

• Basic image workflow and 

manipulation software. Students will 

learn how to store and catalogue their 

digital images, carry out basic image 

manipulation activities such adjusting 

exposure, contrast, colour saturation, 

image size/quality/cropping and some 

basic effects such as applying sepia 

tone and conversion to black and white. 


This course is suitable for those with an 

interest in photography, as well as those 

who wish to use it as part of a wider 

interest in Digital Media. 

APPLICATION 








DIGITAL IMAGING 


Programme Title: Digital Imaging 


Award Title: Digital Imaging 
























The module is about the use and 

manipulation of digital images, in 

preparation for use on the internet, in 

publications such as magazines, promotion 

or advertising material. The specific 

knowledge covered in the module includes: 

• The various digital image processing 

techniques available to correct, repair, 

restore and enhance digital images. 

• Editing requirements for a particular 

image with regard to content, 

purpose, visual and technical 

characteristics and intended form 

of output. 

• The interpretation of histograms and 

how they can be used to determine 

exposure, overall colour and tonal 

values of an image. 

The student will also have acquired the 

following skills: 

• Convert an image into a number of 

different common image file formats 

based on resolution, file size, bit depth 

and tonal range requirements. 

• Use common image processing 

techniques such as copy paste, 

transforms, scaling, rotation, 

distortion, filters, colour balance, 

effects, levels, curves and layers. 

• Identify unwanted image effects 

such as moiré patterning, pixilation, 

posterisation, colour casts, tonal 

changes, halo effects, speckling, dust 

damage, scratches and be able to 

apply the appropriate image processing 

techniques to remove same. 

• Enhance digital photographs using a 

range of techniques such as skin tone 

adjustment and sharpening. 

• Prepare digital images for use in a 

number of different situations such as 

the web, print media, DVD content and 

user interface components. 


This module is a follow on from the 

earlier module in Digital Photography. 

It will be suitable of anybody who wishes 

to enhance their skills in the use of 

images or for their own interest. 

APPLICATION 




Schedule: Monday 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Fee: €850 

Duration: 1 semester February 

to May 2010





DESIGN PRINCIPLES 

AND PRACTICE 


Programme Title: Design Principles 

and Practice 


Award Title: Design Principles and 

Practice 



Through an applied approach this module 

develops the learners understanding of 

the theory and practice of visual design. It 

encourages learners to adopt a structured 

approach to the identification, analysis and 

resolution of visual design problems. 


This module is a follow on from the 

earlier module in Visual Language. It will 

be suitable of anybody who wishes to 

enhance their design skills with a view to 

applying them to digital media projects 

and asset creation. 






















Schedule: Tuesday 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Fee: €850 

Duration: 1 semester February 

to May 2010 

With the skills acquired in this module, 

the learner will be able to: 

• Interpret and respond to a structured 

design brief. 

• Analyse and evaluate screen based 

designs and resources such as 

icons, menus, images and type using 

appropriate methodologies and 

terminology. 

• Interpret a design brief and evaluate 

design projects in terms of their design 

methods, processes and outcome. 

• Select and apply appropriate visual 

design methods and tools to the 

creation of media resources and 

products. 

• Develop an effective design process 

and management plan in response to 

specific design requirements. 

• Resolve design challenges through 

the considered application of 

appropriate practical, technical and 

creative competencies and skills. 

APPLICATION 







Other Accredited Programmes 107 


CERTIFICATE IN ECDL 


Programme Title: Certificate in ECDL 

Award Type: N/A 

Award Title: Certificate in ECDL 

NFQ Level of Award: N/A 

ECTS Credits in Award: N/A 


Basic level of computer knowledge. 

Schedule: Thursday 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Fee: €500 

Duration: 14 weeks plus 3 nights 

of exams 

COURSE AIM 

The international success of the European 

Computer Driving Licence is evidenced 

by the high level of participation in 

countries such as Sweden, Ireland 

and Denmark where ECDL uptake 

is approaching 4% of each country’s 

population. Similar high levels of uptake 

are also being experienced in countries 

such as the United Kingdom, Norway, 

Austria, Italy and Hungary. World-wide, 

participation in ECDL has exceeded 

1.5 million students representing the 

delivery of some six million tests. ECDL 

is currently the only Europe-wide basic 

IT skills accreditation scheme which has 

gained broad acceptance, with the vast 

majority of EU member states promoting 

the programme. Further information is 

available on www.ecdl.ie. 

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT 

The 7 ECDL modules are as follows : 

Module 1 

Basic Concepts of Information 

Technology 

Module 2 

Using a Computer and Managing Files 

Module 3 

Word Processing 

Module 4 

Spreadsheets 

Module 5 

Databases 

Module 6 

Presentation 

Module 7 

Information and Communication 

All but the first module are practical 

skills tests rather than examinations of 

theory. Tests consist of tasks chosen at 

random from a store of typical day-today 

computer operations. The guiding 

principle is reality; the licence is a 

definition of your actual skills. 


The European Computer Driving Licence 

is for anyone who wants to certify their 

computer skills according to a pan- 

European industry standard. Large 

multinationals have already adopted the 

licence, setting it as the performance 

benchmark they expect from their 

employees. The licence matches the 

needs of both Irish staff and employers 

in its clear definition of essential 

computer skills. Having the licence opens 

the door to career opportunities and 

prepares you for full participation in the 

information age. Participants should have 

a basic knowledge of computers before 

embarking on this course. There is no 

minimum age or entry requirement. 

REGISTRATION AND ASSESSMENT 

The European Computer Driving Licence 

builds around a special user-friendly skills 

card. This card records the skills you 

demonstrate in each of seven computerrelated 

modules. As you pass each module 

successfully, the corresponding skill is 

noted in your card. The final achievement 

of a full card leads to the award of your 

licence. ECDL exams may be held on a 

different night to classes. 

This course is run twice a year 

commencing in September and February. 

APPLICATION 








WHERE WE ARE 

Directions to the Institute of 

Technology Blanchardstown 

ITB is located on the M50 corridor, a mile 

from the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. 

The institute is very accessible and within 

driving distance of the residential and 

industrial estates within its catchment area. 

The most convenient way to get here is 

by car, and there is car-parking available 

on the campus. Travelling northbound on 

the N3, take the second slip road for the 

Blanchardstown Town Centre. Cross the N3 

overpass where you will meet a roundabout. 

Go straight through this roundabout and 

travel along this road for approx. 1 mile to 

the next roundabout which is the entrance 

to the ITB campus. 

By Bus: The campus is served by the 38 

route from the city centre. Other routes 

serving Blanchardstown include 220 from 

Ballymun, 76A from Tallaght, 39 and 70 

from the city centre. Local services from 

Blanchardstown Town Centre include 236 

and 238. UrBus operates a route from 

Castleknock (terminus Laurel Lodge) to 

Swords via Blanchardstown (serves ITB) 

and Dublin Airport. 

Design: www.language.ie 

The contents of this Prospectus are for 

information purposes only and should not be 

viewed as the basis of a contract between the 

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and 

any student or other person. ITB reserves 

the right to cancel any course and/or amend 

courses, fees, regulations or timetables at 

any time. The delivery of any of the modules 

or courses in this prospectus is subject to 

ITB having the required teaching, technical 

support and accommodation/equipment 

resources, and to sufficient prospective 

students presenting for registration. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

On behalf of ITB, I would like to thank 

everyone who contributed to the compilation 

of this prospectus. Thanks to all our students 

and staff who contributed to, or are featured 

in, the publication. A special word of thanks 

to Aideen Hodgins who was responsible 

for the preparation and editing of the 

prospectus. Our design team is Language. 

Mairead Murphy 

Marketing and Development Unit 

The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown is 

funded by the Department of Education and Science 

with assistance from the European Social Fund.

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Blanchardstown Road North, 

Dublin 15, Ireland 

Phone: (01) 885 1000 

Fax: (01) 885 1001 

E-mail: info@itb.ie 

Website: www.itb.ie 

Bóthar Bhaile Bhlainséir Thuaidh, 

Baile Átha Cliath 15, Éire 

Guthán: (01) 885 1000 

Fax: (01) 885 1001 

Ríomhphost: info@itb.ie 

Suíomh Idirlíne: www.itb.ie

new horizons - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

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