Dept of Electronics, Computer & Software Eng

Countless reports and studies have illustrated the link between Ireland’s economic success and the strength of our ICT sector. The sector produces one-third of Ireland’s total exports, with annual sales of €50 billion and employs 70,000 skilled people. Over the period 2003-2008, employment in IT professional occupations grew by 4.8% on average annually; while even in 2008, an additional 4,000 jobs were created in these occupations. So significant in fact, is the ICT industry in this country, that Ireland is the third largest exporter of software in the world.

According to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, despite this enormous success there is a serious shortfall between availability of top-class ICT graduates and the current and projected employment needs of the industry. The sector has moved into higher value-added activities, and is again showing strong demand for people with high-level ICT skills. Employment growth is being driven by expansion in many companies, by a continuing flow of inward investment, and by the formation of new start-ups. ICT continues to be one of the main sources of new internationally traded indigenous businesses for Ireland.

The 2009 Future Skills Needs report points to a demand for staff who have the advanced IT skills to install systems, but who can also customise and adapt those systems to a business’ individual needs. In particular, there is a shortage of experienced computer systems managers, IT professionals with business knowledge and managerial skills, programmers in specific software applications with substantial experience (e.g. Oracle, Java, web animation), experienced professionals with advanced software architecture skills, networking experts (SharePoint, VMware, etc.), telecommunications experts (e.g. mobile phones technology), IT security experts, research and design professionals, especially in electronics/ICT design and electronics hardware and semiconductor research. Many of these are areas specifically addressed by AIT’s programmes in computer and software engineering.

According to the Director of ICT Ireland, Kathryn D’Arcy, a technical degree is similar to a classic arts degree in that it offers an all-round educational experience and the possibility of applying it to many other disciplines and career opportunities. ‘Within the technology sector there is an enormous variety, ranging from highly technical roles in design and development, to roles in sales and marketing,’ she said.

All this indicates that the pace at which the computer, software and electronics industry in Ireland is growing is exceeding the rate at which students are graduating. Industry growth is in fact now principally dictated by the availability of engineers and technicians. The very good news is that graduates should be qualified to obtain employment immediately on completion of these courses.

The applications of electronics in industry are widespread. The impact on communications is particularly noticeable with the development of optical and satellite communications networks, etc. Industrial control (process control) is being revolutionised through the use of programmable logic controllers. Avionics and automotive industries increasingly incorporate microelectronics technology. Computers have revolutionised the financial services industry, while information technology is altering the way we store and retrieve data.

AIT’s electronics courses cover the broad scope of modern electronics: principles of electronics, telecommunications, control and software engineering. Electronics engineering offers an exciting and varied career for all. An ability to solve problems and to apply new technologies characterises the successful electronics technician.

Computer and software engineers design the hardware and software behind the countless electronic systems we use every day. Computer systems play an ever increasing role in our lives with everything from computer appliances such as HD TVs, games consoles to medical devices in hospitals. A qualification in computer/software engineering from AIT offers tremendous opportunities for a long and varied career in sectors as diverse as gaming and web development, financial, medical, telecommunications, automotive or aeronautical a possibility.

Why Choose Electronics, Computer and Software Engineering at AIT?

• Placement opportunities in the honours degrees in software design in game and web development thus better equipping students with experience demanded by employers.
• Engineers Ireland accreditation available to graduates of selected programmes.
• Previous and existing students’ track record of winning competitions such as Excellence in Electronics.
• The new state-of-the-art Engineering and Informatics Building which is wired for both-way remote transmission.
• A number of degrees incorporate CISCO qualifications.