Certificate in Emerging Digital Technologies

Programme Structure

The course consists of two modules: Digital Business Transformation and Emerging Digital Technologies. Both modules run concurrently over the 12-week semester, delivered through live online lectures, tutorials, and directed eLearning activities. Upon completion of this programme, you will have acquired a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge that will enable you to perform various roles and tasks within your industry.

The two modules complement each other perfectly – Module 1 provides the strategic frameworks for leading digital transformation, while Module 2 gives you practical knowledge of the technologies that drive that transformation.

Module 1: Digital Business Transformation

Learn the frameworks used by leading management consulting companies.

Core Content Areas:

• Transformation fundamentals and approaches from leading management consulting companies (McKinsey, Bain, BCG)
• Six guiding principles of digital business transformation: transformation, holistic, response, innovation, value, enterprise
• Strategic analysis frameworks including Porter’s Five Forces Analysis and strategy canvas benchmarking tools
• Global trends analysis using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework
• Business strategy fundamentals covering governance, business models, leadership mindset, and workforce culture
• Value creation and measurement including value vs. cost-driven models and innovation methodologies
• Transformation process following the continuum: discover, define, ideate, prioritise, plan, execute, evaluate
• Stakeholder management and resource alignment with project management principles
• User experience design including customer journey mapping and user requirements identification
• Prototyping approaches covering low vs. high fidelity prototypes, testing, and beta validation
• Success measurement with key metrics and value mapping for digital transformation initiatives
• Transformation culture including reflection practices, lessons learned, and roadmap expansion

Learning Outcomes: Investigate market forces, identify core principles and frameworks, design and implement transformation solutions, explain and justify emerging technology applications.

Assessment: Individual continuous assessment with two assignment submissions covering complete curriculum.

Module 2: Emerging Digital Technologies

Comprehensive study of 10 technology areas with business applications.

Technology Areas Covered:

• Artificial Intelligence – Key definitions, Artificial Narrow vs. General Intelligence, business benefits, process automation, cognitive insights, application case studies
• Cloud Computing & Data Analytics – Machine learning cloud-based solutions, business applications of data analytics
• Blockchain Technology – Core concepts, distributed ledgers, smart contracts, real-world case studies
• FinTech & Digital Payments – FinTech categories, cryptocurrencies, payment innovations, applications and case studies
• Robotics & Autonomous Systems – Kinematics, computer vision, autonomous systems, commercial applications including drones in logistics
• Cybersecurity & Privacy – Security fundamentals, principles of penetration testing, cryptography, IT law and ethics
• Internet of Things – IoT concepts and standards, hardware components, hardware/software integration
• Virtual, Augmented & Mixed Reality – Key distinctions between VR/AR/MR, design principles, business use cases
• Impact Assessment – Analysis of technology’s effect on society and business across industries
• Integration Methodologies – Industry-agnostic approaches for implementing emerging technologies to innovate, automate, and simplify business practice

Learning Outcomes: Understand the role of emerging technologies in business, distinguish key definitions and components, assess impact across industries, evaluate integration approaches and methodologies.

Assessment: Group project with two submission parts covering complete module curriculum.

Please visit the National College of Ireland course descriptors for an greater breakdown of module content.

We recommend all students watch the information webinar recording below to learn more about the course and hear from a previous learner about their experience.

Chapter timestamps:

Academic Eligibility

A minimum of a Level 6 qualification on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) is required for standard entry.

For candidates who do not meet this minimum entry requirement, the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme whereby applicants may be considered based on relevant work or other experiences.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Fees

Full course fee: €1,700
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €401
Subsidised course fee: €1,299*

Subsidised fees are only available to eligible* applicants.

Public sector employees, non-profits, or charitable organisations that do not meet our funding criteria may apply privately for the full course fee once places are available.

Are you currently unemployed?

Unfortunately, due to our funding parameters, we are unable to accept unemployed applicants for either funded or private places. However, we encourage you to explore Future in Tech, which offers upskilling opportunities specifically designed for job seekers. You can find more details here: https://futureintech.ie/ or some of our fully funded offerings https://ictskillnet.ie/fully-funded-courses/

Once you have received your offer of a place on the course, please be aware that we have a limited number of subsidised places available. Due to high demand, we cannot hold places without payment. To ensure fairness, priority for these places will be granted to those who have both completed full payment of the subsidised fee and are deemed eligible by the college or training provider.

Ready to Start Your Digital Transformation Journey?

Simple 4-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Submit Your Interest
Use the enquiry or application buttons on this page to submit your interest.

Step 2: Eligibility Confirmation
The Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet team will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your funding eligibility and guide you through the next steps.

Step 3: Complete Your College Application
Once confirmed as eligible, you’ll be supplied a link to complete your official application with National College of Ireland (NCI), providing them directly with your CV, transcripts, and English language results (if required).

Step 4: Secure Your Place
Upon receiving a conditional offer, ICT Skillnet will provide you with payment information. You’ll complete registration with both Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet and NCI. Successful applicants become official NCI students with access to all college resources and support services.

Important Information:

• Limited Places Available: Start the process today
• Early Application Recommended: Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis among eligible candidates
• Academic Assessment: NCI conducts the final academic review and makes admission decisions
• Full Support: Our team guides you through every step of the application process

Questions? The programme Lead responsible for the course will revert to your enquiry/application please respond to her with any questions directly – we’re here to help make your application as smooth as possible.