Courses
Blockchain Technologies and Applications
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Course Details
| Course Code | LY_IBCHN_G |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Credits | 60 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
| Mode of Delivery | Full Time |

Course Overview
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
All applicants for Springboard+ funded courses must apply directly through the Springboard website and must meet eligibility criteria. For further information, visit http://springboardcourses.ie
There is an increasing recognition of the importance of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) for companies in Ireland and internationally. The reason for this is that Blockchain/ DLTs are at the cutting edge of a vast range of new applications in quality control, contract management, digital currencies and transparency in governance.
Blockchain is also a universal infrastructure that can store or transfer information anywhere, regardless of country.
Blockchain can also integrate smoothly with existing processes and systems in any sector and industry. “The use of blockchain promises to bring significant efficiency to global supply chains, financial transactions (including cryptocurrencies, Token economy, and ICOs), asset ledgers, legal regulations (e.g. smart contracts), and decentralized networking.” – University of Barcelona
This PGDip programme will be of particular interest to students who wish to understand how Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies with their underlying characteristics of Provenance, Immutability, Consensus and Finality can be used in healthcare, supply chain management, energy, trade systems, banking and finance, cybersecurity, intellectual property, digital verification and identity management and government services. By learning about blockchain graduates will become a key part of increasingly multi skilled teams that are responsible for planning and managing the implementation of next-generation IT systems in almost all aspects of business and society.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Blockchain TechnologyThis module will provide the student with a significant level of understanding of the theoretical and development capability of Blockchain Technologies, incorporating an analysis of some innovative use cases. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate Blockchain technologies, their core components, protocols, and use cases |
10 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Cryptography and Cryptographic ImplementationsThis module will provide the student with a significant level of comprehension and development capability of cryptography and secure cryptographic systems. The module will analyse the implementation vulnerabilities associated with cryptographic protocols and consider best practices and strategies to remediate them. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the principles and practice of cryptography |
10 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Decentralised Applications (D'Apps) Development and Smart ContractsThis module is will provide the student with a significant level of comprehension and development capability within decentralised applications development and design, including theoretical concepts and implementation of smart contracts. Learning Outcomes 1. Review and evaluate distributed systems implementation and enterprise solutions |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Distributed Ledger Technology, Cryptocurrencies and Non Fungible TokensThe student will develop a comprehensive understanding of Distributed ledger Technology characteristics and components including critical analysis of consensus algorithms. Students will appraise, review and critically and reflexively formulate issues involved with Cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) including analysis of governance, immutability and transparency associated with the technology's implementation across numerous sectors. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically appraise distributed ledger technology implementations and characteristics. |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Cybersecurity and BlockchainsTo make students aware of the risks and vulnerabilities using hacking, penetration, and on-chain forensic tools and frameworks, including developing comprehensive knowledge of mitigating actions. The learner will analyse and evaluate the security of current applications and systems, incorporating an analysis of innovative Blockchain use case solutions. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate and investigate the need for security in all applications using tools and frameworks. |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Information Security ManagementTo provide the student with a practitioner's understanding of information security from the view of various stakeholders, roles and process that interact with data at rest or data in transit. This module will cover the core competencies and lead the learner to investigate further new areas as they arise. Learning Outcomes 1. Synthesise, evaluate and critically analyse current best practice frameworks and methodologies for the implementation of security protocols for information systems. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Careers
Graduate careers typically include roles such as Blockchain Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Financial Manager, Legal and Contract Manager, and Supply Chain Manager.
The main employers are in industries like digital identity, energy, government services, travel, intellectual property, cybersecurity, retail, manufacturing, supply chain management, as well as trade, insurance, banking, and finance.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme will be of particular interest to students who wish to understand how Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies with their underlying characteristics of Provenance, Immutability, Consensus and Finality can be used in healthcare, supply chain management, energy, trade systems, banking and finance, cybersecurity, intellectual property, digital verification and identity management and government services. By learning about blockchain graduates will become a key part of increasingly multi-skilled teams that are responsible for planning and managing the implementation of next-generation IT systems in almost all aspects of business and society.
Contact Information
Department of Computing
Computing