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Accreditation This programme carries accreditation from the CPD Certification Service (UK), the internationally recognised body that independently verifies the quality and relevance of professional development. Structured to align with the demands of a working professional, it leads to the award of a digital CPD certificate. |
Python is one of the most in-demand programming skills in the digital economy, and proficiency in the language opens doors across data analytics, AI, automation, web development, and beyond. Skilled Python professionals are actively sought after by employers across Ireland and internationally, from technology companies and financial services firms to public sector organisations and startups. The CPD Python Professional Certificate at Dorset College Dublin provides a structured, practical pathway into this field for professionals with no prior coding experience.
The CPD Python Professional Certificate is a twelve-week, one-evening-per-week programme covering data structures, object-oriented programming, exception handling, and data analysis with Pandas – all delivered live by a professional currently working in the field. Assessment is through a portfolio project rather than an exam, producing a tangible piece of work graduates can present directly to employers. On completion, graduates hold a CPD-verified credential at Step 1 of a recognised pathway leading through Google IT Automation with Python, PCAP Certified Associate, and ultimately AWS Certified Developer Associate. According to Indeed.ie, Python developer roles in Ireland advertise starting salaries of €35,000 to €50,000, with experienced professionals earning €65,000 and above.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step in a globally recognised Python certification pathway.
STEP 1
CPD Python Professional Certificate, Dorset College Dublin
↓
STEP 2
Google IT Automation with Python
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STEP 3
PCAP, Certified Associate in Python
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STEP 4
AWS Certified Developer Associate
Key skills covered in this programme
Twelve modules covering the essential Python skills employers need right now.
✓ Python essentials — Variables, data types, strings, and core programming logic from day one.
✓ Control flow & functions — Loops, conditionals, and reusable functions including lambdas.
✓ Data structures — Lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets for organising real-world data.
✓ Object-oriented programming — Classes, objects, inheritance, and encapsulation.
✓ Exception handling — Managing errors gracefully and processing JSON data.
✓ Data analysis with Pandas — Series, DataFrames, and aggregation with industry-standard tools.
✓ Portfolio project — A real piece of work you can share with employers on completion.
"
Everything was very well organised and the tutor was highly knowledgeable. I especially valued the real-life experiences that fellow students brought into every session. I now approach my work with far more confidence. Choosing Dorset was absolutely the right decision.
Michael Lynch – Dorset College Dublin
Course module information
Module 1: Python essentials
✓ What is programming?
Understand how programming works and why Python is the ideal starting point.
✓ Variables & data types
Learn how to store and work with different kinds of data in Python.
Module 2: Strings & logic
✓ Arithmetic, logical & comparison operators
Perform calculations and comparisons to control how your code behaves.
✓ Working with strings: methods, slicing & formatting
Manipulate and transform text data using Python’s built-in string tools.
Module 3: Conditional logic
✓ if, elif & else
Control the flow of your program based on conditions and decision logic.
✓ Boolean expressions
Combine conditions using and, or, and not to evaluate true or false outcomes.
Module 4: Flow control
✓ for & while loops
Repeat blocks of code efficiently using Python’s core looping structures.
✓ Basic algorithmic thought
Develop structured, logical thinking to break problems into repeatable steps.
Module 5: Data structures
✓ Lists, slicing & mutation
Create, access, and modify ordered collections of data in Python.
✓ Tuples & immutability
Work with fixed, ordered data structures and understand why immutability matters.
Module 6: Functions
✓ def, arguments & return
Define reusable blocks of code that accept inputs and return outputs.
✓ Lambda functions
Create compact, anonymous functions for quick, inline use in your code.
Module 7: Dictionaries & sets
✓ Dict creation & access
Build and retrieve data from key-value pair structures in Python.
✓ Using dictionaries for data processing
Apply dictionaries to organise, count, and process real-world data efficiently.
Module 8: OOP fundamentals
✓ Classes & objects
Define blueprints for creating structured, reusable objects in your code.
✓ Encapsulation
Protect and control access to data within a class to keep code clean and secure.
Module 9: Advanced OOP
✓ Inheritance & polymorphism
Build class hierarchies and allow objects to take multiple forms through shared interfaces.
✓ Magic methods
Use dunder methods to customise how objects behave with operators and built-in functions.
Module 10: Handling exceptions
✓ try / except / else / finally
Handle errors gracefully and keep your programs running when something goes wrong.
✓ JSON processing
Parse and generate JSON data, the standard format for APIs and web applications.
Module 11: Data analysis
✓ Pandas Series & DataFrame basics
Work with labelled data structures to organise and analyse real-world datasets.
✓ Simple aggregation
Summarise datasets using totals, averages, counts, and other statistical measures.
Module 12: Revision & portfolio preparation
✓ Complete revision of course materials
Consolidate everything covered across the programme and prepare to apply your skills with confidence in your portfolio project and beyond.
• Accredited by CPD Certification Service UK - A Globally Recognised Standard
• Independently Verified for Quality - Not Self-Certified
• A Curriculum Built Around What Employers Are Hiring For Right Now
• Practical Skills You Can Use in the Workplace From Day One
• A Certification That Strengthens Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
• Apply in Under Three Minutes – No Lengthy Forms
• No Photo ID Required to Get Started
• Our Admissions Team Will Guide You Through Every Step
• Secure Your Place Now – Documents Can Follow Later
• Dedicated Admissions Support – From First Enquiry to Enrolment
• Contact us at [email protected]
• No Exam – Assessed Entirely Through a Portfolio Project
• A Real Piece of Work You Can Show Directly to Employers
• 100% Portfolio Assessment – No High-Stakes Written Exam
• Graduate With a CPD Certification in Python Programming
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin – Established and Trusted Since 1983
• Co-Certified by CPD Certification Service UK – Independently Verified, Not Self-Awarded
• Prove Your Commitment to Professional Growth With a Verified Credential
• Stand Out to Employers in One of the Fastest-Moving Industries in Tech
• Junior IT Support – A Strong Entry Point Into the Technology Sector
• Junior Python Developer – One of the Most In-Demand Roles in Ireland Right Now
• Graduate With a CPD Certification in Python Programming
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin – Established and Trusted Since 1983
• Co-Certified by CPD Certification Service UK – Independently Verified, Not Self-Awarded
• Secure Your Place With Just a €150 Deposit
• Spread the Cost Across Three Manageable Instalments
• Manage Everything Online – No Queues, No Admin Hassle
• Deposit: €150
• 1st Instalment: €400 – 22/09/26
• 2nd Instalment: €400 – 20/10/26
• 3rd Instalment: €400 – 15/11/26
Q1
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
None at all. This course is designed from the ground up for complete beginners – no coding background, no technical qualifications, and no jargon on day one. You will be guided from the absolute basics through to job-ready skills at a pace that works for you.
Q2
What certification will I receive?
A digital CPD Certification in Python Programming, independently accredited by The CPD Certification Service UK – one of the most widely respected professional development bodies globally. It is ready to add to your LinkedIn profile and share with employers the moment you complete the course.
Q3
How is the course delivered?
100% online via live, expert-led classes every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. You attend in real time and can ask questions throughout – and if life gets in the way, every class is recorded and available to revisit from the following day.
Q4
How long is the course and when does it start?
13 weeks, commencing 22nd September 2026 and concluding 15th December 2026. Just one evening per week – specifically structured so that working professionals can upskill without stepping back from their careers or other commitments.
Q5
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€1,350 after a 20% discount. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance split across three manageable instalments. No hidden fees – the price you see is the price you pay, from application through to certification.
Q6
What topics will I cover?
Core Python programming, data structures, object-oriented programming, task automation, data analysis using NumPy and Pandas, working with APIs, exception handling, and real-world development projects – a broad, practical curriculum that reflects exactly what employers in the technology sector are looking for right now.
Q7
How is the course assessed?
Through a portfolio project rather than a written exam – a real piece of work that demonstrates your ability to apply Python to practical problems. Something you can show directly to employers and add to your professional profile upon completion.
Q8
What careers can this course lead to?
Graduates commonly progress into roles such as Junior Python Developer, Data Analyst, or Automation Specialist, with typical starting salaries of €35,000–€50,000 and strong progression to €65,000+ as experience and qualifications grow.
Q9
Will I have direct access to a tutor?
Yes – and not just any tutor. Every session is delivered live by a working industry professional currently active in software development or data. You can ask questions, seek clarification, and draw on their real-world experience throughout the course.
Q10
How large are the classes?
Dorset College deliberately keeps class sizes small – meaning more meaningful interaction, faster progress, and a more personalised learning experience than larger institutions typically provide.
Q11
What makes Python the right language to learn?
Python is consistently ranked as one of the world's most in-demand programming languages, used across software development, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation. In Ireland, where global technology companies are headquartered and demand for data and development skills is growing rapidly, it is one of the most career-relevant skills you can add to your professional profile right now.
Q12
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes – no photo ID required to get started. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible instalments for the balance. Our admissions team will guide you through every step, even if your documents are not yet ready.
