Course Duration
Full-Time 1 year
Part-Time 1.5 years

About the Course
The course is designed to meet the on-going industry demand for computer professionals. With three themes focusing on current and future growth areas in computing, this higher diploma programme bridges the gap between non-computing disciplines and computing science. Its specific aim is to provide rigorous and stimulating classes for students who wish to acquire theoretical and practical training in computing and, particularly, in software development. This course is ideal for non-computing graduates who want to compete favourably against computing science graduates for the broad range of computer opportunities available.

Progression
On successful completion of this diploma, students who obtain Second Class Honours or higher are eligible to be considered for entry to the MSc in Computing Science programme.

Careers
The primary reason why students choose this course is to change the focus of their careers. The widespread impact that Computing Science has on our daily lives cannot be underestimated; neither can the job prospects on completion of this course. Successful students can expect to enter careers as systems analysts, IT managers or software developers.

Course Content

Full Time Programme Structure
The full time course is taken over two semesters as follows:
Semester I

• Computer Programming
• Computer Architecture and Organisation
• Data Communications and Networks
• Discrete Mathematics
• Relational Databases

Semester II

• Programming and Data Structures
• Object Oriented Development
• Operating System Design
• HCI & GUI Programming
• Software Engineering for Web Applications

Part Time Programme Structure
On a part time basis it is taken over three semesters as follows:
Semester I

• Computer Programming
• Computer Architecture & Organisation
• Discrete Mathematics

Semester II

• Programming and Data Structures
• Relational Databases
• Data Communications and Networks

Semester III

• Object Oriented Development
• Operating System Design
• HCI & GUI Programming
• Software Engineering for Web Applications

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999.