The Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) a 1 year full time programme for graduates who already have a level 8 degree qualification in any subject other than computer science or software development. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route.
The focus is on industrial software development using the Java programming language and this course prepares students for direct entry into careers in the software industry and careers that require a high level of software skills in combination with their previous degree level study and work experience.
The course has foundation material that includes databases, object-oriented programming, software design, software testing, mobile application and web development. The course also has a team project module that provides essential preparation for working in a software development environment, and a work placement preparation module in semester II provides experience in putting the skills learned into practice, and prepares you for applying for jobs.
For further information on course content, visit our Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) programme page.
Under Springboard+, we intend to continue to offer funded places on our Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development). This will be announced later this year, so the programme won't open for applications on the Springboard Courses website until May 2021. You can use this form to let us know if you would like to receive further information about the programme, and an alert when it opens for applications. You can also apply for a non-funded place on the programme now by clicking here.
To qualify for free or significantly reduced fees for this programme under Springboard+, there are some criteria you would need to meet. Applicants will be asked to provide documents, along with the application, to verify the following:
Academic Eligibility
To meet the academic eligibility criteria for this programme, applicants should have a level 8 degree qualification in any subject other than computer science or software development. Prospective students who do not have a level 8 qualification, but have the equivalent in professional experience, may be eligible under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) route. Visit the Recognising Professional Experience web page for further information. Applicants should submit their final transcript and parchment with their application, or an RPEL application form.
Applicant Category
You can apply for this programme if you are:
- Unemployed (in receipt of a DEASP payment) - eligible applicants pay no fees
- Previously self-employed - eligible applicants pay no fees if in receipt of DEASP, or 10% of the fee if not
- Returning to the workforce after some period of time; a Returner - eligible applicants pay not fees
- Employed - eligible applicants pay only 10% of the fee
- A recent graduate; can apply for this course directly after completing your undergraduate degree - eligible applicants pay only 10% of the fee
Nationality
Applicants must hold EU/EEA/Swiss nationality, or similar (refugee status, Stamp 4, etc. - Please visit the Springboard website for further information). Evidence of nationality to provide with your application can include:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of driver’s licence
- Copy of Stamp 4
Unemployed/previously self-employed applicants do not need to provide proof of nationality with their application.
Residency
Applicants must have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least 3 of the 5 years preceding their entry to the programme, and be normally resident in Ireland at the time of course commencement. Evidence of residency can include things like:
- Utility bills
- Tax certificates
- Bank statements, etc.
Unemployed/previously self-employed applicants do not need to provide proof of residency with their application.
The majority of graduates who completed this course last year are either in full time employment or have continued their studies at Masters level in this field of study.
Students of the Higher Diploma in Software Development have found full time employment in the following ICT roles:
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Software Test Engineer
- Mobile Applications Developer
- Consultant Software Analyst
- Applications Development Analyst
- Web Applications Developer
- Database Administrator
- Information Technology Technical Support Engineer
However, the skills developed over the course of this programme are transferable to many careers and working environments, and are highly sought after in all sectors of the economy.
If you have any questions about this course, don't hesitate to get in touch! You can get in contact with the programme coordinator, Mr Joseph Duffin, by emailing joseph.duffin@mu.ie
