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. As this is a full time course, it is not suitable for those in full time employment.
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.
Visit springboardcourses.ie to apply now!
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 Categories
You can apply for a funded place on this programme if you are:
Unemployed (in receipt of an eligible DEASP payment)
- Such applicants must hold a valid PPS Number, and provide signed or stamped evidence that they are in receipt of an eligible payment from the Department of Social Protection. The list of eligible social protection payments can be found here and applicants can access necessary documentation via Revenue.ie or by contacting their local Welfare Office. This documentation must be uploaded along with your application.
- Unemployed applicants are also required to be normally resident in Ireland at the time of course commencement.
- Successful applicants pay no fees.
Previously Self-Employed
- Such applicants must hold a valid PPS Number, and provide a letter/statement from Revenue confirming that they are in receipt of an eligible social protection payment, or confirming they are no longer trading. A similar letter from their former accountant indicating they are no longer trading will also be accepted. This documentation must be uploaded along with your application.
- Previously self-employed applicants are also required to be normally resident in Ireland at the time of course commencement.
- Successful applicants pay no fees if in receipt of an eligible payment from the Department of Social Protection, or only 10% of the standard fee if not in receipt of an eligible payment
Returner (returning to the workforce after an extended period of time)
- Such applicants must hold a valid PPS Number, and sign a sworn declaration before a Commissioner for Oaths attesting to their status as a Returner. This sworn declaration must be uploaded along with your application.
- Returner applicants are also required to be normally resident in Ireland at the time of course commencement.
- Successful applicants pay no fees
Employed/Self-Employed
- Such applicants must hold a valid PPS Number, and provide a copy of their most recent Employment Detail Summary, or other relevant Revenue documentation, which confirms that they are currently in employment or self-employed. This documentation can ve accessed via Revenue.ie, and can also be complemented by a letter from your employer/accountant, confirming your employment status.
- Employed/Self-employed applicants must also be an an EU national, or meet the requirements as outlined here. Applicants must upload a scanned copy of their passport with their application.
- Such applicants must also have been ordinarily resident in an EU/ EEA /UK /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. Applicants can submit utility bills, Revenue documentation, Stamp 4 etc. with their application in order to verify residency.
- Successful applicants pay only 10% of the standard fee
Recent Graduate (those who have recently completed a degree within the last year)
- Such applicants must have completed a degree within the last year, and are required to upload a copy of their final transcripts/degree parchment with their application in order to verify this.
- Recent graduates must also be an an EU national, or meet the requirements as outlined here. Applicants must upload a scanned copy of their passport with their application.
- Such applicants must also have been ordinarily resident in an EU/ EEA /UK /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. Applicants can submit academic transcripts, utility bills, Revenue documentation, Stamp 4, etc. with their application in order to verify residency.
- Successful applicants pay only 10% of the standard fee
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
