Courses / Course

Applicants for the Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) are required to hold a degree in non-computing disciplines (level 8 degree in any non-computing subject). Applicants who have a computing background equivalent to having a three year degree in computer science, are advised to also apply for the Higher Diploma in Science MHG58.

Applicants must have a recognised level 8 primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university level 8 primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Applicants who do not have a level 8 primary degree may also have the opportunity to apply through the Maynooth University (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning route.

Please visit:  https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/records/student-registration for further information on the RPL route.

Teaching and learning will be through lectures, practical lab sessions, and directed reading as required for the different subjects. Module delivery is not just a scheduled series of topics, but rather balanced to meet the needs and progression rates of the students. The course places a balance between learning the fundamentals of the subject, and applying them in practice.

Assessment is handled in a similar manner, with most modules having a combination of practical assessment during the delivery of the module, and an examination at the end of the semester. Typically module material is also made available through eLearning tools (primarily Moodle) allowing students to revise at their own pace. Additional tutorials are used, where required, to assist students who may have problems with particular aspects of a module.

Duration: 1 year Full-time

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

SCIENCE (SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT) SEDF5 - SCIENCE (SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT) Credits: 60 Compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES 1 CS210 5 1 ALGORITHMS & DATA STRUCTURES 2 CS211 5 2 COMPUTER SYSTEMS CS144 2.5 1 DATABASES CS130 5 1 MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT CS385 5 1 OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING CS627B 10 Year-Long SOFTWARE PROJECT CS353C 5 2 SOFTWARE TESTING CS265 5 1 STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING CS620C 10 1 WEB INFORMATION PROCESSING CS230 5 2 WORK PLACEMENT PREPARATION CS633 2.5 2

Programme Director Mr Joe Duffin
Tel +353 (0)1  708 3847
E-mail computerscience.department@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/computer-science
Address Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

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The course is designed to give students practical skills for use in the software industry as programmers, software designers and testers and to bring students to the standard for industrial accreditation as programmers.

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. 

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site