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HIGHER DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE(SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT) F/T
- Qualification
- Higher Diploma In Science
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHG70
- Award Type and NFQ level
- HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 30 June 2027
Overview
There are two routes to apply for this course.
- Route 1 - Springboard
There are a limited number of subsidised spaces available on this course through Springboard. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. To check if you are eligible please visit www.springboardcourses.ie If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can commence your application on the Springboard website. - Route 2 - MU Apply
Places are also available through the Maynooth University application portal, MU Apply. Please note that no funding is available if you apply via this route. Apply through this route if you do not meet the Springboard eligibility criteria OR if the Springboard places are full.
Please click here to start your MU Apply application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement
About this Course
The Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) MHG70 is a one-year programme for graduates with degrees in ANY subject giving them a practical introduction to software development including programming, software design and testing, team project work. It 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.
Commences: Commences (early September 2025) three to four weeks before the start of the academic term.
Progression to the MSc in Software Engineering (MHG50)
Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Software Development (MHG70) who hold a first-class honour in this course and who demonstrate a strong programming ability, are welcome to apply for entry to our 1-year MSc programme in Software engineering (course code: MHG50).
Students who hold other level 8 diplomas courses in computing, software development, or software engineering are also welcome to apply for MHG50.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Please see www.EUFunds.ie for further details
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Course structure
Duration: 1 year Full-time
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.
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.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants who hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 2 (2:2) in a non-computing discipline.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
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.
How to apply
There are two routes to apply for this course.
Route 1 - Springboard
There are a limited number of subsidised spaces available on this course through Springboard. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. To check if you are eligible please visit www.springboardcourses.ie If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can commence your application on the Springboard website.
Route 2 - MU Apply
Places are also available through the Maynooth University application portal, MU Apply. Please note that no funding is available if you apply via this route. Apply through this route if you do not meet the Springboard eligibility criteria OR if the Springboard places are full.
Please click here to start your MU Apply application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.