Higher Diploma in Science in Computing

Program Overview

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Higher Diploma in Science in Computing

Overview

Prepare for a career in one of the world's fastest growing industries with this conversion course.

This exciting Higher Diploma takes students from all disciplines and converts them into ideal candidates for a career in IT. Each graduate will be fully equipped with core computing competencies that will give them the opportunity to pursue an IT career or earn a computing master's.

Why Study Computing at Griffith College?

Designed specifically with the needs of industry in mind, the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing Science at Griffith College is a 1-2 year conversion programme, which aims to bridge the gap between non-computing disciplines and computing science. Delivered on a full and part-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:

• Fantastic job prospects in a high-demand industry.
• Master core computing competencies which are essential for a career in IT.
• Obtain the necessary skills and academic requirements to further progress into any computer science-based postgraduate study.
• Move into IT from any discipline.

Course Highlights

• Small class sizes
• Access to state of the art facilities
• A dedicated experienced lecturing Team
• Industry guest speakers
• Study in-class or remotely
• View lectures online

Intake Dates

• Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025

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• Higher Diploma in Science in Web Development
• BSc (Hons) in Computing Science

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Course Details

Core Subjects

Computer Programming

This module teaches the learner how to design high-quality programs in a systematic way. All the relevant concepts and techniques are explained and exemplified in the clearest, simplest language. The module aims to introduce the learner to the concepts of programming and problem solving.

Computer Architecture and Organisation

This module provides the learner with the knowledge of how computers work. There are two main strands to the module. Computer Architecture addresses how the individual components work together. The second strand concentrates on the Operating System, the software that allows all the components to communicate, and manage data so that the user can concentrate on high level problems.

Discrete Mathematics

The main objective of this course is to introduce learners to the concepts, notations and operations of mathematics that provide a basis for working in the field of computing. The material covered extends the knowledge of learners who have completed courses in mathematics at secondary level.

Relational Databases

This module teaches the learner the basic theoretical ideas that underpin modern database management systems. In parallel with this it shows the learner how to design and implement databases. They learn techniques such as entity-relationship modelling and normalisation in order to more effectively design a database. They also learn the structured query language (SQL) which allows them to implement their designs in a commercial database management system.

Data Communications and Networks

This module provides you with a detailed understanding and appreciation of the different networking and communication concepts, standards and protocols. It addresses basic signaling at physical level up to routing at network layer. The module covers the different protocols commonly found and focusses on available WAN technologies. This module also introduces wireless networks and network security.

Operating System Design

This module focuses on the understanding of the concepts involved in designing an operating system; and understanding of the complexity and the many requirements of an operating system. This module introduces the learner to some fundamental algorithms used in operating systems. It introduces the concept of concurrency in an OS; explores the concept of multiprocessing and distributed operating systems; and it provides a practical knowledge of operating systems.

Object Oriented Development

This module builds on the work completed in the first semester Programming module and extends the learners knowledge of programing by giving a comprehensive analysis of object-oriented programming. This paradigm leads to software architectures based on the objects every system or subsystem manipulates. In this view software systems are operational models of real or virtual world activities based around the objects that populate these worlds: people, cars, houses, stacks, sets, queues. As in all programming modules, a key objective is the acquisition, on behalf of the learner, of good software engineering skills and the application of these skills to the design and implementation of software components.

Programming and Data Structures

As in all programming modules, a key objective is the acquisition, on behalf of the learner, of good software engineering skills and the application of these skills to the design and implementation of software components. At the heart of all software design is the implementation of appropriate data structures that provide efficient data models for the problem at hand. Learners develop an in depth knowledge of the standard data structures: stacks, queues, sets, bags and maps; and also learn to implement these using both linear (linked lists, arrays) and non-linear (binary search trees) data structures.

HCI & GUI Programming

This module enables the learner to critically evaluate the importance of the human aspect of system development. The learners learn about the key issues involved in designing computer interfaces. The learner experiences the skills needed to program for a GUI based environment.

Software Engineering for Web Applications

This module introduces learners to the fundamental concepts behind building standards-compliant dynamic database driven web applications. They are introduced to the core technologies behind client-side web development (HTML, CSS) before exploring server-side development with PHP and MySQL. Learners design and produce a dynamic, database-driven web application using these methods.

Timetables

Timetables will be available closer to the starting date.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Candidates applying for this conversion course should have a Level 8 Honours degree or above in any discipline or international equivalent and/or relevant work experience.

Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage.

English Language

If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.

Tuition Fees

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland

Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 7,300.00

Irish/EU citizens, living abroad

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.

International

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted.

An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.

A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.

Flexible payment options

Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form (PDF file) and send this to the Student Fees Office:

Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 Email:

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• **This program is a Higher Diploma in Science in Computing.

• **It is a 1-2 year conversion course designed for students from all disciplines who want to pursue a career in IT.

• **The program aims to bridge the gap between non-computing disciplines and computing science.

• **The program is delivered on a full-time and part-time basis.

• **Upon completion of the program, graduates will be equipped with the necessary core computing competencies and academic requirements to pursue an IT career or continue their studies in a computer science-based postgraduate program.

• **The program has a 100% employment record from a sample of 35 graduates from the class of 2017.

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Outline:

• The core subjects of the program include:
• Computer Programming
• Computer Architecture and Organisation
• Discrete Mathematics
• Relational Databases
• Data Communications and Networks
• Operating System Design
• Object Oriented Development
• Programming and Data Structures
• HCI & GUI Programming
• **The program also includes elective modules that students can choose from to personalize their learning experience.

• **The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical exercises.

• **Students will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry guest speakers.

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Assessment:

• **Assessment methods include a combination of coursework, exams, and projects.

• **Coursework may include assignments, presentations, and laboratory reports.

• **Exams are typically written and may include multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions.

• **Projects may involve the development of a software application or the completion of a research paper.

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Teaching:

• **The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified lecturers.

• **Lecturers are actively involved in research and industry, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.

• **The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, and practical exercises.

• **Students are also encouraged to participate in group discussions and online forums.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a career in a variety of IT roles, including:
• Software developer
• Web developer
• Database administrator
• Network administrator
• IT consultant
• **The program also provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue further study in computer science at the postgraduate level.

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Other:

• **The program is offered at Griffith College Dublin Main Campus.

• **The program is accredited by QQI.

• **The program is delivered in English.

• **Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program director for more information.

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• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland: EUR 7,150.00
• Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted.
• An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term.
For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.
• A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted.
The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.