Higher Diploma in Computer Science

Program Overview

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Higher Diploma in Computer Science

Programme Overview

The Higher Diploma in Computer Science builds upon the skills developed in the Diploma in Information Technology, providing students with a solid grounding in key computer science and IT areas. The programme prepares students for careers in IT and computer science across various industries, equipping them with technical expertise essential for roles that require hands-on knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Graduates will have the opportunity to progress to degree programmes at the University of East London, with potential advanced standing in select courses. The programme also encourages practical learning, with students expected to bring their own laptops for laboratory exercises.

Programme Aims

The Higher Diploma in Computer Science (HDCS) aims to achieve an international standard of high-quality training that will lead to a universally recognised qualification, enabling graduates to pursue undergraduate programmes at top universities. The course also aims to equip students with technical skills and competencies to develop applications based on design specifications; encompassing coding, testing, debugging, documenting and reviewing, and/or refining it across the application development stages in accordance with defined standards for development and security. The technical skill includes the analysis and possibly the reuse, improvement, reconfiguration, addition, or integration of existing and/or new application components.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of the following modules:

• Information Systems Modelling & Design
• Maths for Computing
• Software Development
• Computer Systems & Networks
• Web Technologies
• Cloud Computing
• Database Management Systems
• Data Communications & Networks
• Management of Information Systems
• Data Structure and Algorithms
• Advanced Programming
• Mobile App Development and Web
• Practicum/Research Project

Module Descriptions

Information Systems Modelling & Design

This module develops the skills and techniques required for creating an overall plan for the design of software, design of functional specifications based on user and business requirements incorporating various controls, functionality, and interoperability of different elements into a designing an information system, modelling which describes the overall architecture in software, databases, hardware, and third-party frameworks that the software will use or interact with. It also covers some of the key legal, social, ethical, and professional issues relating to the information systems development.

Maths for Computing

This module introduces the basic concept of quantitative approaches to computing mathematics. This module will help students to attain essential knowledge in mathematical concepts and skills that are required for the study and application of computer science.

Software Development

This module provides students with technical skills, communication skills, to develop applications by coding, testing, debugging, documenting, and reviewing in accordance with object-oriented programming standards for development and security. The module focuses on programming fundamentals such as introduction to computers and object-oriented programming, basic computation, variables, control structures, arrays, and the procedural programming methodology. It then progresses to introduce the object-oriented programming concepts of objects, classes, and inheritance.

Computer Systems & Networks

This module focuses on fundamental computer architecture, network fundamentals, protocols, and models. This module introduces the categories of the network functions, evaluates, and justifies networks, and device performance using the OSI model and the most widely used TCP/IP protocol suite.

Web Technologies

This module provides students with practical skills to examine, translate complex software ideas and concepts into a web application and establish key design principles and methodologies. Students can select and use appropriate tools and techniques with which to design, build, implement, and test a web application. This module also provides the opportunity to gain work skills to be able to provide professional documentation for the web pages produced.

Cloud Computing

This module provides students with a detailed and essential foundation in cloud computing. Cloud computing is the up and rising technology that will be considered critical in today’s business world. This introductory module to cloud computing describes and explains fundamental aspects of cloud computing concepts, models, technologies, and applications.

Database Management Systems

This module introduces students to the database which is fundamental to current business information system activities. A database typically provides features to enhance compactness, reliability, flexibility, and Internet applicability. Students will be introduced to the concepts and fundamentals of database systems. Students will be able to specify and create a database model, including the setting of various parameters that can be modified to suit different structured or unstructured data requirements, the design of data, as well as the development of mechanisms for maintenance, storage, and retrieval of data based on the business requirements. An open-source database tool is considered for verifying the features.

Data Communications & Networks

This module introduces students to and gives a clear understanding of how networks from in-home local area networks (LANs), to the massive and global Internet, are built and how they allow us to use computers to share information and communicate with one another.

Management of Information Systems

This module introduces students to the vital role of information systems in supporting an organisation’s business processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities. The strategic implications of information systems will be analysed, and students will be introduced to decision-making processes, data analytics, risk management, and IT audit for managing an information system for an organisation.

Data Structure and Algorithms

This module introduces students to the fundamentals first approach which builds a strong foundation of advanced programming data structures, algorithms, concepts, and techniques. This module introduces students to programming in a problem-driven way that focuses on problem-solving rather than syntax, illustrating advanced data structure concepts by example, and provides hands-on practical laboratory exercises for students to gain programming and technical skills.

Advanced Programming

This module will focus not only on the Java programming language, but also the Java programming style and topics on advanced software design using Java and Java’s network programming. This course covers the techniques of object-oriented programming in Java and the characteristics of the Java programming language. The language features such as event-driven programming, GUI, Collection classes, packages, exception handling, and multithreading with concurrent programming are discussed. Java graphical user interface and animation tools are important parts of this course. Advanced topics such as network programming, threads, and sockets are introduced with an executable example.

Mobile App Development and Web

This module introduces students to how to develop applications for Android smartphones and tablets. It demonstrates the need to know how to successfully develop your own Android applications. It also addresses all the fundamentals; including user interfaces, networking, SMS messaging, and databases. It is a practical module primarily for those who wish to extend their programming ability beyond and to deploy their own Android Apps themselves in the market.

Practicum/Research Project

This module provides an opportunity for students to undertake a task of a suitable size that allows him/her to apply the appropriate skills and knowledge learned in the Higher Diploma. It is normally expected that the project will involve, in addition to evidence of meeting targets in the area of self and time management, relevant background reading and research, and use of appropriate tools and techniques for design and development. Work produced here must be of professional competence suitable for the level of the Higher Diploma course. Students will undertake a significant piece of individual applied academic work in an area of their own interest relevant to, and demonstrating technical skills acquired in, their programme of study. Students will normally need to research one or more academic topic areas and then apply their findings to the construction and implementation of a computer-based system.

Programme Duration

14 months (full-time / part-time)

Upcoming Intake

Every 2 months (full-time / part-time)

Eligibility

• Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years or above
• Minimum English Language Entry Requirement:
  • Achieved grade C6 or better in the English language in ‘O’ level
  • Passed in the English Language in Year 10 High School qualification or equivalent
  • Achieved IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 500
  • Completed LSBF Preparatory Course in English Upper Intermediate Level
• Minimum Academic Entry Requirement:
  • Local students:
    • Two passes in GCE ‘A’ Level Examinations
    • International Baccalaureate (24 points)
    • Local Polytechnic Diploma in any field
    • Completion of LSBF Diploma in Information Technology (applicants can apply to transfer any recognised prior learning credits by applying for Advanced Standing)
    • Vocational Diploma in relevant field of study
    • Other equivalent qualifications
  • International students:
    • Completion of Year 12 High School Qualification or equivalent qualification from respective home countries
    • Completed International Baccalaureate (24 points)
    • Equivalent Local Polytechnic Diploma in any field in respective home countries
    • Completion of LSBF Diploma in Information Technology (applicants can apply to transfer any recognized prior learning credits by applying for Advanced Standing)
    • Vocational Diploma in relevant field of study
    • Other equivalent qualifications

Tuition Fees

• Local students: SGD $12,818.40
• International students: SGD $16,350.00

Faculty

• Francis Ho Soo Siong
• Pretaashiini
• Zahir Hussain
• Alvin Yeo
• William Ku
• Tan Kheng Teck
• Dr Preethi Kesavan
• Malarkodi Vaithilingam
• Loh Hai Kian
• Mahen Jayalath
• Belly Rachdianto
• Zhou Zhihao

Student Support Services

• Study Materials
• Student Portal
• Accessible Faculty
• Recorded Lectures

Admission Process

• Pre-Programme Counselling
• Evaluation of Application
• Acceptance of Offer
• Payment
• Receipt, Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) Insurance & Confirmation of Registration

FAQs

• What career opportunities are available after this diploma?
  • You’ll be eligible for entry-level roles like junior software developer, IT support executive, or QA tester in tech companies and IT departments.
• What can I study after this diploma?
  • You can progress to the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science or a related tech degree, and eventually to a Master’s in Computer Science or AI.
• What if I find programming too challenging?
  • That’s okay. Your logical thinking and tech fluency still qualify you for roles in IT support, data analysis, or digital operations—areas with lower coding intensity.
• Is there financial support available for this programme?
  • Yes, LSBF’s diploma programmes are eligible for UTAP (Union Training Assistance Programme) funding. NTUC members can receive 50% course fee support, capped at S$500 per year. To apply, submit your UTAP application through the NTUC website within 6 months of completing your course. You can also learn more via e2i.com.sg.