Higher Diploma in Science in Computing
Course 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
Course Details
Core Subjects
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.
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.
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.
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.
From a technical viewpoint they gain experience using a modern database management system such as MySQL or Oracle. The integration of databases into programming languages allows the development of large scale software solutions. In this module they learn how to create a communication between a programming language such as Java and the database itself. This leads to the development of applications following the N-tier model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 7,300.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.
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 and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
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.
