Computer Science - Software Development

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.

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.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in non computing discipline.



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. 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. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Closing Date : 30 August 2026

1 year full-time

Commences (early September 2025) three to four weeks before the start of the academic term.

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.



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.



Visit MHG50 at: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/courses/msc-computer-science-software-engineering-one-year-programme