Computer Science - Applied Computing Technology - Conversion Course

Course Outline

Our Higher Diploma in Applied Computing Technology is a conversion course open to graduates from non-computing disciplines. The course will provide you with an understanding of the principles of internet-based computer systems and equip you with a range of core IT skills, including web design, web server configuration, managing and manipulating multimedia content, interfacing with databases and working with common office software.

Full-Time

Students take a total of 60 credits: 30 credits in Semester 1 and 30 credits in Semester 2.

CS5002 Web Development 1 (5 credits)

CS5007 Computer Applications Programming (5 credits)

CS5008 Internet Computing (5 credits)

CS5009 Multimedia (5 credits)

CS5018 Web Development 2 (5 credits)

CS5019 Systems Organization I (5 credits)

CS5020 Systems Organization II (5 credits)

CS5021 Introduction to Relational Databases (5 credits)

CS5222 Introduction to Programming & Problem Solving (15 credits)

CS5523 Multimedia 2 (5 credits)



Part-Time

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years. Part-time students take 30 credits in each of the two academic years as follows:

Part-Time: Year 1

CS5002 Web Development 1 (5 credits)

CS5018 Web Development 2 (5 credits)

CS5021 Introduction to Relational Databases (5 credits)

CS5222 Introduction to Programming & Problem Solving (15 credits)



Part-Time: Year 2

CS5007 Computer Application with Visual Basic (5 credits)

CS5008 Internet Computing (5 credits)

CS5009 Multimedia (5 credits)

CS5019 Systems Organization I (5 credits)

CS5020 Systems Organization II (5 credits)

CS5523 Multimedia 2 (5 credits)

This Higher Diploma conversion course is open to graduates of any discipline other than Computer Science or a similar discipline.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

The Higher Diploma in Applied Computing Technology will be examined through a combination of end-of-year exams and module assignments.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. The Higher Diploma is offered as a one-year full-time course (over 9 months) or a two-year part-time course (over 18 months).

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this Higher Diploma can:

- Continue to MSc Computing Science having achieved a 1H diploma or

- Exit and take up employment in one of the following areas:

- Development - with experience leading to Senior Developer, Designer, Architect, Management;

- Test/QA - with experience leading to Test Automation, Business/Systems Analysis, Management;

- Desktop/Helpdesk Support - with experience leading to Network/Systems Admin, Cloud/Virtualization Engineer.



The IT sector is booming and the demand for graduates outstrips demand. The Technology Skills 2022: Ireland’s Third ICT Action Plan outlines the current status of the ICT sector in Ireland and the growing demand for skilled IT graduates.