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 for the Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) are required to hold a degree in non-computing disciplines (level 7 or level 8 degree in any non-computing subject). Applicants with some computing background are advised to apply for the Higher Diploma in Science MHG58.



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.



Applicants who do not have a level 8 primary degree may also have the opportunity to apply through the Maynooth University (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning route.



Please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/records/student-registration for further information on the RPL route.

Closing Date : 31 July 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

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