HIGHER DIPLOMA IN 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.

Commences:

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

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

Springboard plus is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Eligible students may apply for Springboard funding for MHG70 (see the “How to Apply” section)

Visit at: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/computer-science/springboard

Applicants for the Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) are required to hold a degree in non-computing disciplines (level 8 degree in any non-computing subject). Applicants who have a computing background equivalent to having a three year degree in computer science, are advised to also apply for the Higher Diploma in Science MHG58.

Applicants must have a recognised level 8 primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university level 8 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.

IELTS : 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

Duolingo English Test (DET) : The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 - with at least 110 in each individual subscore. 

Pearson Test of English : 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section

TOEFL internet-based test  : iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section

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.