Course Summary
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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Note: 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.
Application Details
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.
Start Date 7 September 2026
Fees
The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 part-time).
The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,900.
Deposits
If your course required a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second semester fee payment in January.
EU student fee payment
Fees for EU students are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration in August and the second in January.
International student fee payment
International Students can pay in two equal instalments once they have paid the appropriate deposit. The initial payment is due on registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
You can pay by Credit/Debit card online or by credit transfer.
Questions?
If you have any questions on fee payment email our Fees Office at [email protected].
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
Companies actively recruiting our Applied Computing Science graduates include the following:
Abtran, Accenture, AIS, Amazon, Apple, Bank of Ireland, BrickSave, CoreHR, Cork Airport, Cork College of Commerce, Daon, Dell EMC, Digisoft.tv, Enterprise System Partners, First Data, Health Service Executive, IRI America, Johnson Controls, Nirto Cell, Permanent TSB, PWC, Scott Brown Ri, Spearline Labs, Tintri, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, University College Dublin, Virtustream, Voxpro, Zyte, and more.
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.