Course Summary
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.
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
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
Application Details
Closing Date : 30 August 2026
Commences (early September 2025) three to four weeks before the start of the academic term.
Fees
Closing Date : 30 June 2023
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
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