Course Summary
The Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) 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 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.
Application Details
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 [email protected]
For queries or support on your application process please contact [email protected]
If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact [email protected]
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