| Code | HDACT |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | HDip |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| 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 | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
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.
The Higher Diploma is offered as a one-year full-time course (over 9 months) or a two-year part-time course (over 18 months).
Full-Time
Students take a total of 60 credits: 30 credits in Semester 1 and 30 credits in Semester 2.
- CS5002 Web Development 1 (5 credits)
- CS5008 Internet Computing (5 credits)
- CS5009 Multimedia (5 credits)
- CS5018 Web Development 2 (5 credits)
- CS5019 Systems Organization I (5 credits)
- CS5020 Systems Organization II (5 credits)
- CS5021 Introduction to Relational Databases (5 credits)
- CS5222 Introduction to Programming & Problem Solving (15 credits)
- CS5062 Computing in Society (5 credits)
- CS5023 Usability Engineering (5 credits)
Part-Time
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years. Part-time students take 30 credits in each of the two academic years as follows:
Part-Time: Year 1
- CS5002 Web Development 1 (5 credits)
- CS5018 Web Development 2 (5 credits)
- CS5021 Introduction to Relational Databases (5 credits)
- CS5222 Introduction to Programming & Problem Solving (15 credits)
Part-Time: Year 2
- CS5008 Internet Computing (5 credits)
- CS5009 Multimedia (5 credits)
- CS5019 Systems Organization I (5 credits)
- CS5020 Systems Organization II (5 credits)
- CS5062 Computing in Society (5 credits)
- CS5023 Usability Engineering (5 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
A typical 5-credit module includes:
- two lecture hours per week
- one to two hours of practicals per week
- outside these regular hours, you are required to study independently
Assessment
The Higher Diploma in Applied Computing Technology is examined through a combination of end-of-year exams and module assignments.
Why Choose This Course
- Conversion Course
This is a conversion course and is intended for graduates who do not have a Computer Science degree and would like to attain skills in demand by the IT sector.
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.
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.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:
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You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
-
Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please upload your CV.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now