Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web & Cloud)

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Fees
  • Next Steps

Web and Cloud Technologies

Overview

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web and Cloud) is a conversion programme designed for graduates seeking to acquire essential web and cloud computing skills. It is a one-year full-time programme that aims to provide learners with practical knowledge and skills in computing and data science. The programme is designed for individuals seeking to upskill or reskill, and it focuses on applying transferable skills to specific computing skills in web and cloud technologies.

Learners will develop knowledge in areas such as web technologies, cloud infrastructure, database design, and programming, and will have the opportunity to gain experience through work placement and project work. The programme aims to enable learners to secure employment as computing practitioners in various sectors.

 

Objectives

The programme objectives of the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web and Cloud) are:

  • Provide a programme of study that enhances learners' employment opportunities in the ICT sector.

  • Enable learners to progress from a basic understanding of core computing concepts to demonstrating advanced skills in specific areas.

  • Develop specialised technical skills applicable to established and emerging practices in web and cloud application development, deployment, and infrastructure management.

  • Contextualise newly gained practical skills in a real-world environment through placement and project work.

 

Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery.



Minimum Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web and Cloud) programme, applicants typically need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours degree with a minimum Pass classification from a recognised third-level institution in a non-cognate area, with demonstrated mathematical problem-solving skills (e.g., Leaving Certificate level Maths).

  • Or a minimum Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor’s degree in a cognate area such as computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, or data science.

  • Or, applicants without a Level 8 qualification but with at least 3 years of work experience may be considered through the college’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures.

All applicants, including EU and non-EU, apply directly to the Admissions Office, with non-EU applicants residing outside Ireland/EU applying to the International Admissions Office.

Module Name

ECTS

Semester

Introduction to Programming

10

1

Web Design and Development

5

1

Database Design and Development

10

1

Information Systems Development and Management

5

2

Web and Cloud Application Development

10

2

Cloud Infrastructure and Virtualisation

5

2

Advanced Web Technologies

5

2

Project (elective)

10

3

Placement (elective)

10

3

 

Teaching and Assessment

The programme is structured to provide a mix of foundational computing knowledge and specialised skills in web and cloud technologies.

  • Core Modules: Cover essential areas like programming, web design and development, database design, and information systems.

  • Advanced Modules: Focus on specialised topics such as web and cloud application development, cloud infrastructure and virtualisation, and advanced web technologies.

  • Capstone Options: Students can choose between a project or a placement in the final stage, allowing for in-depth application of their learning.

The teaching and learning approach is varied, incorporating lectures, workshops and practical sessions.

Assessment methods are diverse, including continuous assessment, individual and group projects, and presentations, aimed at providing learners with opportunities to demonstrate their skills.

Module: Work Placement

Overview
The work placement module is a central component of the learning journey, designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between academic theory and real world IT practice. This module challenges learners to integrate their acquired computing knowledge while developing critical self awareness, personal skills, and reflective practice. By engaging in industrial scale IT projects, students gain firsthand insight into professional working life, build their professional network, and enhance their post graduation employability. The placement culminates in a comprehensive end of placement report where students reflect on their achievements and analyse their practical learning experiences. The learner will complete a minimum of 80 hours of placement over a 12 week period.
  

Placement and Host Company Requirements
Host companies must provide a professional environment that allows learners to engage with real world computing challenges. The placement provider should facilitate opportunities for the student to work both independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for the timely delivery of defined goals. The environment must also allow the student to actively appraise the company's business model and mission statement. In return, host employers benefit from a flexible, cost effective source of skilled labour bringing fresh perspectives, new technical practices, and an opportunity to identify potential future graduate recruits.
 

Arranging Your Placement
Students are entirely responsible for sourcing and securing their own ICT work placements. There is pre-placement preparation guidance provided to learners which occurs in the first two weeks of Semester 2 to help them plan out their search. Learners are encouraged to leverage this search process to explore possible career paths, increase their awareness of the tech sector, and build a network of potential industry contacts. While the onus remains on the student to arrange the role, the placement serves as a critical stepping stone, allowing learners to demonstrate self-motivation, initiative, and communication skills before officially entering the computing workforce.

 

Structure 

The Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web and Cloud) is structured across three semesters at full-time.

Full-time

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Programming (10 ECTS)

  • Web Design and Development (5 ECTS)

  • Database Design and Development (10 ECTS)

Semester 2:

  • Information Systems Development and Management (5 ECTS)

  • Web and Cloud Application Development (10 ECTS)

  • Cloud Infrastructure and Virtualisation (5 ECTS)

  • Advanced Web Technologies (5 ECTS)

Semester 3:

  • Project (10 ECTS) or Placement (10 ECTS)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Web and Cloud) programme can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the ICT sector. The programme equips graduates with skills that are in demand in Ireland, Europe, and the US.

Some potential career paths include:

  • System Analyst

  • Software Engineer

  • Enterprise Information System roles

  • Web Technologies roles

  • Analytics roles

Graduates may find employment in various industries within the public and private sectors.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €7,250 for EU students and €10,500 for international students.

Next Steps

Please apply online via our application form.

Categories:
  • Postgraduate Programmes
  • International
  • Full-Time
  • 8

Course overview

Awarding Body: 
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
QQI_Logo 
Award: Higher Diploma
NFQ Level: 8
Award Title: Higher Diploma in Science in Computing
Award Type: Major
Duration: 1 Academic Year (Full-time)
Next Intake: September 2025

Contact Us

Email: admissions@dbs.ie
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm