Higher Diploma in Computer Science
An advanced programme for students with foundational knowledge in computer science, offering a deeper exploration of core and emerging technologies: programming and data structures, database management, software engineering, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT and cloud computing. Graduates emerge with a strong technical skill set and the ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the global tech landscape.
About this diploma
An advanced programme for students with foundational knowledge in computer science, offering a deeper exploration of core and emerging technologies: programming and data structures, database management, software engineering, networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT and cloud computing. Graduates emerge with a strong technical skill set and the ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the global tech landscape.
- School
- STEM School
- Duration
- 9 months
- Structure
- Three terms, 9 courses, 30 credits, ending with a capstone and industry readiness course
3 semesters, course by course.
Term 14 courses · 12 credits
- CS 2001Advanced Programming: Data Structures and Algorithmic Design3 credits
Advanced programming and algorithmic problem solving: trees, graphs, heaps and hash tables; divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming and greedy approaches with their time and space complexity; object-oriented design and optimisation for efficient software.
- CS 2002Database Management Systems: Advanced Theories and Applications3 credits
Advanced database design, implementation and management: efficient data modelling, query optimisation, transaction management and distributed databases, with hands-on SQL, NoSQL and modern database technologies.
- CS 2003Computer Networks and Cybersecurity3 credits
Builds on basic networking into advanced protocols, network security technologies and the techniques used to secure modern communication infrastructures: network design, security mechanisms, attack strategies and defence tactics.
- CS 2004Advanced Software Engineering and Development Methodologies3 credits
The principles, practices and tools used to develop high-quality software systems across traditional and agile methodologies: managing projects, the software lifecycle, requirements, design, implementation, testing and maintenance, with an emphasis on teamwork.
Term 24 courses · 12 credits
- CS 2005Operating Systems and System Administration3 credits
The design, functionality and management of modern operating systems with a focus on administration: managing resources, configuring and optimising environments, system security and troubleshooting, with an emphasis on Linux and Unix.
- CS 2006Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Theories and Applications3 credits
Foundational principles, algorithms and techniques of AI and ML: search algorithms, decision trees and neural networks, implemented on real-world data and applied to robotics, computer vision and natural language processing.
- CS 2007Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing3 credits
Integrating physical devices with the internet and the role of cloud computing in supporting IoT: sensors, devices, communication protocols and data processing, and how cloud platforms provide scalability, storage and analytics.
- CS 2008Project Management, Proposal and Report Writing for Computer Science3 credits
Planning, organising and managing computer science projects, writing clear project proposals and detailed technical reports, and communicating complex technical ideas to professional standards in preparation for the capstone.
Term 31 course · 6 credits
- CS 2010Capstone Project and Industry Readiness6 credits
The culminating experience: a comprehensive project solving a real-world problem through software development, system design, data analysis or emerging technologies, plus industry readiness in teamwork, presentation, resume building and interview preparation.
What graduates can do.
- Apply advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in programming, data management, software engineering and cybersecurity.
- Use cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT and cloud computing to solve real-world problems.
- Design, implement and manage secure, scalable and efficient computing systems, ready for industry.