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Courses
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Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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About NUI Galway
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Software Engineering (Diploma)
Course Overview
This fully online diploma provides a focused programme of study in the area of software design and development, providing an insight into technical skills and modern industry techniques. Computer programming and design are taught in the diploma, as well as a number of important software engineering methodologies.
Mode of Study: Online Learning
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You may also be interested in one of our other Computer Science and Software Engineering postgraduate programmes.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information. Software Engineering students are required to submit a current Curriculum Vitae along with other supporting documentation in their application.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
The Diploma in Software Engineering is delivered entirely using online learning technology so students can study when and where they want according to a paced learning cycle. Course materials are easy to follow and are accompanied by continuous assessment exercises, research/review questions and recommended course textbooks. Modules are delivered one at a time, over an eight-week period via asynchronous online technologies using web-supported learning.
The programme facilitators provide a recommended outline of study for each of the eight-week modules to ensure students keep on track. Each module is individually assessed by online examinations and assignments. All assessments and examinations take place within the eight-week period.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
This diploma is open to honours degree graduates (Level 8) or Level 7 graduates with 2-3 years of experience. An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent international qualification will be required, if applicable. See IT Online Launchpad for further details.
Other entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e., age, english language requirements, etc.).
*Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle. Courses which reach their quota will close to application. As many courses fill up quickly, you are advised to apply as early as possible, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year, part-time online
Next start date
September
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
Limited numbers available, apply early*
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
Diploma in Software Engineering, NUI Galway
CAO
Course code
1DSE1
Course Outline
This course is part-time and runs over one year. You will study one online module every eight weeks. Modules include:
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems [CORE]
- Fundamentals of Programming [CORE]
- Software Engineering [CORE]
- Object Oriented Programming [CORE]
- Object Oriented Design
- Distributed Systems and the Cloud
- Artificial Intelligence
CORE modules are those which you must take. All other modules are electives and you must choose one.
Further details on these modules can be found on our IT Online Launchpad.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The software industry includes businesses involved in the development, maintenance and publication of computer software, as well as software services such as training, documentation, and consulting. At the heart of this industry is the activity of actually building and producing computer software, which is the emphasis of this diploma. Opportunities for software developers are excellent within Ireland and internationally.
Who’s Suited to This Course
This is an ideal course for students who wish to:
- Update their software development and ICT skills
- Study in a flexible, online environment
- Engage with an interesting and challenging curriculum
- Improve their employability by re-skilling in the area of software development
- Develop key professional skills of critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more...
Find out More
Aisling Monahan
IT Online
T: + 353 91 495 698
E: mscsed@nuigalway.ie or aisling.monahan@nuigalway.ie
Majella O’Dea
IT Online
T: + 353 91 495 041
E: majella.odea@nuigalway.ie
What Our Students Say

Neil Keane | Diploma Graduate
This course enabled me to acquire valuable skills in topics such as Project Management, Distributed Systems, Object Oriented Programming and Design while all the time continuing my professional career without interruption. I found the teaching approach used, which involved the practical application of each week’s learning in the form of discussions and assignment an excellent way to learn. Importantly, as the course was delivered online, it gave me the freedom to establish a study routine at a time and place that suited me, my family and my work. By achieving a third level qualification in Software Engineering, I accomplished a long held personal & professional goal. Further, having achieved the Diploma has allowed me a distinct advantage in my workplace. Not only for the practical skills that I can apply to my work, but also because I am recognised by my manager as having had both the motivation and initiative to continue developing myself professionally.