A Higher Diploma in Ireland is generally a Level 8 qualification designed for graduates who want to move into a different academic or professional field. These conversion programmes are commonly available in computing, data analytics, business, finance, psychology and social sciences.
Most Higher Diploma programmes require 60 ECTS credits and take one year of full-time study. Part-time options may take two years. Entry is normally available to students with a recognised bachelor’s degree, although subject and grade requirements vary by course.
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| Course area | Common subjects covered | Commonly suitable background | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Computing | Programming, databases, computer systems, web development and software engineering | Graduates from non-computing disciplines | 1 year |
| Software Development | Programming, software design, application development, testing and project management | Graduates seeking to move into software and technology careers | 1 year |
| Data Analytics | Programming, statistics, databases, data visualisation and machine learning | Business, science, engineering, mathematics or other numerate disciplines | 1 year |
| Business Studies | Accounting, economics, marketing, management and business law | Graduates from non-business disciplines | 1 year |
| Financial Analysis | Accounting, corporate finance, economics and financial decision-making | Graduates seeking careers in finance, banking or accounting | 1 year |
| Psychology Conversion | Cognitive, social, developmental and research psychology | Graduates who have studied psychology as part of a previous degree | 1–2 years |
| Statistics and Mathematical Studies | Probability, statistical modelling, mathematical methods and data analysis | Graduates with suitable mathematical or quantitative experience | 1 year |
| Social Policy | Social research, public policy, welfare systems and social administration | Graduates without a previous social science qualification | 1 year |
| Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs | Medical device regulation, quality systems, compliance and risk management | Science, engineering, healthcare or technology graduates | 1–2 years |
| Medical Science | Clinical chemistry, microbiology, haematology and laboratory practice | Graduates who meet specific science and professional requirements | 1–2 years |
A Higher Diploma and a Postgraduate Diploma are different qualifications within Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications.
A Higher Diploma is generally classified at NFQ Level 8 and normally consists of 60 ECTS credits. It is often used as a conversion qualification, allowing graduates to gain knowledge in a subject different from their original bachelor’s degree.
A Postgraduate Diploma is classified at NFQ Level 9. It provides more advanced and specialised study and generally requires an honours bachelor’s degree in a relevant or closely related discipline. Some postgraduate diplomas also form the taught portion of a master’s programme and may allow students to progress to a research project or dissertation.
Students should compare the qualification level, course content and progression options rather than selecting a programme based only on its title.
| University | Examples of Higher Diploma programmes | Common study format |
|---|---|---|
| University College Dublin | Psychology, Mathematical Studies and Computer Science | Full-time and selected part-time options |
| University College Cork | Social Policy, History, English and other Higher Diplomas in Arts | Full-time, part-time and selected online options |
| University of Galway | Business Studies, Financial Analysis, Psychology and Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs | Full-time, part-time and selected online options |
| Maynooth University | Computer Science, Software Development, Data Analytics, Statistics and Economic Science | Mainly full-time, with selected part-time options |
| Technological University Dublin | Computing in Computer Science and Medical Science | Full-time and selected part-time options |
| Atlantic Technological University | Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Computing and Software Development | Full-time, part-time and online options |
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