The Diploma in Computer Studies is a part-time programme of training and education leading to a professional qualification in Information Technology. It covers such fundamental topics as the configuration of hardware and software, the project management of IT initiatives, and contemporary IT security. It is delivered in a student-friendly way over two academic years.
Diploma in Computer Studies
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Delivery Method
The programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend webinars, seminars (as required), and are supported in their studies by various online resources and bespoke course material.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. The papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language.
OR
Mature students (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may enter a programme without the above qualifications.
Duration
Two academic years
Accreditation
Place on NFQ
Level 6 (Special Purpose award)
what is this?
Commences
October 2025
Application Deadline
October 2025
Fees
The cost of the programme is €2,550 per annum.
Employers and Fees
Where employers are paying fees, students, when enrolling, must provide a PO number and employer authorisation on the applicaiton form OR submit a letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly.
Students Paying their own Fees
Fees can be paid by:
- Electronic transfer (contact the Undergraduate Office).
- Debit/credit card (contact the Undergraduate Office).
- Cheque (payable to the Institute of Public Administration).
- Bank draft.
Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occors, students will be charged the increased fee.
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- The Programme
The Diploma in Computer Studies is a part-time programme of training and education leading to a professional qualification in Information Technology. It covers such fundamental topics as the configuration of hardware and software, the project management of IT initiatives, and contemporary IT security. It is delivered in a student-friendly way over two academic years.
- Is This Programme for you?
This programme is particularly suitable for both end users with a strong interest in Information Technology who would like to make a career in IT and those already working in IT who would like to extend their knowledge and convert their experience into a formal qualification
- Subjects
The programme includes both common and elective modules. These examine critical areas in contemporary IT, including:
- Hardware and software fundementals
- Project and operations management
- Security foundations
- Cloud and virtualisation
- Big data and data analytics
- Web design
- Systems development
- Datbase design
- Assessment
Assessment is through a combination of on-line testing assignment, project work and examination.
- Seminar Dates
| Module |
Status |
Dates |
Format |
| Orientation |
Mandatory |
Tuesday, October 1, 2025 |
Online (18.30) |
| Hardware and Software 1 |
Mandatory |
Thursday October 3-Friday, October 4, 2025 |
In-person seminar |
| Hardware and Software 2 |
Mandatory |
Thursday November 19 – Wednesday, November 20 2025 |
In-person seminar |
| Hardware and Software 3 |
Mandatory |
Monday December 16- Tuesday, December 17, 2025 |
In-person seminar |
| Personal Project |
Mandatory |
Meeting: Thursday, January 9, 2026
Proposal Due: Thursday, January 30, 2026 |
Online (18.30) |
| Database Design |
Elective |
Tuesday, January 7 – Wednesday, January 8, 2026 |
In-person seminar |
| Security Foundations |
Elective |
Thursday, February 13 & Thursday, February 20, 2026 |
Online (18.30) |
| Systems Development |
Elective |
Tuesday, March 11- Wednesday, March 12, 2026 |
In-person seminar |
- How To Apply
Please complete the online form below. On submitting that, you will receive correspondence from the IPA on next steps/documentation.
- Delivery
The Diploma in Computer Studies is a part time programme that is delivered over two semesters.
- Prospectus
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IPA undergraduate programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning mode that combines in-person seminars, online webinars, and independent study. See the programme page for more information.
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