Graduate Diploma in Computing
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Course overview
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View All Course Modules
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Jan 2027 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Computer Systems | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Problem Solving and Programming 1 | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Problem Solving and Programming 2 | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Object Oriented Programming | Optional | 15.00 | 5 |
| Principles of Database Systems | Optional | 15.00 | 5 |
| User Experience (UX) Design | Optional | 15.00 | 5 |
| Project | Core | 45.00 | 6 |
| Software Engineering | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Software Project Management | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Web Applications Development | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
This programme of study is intended primarily for graduates from any non-computing background to obtain fundamental knowledge and understanding of a range of core subjects in Computing. The overall aim of education is to either equip the graduates who want to develop their careers in their own areas of speciality with additional understanding, awareness and skills of IT and Computing, or help those who want to change their careers into IT and Computing. The programme can also serve as a pre-requisite for advanced master’s programmes in Applied Computing at Buckingham. It is available over 4 terms starting in January.
Graduates who successfully complete the programmes are eligible for entry into the MSc in Innovative Computing degree programme.
The Graduate Diploma programme consists of 7 taught modules and an individual project. On completing the programmes, you will be able to understand:
- the role that computers and networked systems play in the modern world.
- the essential knowledge and skills in programming together with relevant structures and concepts to create such systems.
- fundamental concepts and principles of databases, networking, object-oriented programming and human-computer interaction.
- advanced applications including data mining, multimedia, interactive computer graphics, and security systems.
- ethical, professional, social and legal issues in exploiting computing technology in practice.
The programme will also help you to develop skills in:
- Computing and web application
- Programming and problem-solving for large-scale or mobile applications
- Database and software development
- Developing usable GUIs
- Computer graphics
- Computer network issues
Entry Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class honours in a non-computing degree.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language you will also need an IELTS Score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.
Please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Our modules include a mixture of formal lectures, tutorial classes and practical classes. At the start of each module you will be given an up-to-date module outline and reading list. Most modules will provide two or three hours of lectures each week to introduce you to the basic concepts and techniques. These will be supported by lecture notes or handouts.
Lectures are supported by weekly tutorial classes, usually one hour in length, which are held in small groups so that all students can benefit from individual attention. You will be expected to prepare for these classes, for example by attempting a set of exercises or by reading a case study.
Many of our modules have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long.
You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.
Course material is also available on the University’s own Virtual Learning Environment. This allows students to download lecture notes, submit assignments and share resources in an electronic forum both within the University’s computer network and remotely.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
After Your Course
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni, we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
What our students say
As our Computing graduates gain a plethora of valuable skills, they have gone on to some of the most successful and exciting career paths, in addition to further study. You can read a selection of them in our library of Computing Success Stories.
Course Fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
Jan 2027 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £6,500 |
| INT | £11,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate loan scheme
Please note that this course is an Undergraduate conversion course which requires a bachelor’s degree as part of the entry requirements, therefore the standard loan and scholarship schemes may not be available.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
Students applying for this course may be eligible for the following:
UK Students
High Achiever Scholarship
International Students
Sheikh / Mubarak Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Scholarship (Undergraduate)
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.