The programme aims to develop Higher Diploma holders who have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Software Engineering, and who apply those principles more broadly and efficiently. They will possess the skills and knowledge to assess the suitability of various approaches to problem-solving. They will be able to perform effectively in any field related to Computing and Software Engineering. They will willingly take personal responsibility and make decisions if the situation arises. The program results in Higher Diploma holders who recognise the need for, and engage in, lifelong learning. On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate the following:
1) Demonstrate precise knowledge and understanding in the core areas of software engineering
2) Demonstrate precise knowledge and application of appropriate theories, models, and techniques that provide a basis for problem identification and analysis, software design, development, implementation, verification, and documentation in the software engineering profession.
3) Develop confidence in theoretical and practical knowledge and expert of information management for effective decision making.
4) Resolve problems with critical thinking and analysis, finding acceptable negotiations within the limitations of cost, time, knowledge, existing systems, and organizations.
5) Design Socially responsible and environmentally friendly solutions using approaches that integrate ethical, social, legal and economic concerns in the software engineering profession.
6) Effectively contribute as an individual and as part of a team in high-quality software development.
7) Demonstrate leadership and competent communication of information, ideas, issues, problems and solutions with technical and non-technical stakeholders in a dynamic development environment.
8) Demonstrate dedicated professionalism in the field of software engineering with a positive attitude as a global citizen.
9) Involvement in identifying situations, construct and sustaining arguments, and demonstrating managerial and entrepreneurial assistance with healthy social interactions.
10) Enthusiasm in lifelong learning and appreciation of the value of training, research, and professional development through continuing professional education
The admissions policy for the Higher Diploma in Computing and Software Engineering programme is governed by Cardiff Metropolitan's admissions policy and is reviewed at regular intervals.
The entry qualification for this programme is:
- A minimum of 5 passes in G.C.E Ordinary Level (including a minimum "C" pass for English and Math) + Foundation program
- A minimum of 5 passes in G.C.E Ordinary Level (including a minimum "C" pass for English and Math) + Minimum 2 S passes in G.C.E Advanced Level in any stream Applicants with foreign qualifications referred for admission will only be admitted if it could be proved that such foreign qualifications meet the standards required by the ICBT Senate. In all such cases, the approval of the ICBT Senate will be a precondition. Language Proficiency IELTS6/ICBT English diploma / Credit Pass for English in GCE (0/L) local syllabus
Students have the following progression options:
Final Year (Honours) Degree Programs:
- B.Sc. (Hons) Software Engineering
- B.Sc. (Hons) Business Information Systems
- B.Sc. (Hons) Information Technology
- B.Sc. (Hons) Data Science
- M.Sc. in Information Technology
- M.Sc. in Data Science
- M.Sc. in Project Management
Semester 1
- Computer Architecture
- Fundamentals in Programming
- System Analysis and Design
- Database Design and Development
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Web Application Development
- Mobile Application Development
- Networking and Cybersecurity
- Service-Oriented Computing
- Project Management
- Business Analytics
- Computing Project
Entry-Level Positions:
Software Developer / Programmer, Web Developer, Mobile Application Developer, IT Support Engineer / Technical Support Officer Database Administrator, QA Engineer / Software Tester.
Specialized Roles (with experience or further study)
Systems Analyst Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst Cloud Solutions Associate Project Coordinator (IT Projects)
Quick Info
Duration
18 Months
Full-time: 18 Months
Part-time: 24 Months
Faculty
Faculty of Information Technology
Program Type
Undergraduate
Intake Months
February
May
August
November
Campus Locations
Colombo Campus
Kandy Campus
Southern Campus – Matara
Nugegoda Campus
Galle Campus
Jaffna Campus
Kurunegala Campus
Batticaloa Campus
Gampaha Campus
Anuradhapura Campus
Final Certificate Awarded
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Last Updated
January 30, 2026 at 11:31 pm