Academic Programmes

Diploma in Computer Science (Dip in CS)

Objectives and contents

This is a two-year diploma programme that emphasises the application of computers in solving business-related problems. The programme provides the foundation on the basics of programming paradigms, computer hardware, networking, software development life cycle, communication (written and oral) and business skills. This programme is considered as a stepping stone towards a higher education on a bachelor’s degree. The programme intends to:

1. Equip the students with skills required to work as advanced level user support professionals, Computer Network technicians, WebMasters, Computer hardware and or software maintenance technicians.
2. Provide skills necessary to manage IT development projects and make substantive contributions to the use of information systems in corporate decision making.

Establish the foundation of technologies needed to effectively use information systems in supporting organizations daily operations.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Diploma in Computer Science, the graduates will have the ability to;

1. Install, maintain and repair computer hardware and peripherals.
2. Analyse computing related problems.
3. Design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions based on a given set of requirements.
4. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
5. Further, their education on the bachelor’s degree provided they meet a Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).

Career prospects

Graduate from this programme can potentially work as:

1. Computer Network technicians,
2. Software developers 
3. WebMasters,
4. Computer hardware and or software maintenance technicians.

Entry Requirements

The minimum eligibility for admission in Diploma in Computer Science is given below:

Direct Entry Qualifications
Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (C.S.E.E.) or equivalent with passes in at least four approved subjects including Mathematics, and one of the following combinations of passes in the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (A. C. S. E. E.) or equivalent:

1. Three Subsidiary passes in Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, Basic Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Commerce, Geography, Biology or Accountancy.
2. OR One principal level pass at least grade ‘C’ in any of the subjects listed in (i) above.
3. OR One principal level pass and a subsidiary pass in any of the subjects listed in (i) above.
4. OR A Certificate in Computer Science with an average GPA of at least 2.7 out of 5.0 from a recognised institution.

Equivalent Entry Qualifications
Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (C.S.E.E.) or equivalent with passes in at least four approved subjects and one of the following qualifications:

1. A Certificate in Computer Science (or related field) with an average GPA of at least 3.0 out of 5.0 or a Diploma at a good standing from a recognised institution.
2. OR A qualification of an equivalent standard awarded by recognized professional bodies such as the National Board of Accountants and Auditors and the Business Education Council.
3. OR A Form VI certificate with at least two subsidiaries in the subjects listed in (a) (i) above plus at least two years industrial experience in ICT.
4. OR Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.

Admission Procedures
Detailed information about the admission process is available on the main UDSM website under the Directorate of Undergraduate Studies (click HERE). The Admission Guidebook for the academic year 2021/2022 is available HERE.  The entry requirements for admission to this programme are provided in table 6 on page 20 of the admission guidebook.

Fee Structure

The school fee for this programme is TZS 1,000,000 for Tanzanian Nationals per year and USD 2,270 for Non-Tanzanian Nationals. The fee can be paid per academic year or by instalments per semester. Also, each student has to pay TZS 20,000 as a registration fee and TZS 5,000 for the University Identification Card.

The University may change schools fees in each new academic year. Therefore, for accurate/ updated information about fees and other related direct costs paid to the University please visit the University Webpage on the fees structure for non-degree programmes under CoICT. The tuition fee and other applicable costs for the Diploma in Computer Science are in Table 20 in the Admission Guidebook on page 33.

For more information about this programme please contact the Department of Computer Science and Engineering by email through cse@udsm.ac.tz or Telephone +255(0) 222700225. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit us to learn more about this programme at CoICT Kijitonyama Campus along Alli Hassan Mwinyi Road, Block A Room 002. We are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm, except weekends and public holidays.