Academic Programmes

Certificate in Computer Science (Cert in CS)

Objectives and contents

This is a one-year non-degree evening programme leading to the award of Certificate in Computer Science. The academic year is organized in two semesters each of fifteen instruction weeks followed by two examinations weeks. The programme is made of several courses from the following areas: communication skills, mathematics, computer programming, data and information management, systems and architecture, profession and ethics, software design and development, and computer networks.  Specifically, the programme intends to:

1. Equip the students with skills required to work as entry-level user support professionals, 
2. Provide skills necessary to manage IT development projects and make substantive contributions to the use of information systems in corporate decision making.
3. Establish a foundation of technologies needed to effectively use information systems in supporting organizations daily operations.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate in Computer Science, the graduate will be able to:

1. Work as basic IT technician capable of Installing, maintaining and repairing computer hardware and peripherals.
2. Design, implement and evaluate computing-based solutions based on a given set of requirements.
3. Join NTA Level 5 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 Certificate in Computer Science is given below:

Direct Entry Qualifications: 
Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (C.S.E.E) or East African Certificate of Education (E.A.C.A) – O-level with at least a pass in four approved subjects including Mathematics.

Equivalent Entry Qualifications
Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (C.S.E.E) or East African Certificate of Education (E.A.C.A) – O-level with at least a pass in four approved subjects.

AND

Certificate or diploma from a recognized institution or ICT industrial experience of not less than 2 years that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to undertake the programs.

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 800,000 for Tanzanian Nationals and USD 1,580 for Non-Tanzanian Nationals. Also, each candidate has to pay TZS 20,000 as registration fees 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 certificate 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.