The Home of Software Engineering in Sri Lanka

Higher Diploma in Computer Science With AI

Build Your Career in Computer Science & AI Engineering

A structured computing pathway for A/L leavers and graduates — from core computer science foundations to industry-ready software and AI engineering skills at IJSE.

Programme

A structured path into software & AI

The Higher Diploma in Computer Science (HDCS) at the Institute of Software Engineering is designed for students who have completed their G.C.E. A/Ls and for graduates seeking a clear pathway into software and AI engineering. This programme combines core computer science fundamentals with practical software development and emerging AI skills, preparing you for industry roles or further academic progression.

  • 04

    Academic semesters

  • AI

    Threaded through the syllabus

  • 02

    Campuses — Panadura & Galle

  • BSc

    Honours top-up pathway

Who should enroll?

  • Students who have completed their G.C.E. A/Ls and want a computing diploma pathway
  • Students who complete the Foundation Programme at IJSE
  • Graduates seeking industry-aligned software and AI engineering skills
  • Learners aiming for professional roles in software development or related IT fields

Why choose HDCS?

HDCS bridges academic learning and industry practice. You build strong computer science foundations, gain hands-on software engineering experience, and develop exposure to AI engineering concepts — all within a structured programme designed for A/L leavers and graduates.

What makes this program special?

Starting a career in software and AI can feel overwhelming. HDCS is crafted to take you from fundamentals to applied skills with a clear pathway, practical projects, and guidance aligned to industry expectations.

Program highlights

  • 01

    Computer Science Fundamentals

    Build a solid base in programming, systems, and problem-solving — the essentials every software and AI engineer needs.

  • 02

    Software Engineering Practice

    Learn modern development practices, tools, and project workflows used in real software teams.

  • 03

    AI Engineering Exposure

    Gain an introduction to AI engineering concepts and how intelligent systems are designed and delivered.

  • 04

    Clear Career Pathway

    Progress from A/L or graduate entry toward industry-ready roles with a structured, outcome-focused curriculum.

Whether you are finishing A/Ls or already graduated, HDCS gives you a practical roadmap into computing. Build core skills, work on applied projects, and prepare for software or AI-related roles with confidence.

View curriculum

Course outline

Program Curriculum

The HDCS curriculum is organised by year. Select a year to view the semester modules that take you from programming and software engineering fundamentals through applied AI, cloud, and industry placement.

After completing HDCS, you are eligible to progress to the BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence top-up. Module titles may be updated to stay aligned with industry standards.

First Year

Programming, databases, OOP, software engineering, web technologies, AI fundamentals, and professional skills.

15 modules · 2 blocks

Semester 1

7 modules
  1. 01Programming Fundamentals
  2. 02Database Management Systems
  3. 03Object-Oriented Programming
  4. 04Software Engineering
  5. 05Database Programming
  6. 06Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  7. 07Professional Software Project

Semester 2

8 modules
  1. 01Software Architecture and Design Patterns I
  2. 02Web Technologies
  3. 03Cybersecurity
  4. 04Introduction to Network Programming
  5. 05Introduction to Python
  6. 06Applied AI Engineering
  7. 07Advanced API Development
  8. 08Workplace Communication & Soft Skills

Enrollment

Course Schedule, Duration & Next Intake

HDCS intake schedules, duration, and branch availability will be confirmed with the final programme content. The structure below matches other IJSE programme pages so enrollment details can be dropped in without layout changes.

  • TBA

    Program Duration

  • TBA

    Semesters / Phases

  • TBA

    Study Days

Next intake/Details coming soon

  • Schedule details coming soon
  • On-Campus (Panadura & Galle Branches)
  • Panadura Branch

    Commencement date TBA·Schedule TBA

  • Galle Branch

    Commencement date TBA·Schedule TBA

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • G.C.E. A/L passes (stream and grade requirements TBA)
  • Graduates and other eligible applicants — criteria TBA

Investment

Course Fees & Payment Plans

HDCS fees and payment plans will be published with the final programme details. We accept credit/debit cards, including installment plans via credit cards, as well as cash payments. For direct bank deposits, please contact IJSE via our hotline to confirm current fees and receive payment instructions.

  • Nations Trust Bank

    Nations Trust Bank

    100170004375

  • Hatton National Bank

    Hatton National Bank

    069010011697

  • Sampath Bank

    Sampath Bank

    010210000726

Contact IJSE via the hotline before making a bank deposit to confirm the latest programme fees and payment instructions.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Higher Diploma in Computer Science With AI (HDCS) is IJSE’s structured computing pathway for A/L leavers and graduates, focused on software and AI engineering readiness. Full programme details will be published soon.

Apply

How to apply

If you're interested in joining HDCS — Higher Diploma in Computer Science With AI, please fill out the form below with your name and contact number, then click the submit button. Once we receive your application, a representative from the Institute of Software Engineering will get in touch with you as soon as possible to guide you through the next steps. (Please make sure your contact number is correct before submitting)

Confidentiality notice: The Institute of Software Engineering values your privacy. All personal information you provide will be kept strictly confidential, used solely for admission-related purposes, and will not be shared with any third parties.