We now live in a technological era where knowledge of computer, internet and their application is essential. The use of computers has significantly impacted our daily lives. From handling our banking accounts to seamlessly connecting with people who live overseas, the adoption and integration of computers have become more pervasive than ever and are poised to grow even further. Technological advancements for one, have been largely possible with the intervention of computer science. Hence, it goes without saying that a career in computer science will mean working in the most exciting and elite field.

It may pique your interest to know that job opportunities in the computer and information research field are projected to grow by 23 per cent from 2022 to 2032, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you are considering a career in computer science and seeking for more detailed information on the nuances of a computer science career, this post is for you. We shall explore the possibilities of pursuing a postgraduate diploma in computer science and the career choices out there.

What is a postgraduate diploma in computer science and why pursue PGD in Computer Science?
A postgraduate diploma program is curated for individuals interested in building advanced careers in the field of computer science. It is a postgraduate qualification that can be pursued after a bachelor's degree. Unlike the traditional postgraduate or master's degree, it is a shorter alternative in terms of duration. Hence, it has become a popular choice among aspirants seeking to accelerate their professional growth and attain this diploma within a shorter amount of time.

A diploma in computer science is highly ideal for professionals who are seeking ways to propel their careers to higher levels without having to put their jobs on hold and particularly wishing to attain practical competencies rather than engaging in an extensive research study ideal for academic purposes.

Pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science allows candidates to attain a deeper understanding of the computer science discipline. There are numerous benefits to pursuing a postgraduate diploma in computer science, from getting to further one's career without having to compromise on other obligations like a job or family duties, to pivoting towards a specialization before actually moving into a specialized field through a master's, to enhancing career prospects.

What are the essential requirements of a postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science?
Ideally, the minimum qualification to pursue a postgraduate diploma in computer science is a graduate postgraduate in the relevant field of study, including Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, etc. As numerous universities and institutions offer diplomas in computer science, each having its own program structure and framework, the eligibility criteria may vary. However, a bachelor's degree is the common credential and the benchmark to pursuing a diploma program in any institution.

What can you expect to learn in a Diploma in Computer Science Program?
The program offering may vary as per the university's curriculum structure. However, there are some common computer science principles and practices that are fundamental at the postgraduate level and students pursuing this advanced level degree must be trained in them. Below are some of the major concepts that are crucial in a diploma program. Students considering a Postgraduate diploma in computer Science may scan through the numerous choices and check which institution fulfils all these competencies and will help them achieve their professional goals:

Overview of Computer Concept:

This topic or module will cover all the basic concepts of computers including the characteristics and objectives of computers. The module will also cover the following areas:

Computer organization
Functional unit
Memory and hard disk
Input/output devices
Computer software
System software
Application software
Computer language
Machine language
Assembly level language
High-level language
Compiler & internet
Operating system

Programming Languages: Programming languages are crucial for the Computer science field. Students may expect to gain an in-depth understanding of several programming languages and their relevant key areas. If the diploma course offers C, you may expect to learn the following areas of C:

C language fundamentals
Arrays & dimensional array
Functions and strings
Structure of C
pointer structures
Unions
File handling
Compilation Execution
Character set
Identifiers
Keywords
Accessing elements

Computer Network:
Introduction to computer network
Network criteria, structure and architecture
Switching methods
Functional grouping
Error- detection & correction
Data link protocols
Piggybacking
Cabling
Mac sub-layer protocol
Routing algorithms

Software Engineering
Introduction to software engineering
Software design & design strategies
Software analysis & design tools
Interaction diagrams
coding and testing
Software maintenance
Integration testing
Software project planning
Software quality
Risk management
Computer-aided software engineering

Apart from the above topics, Mobile Computing and Web programming will also be a core part of the diploma program. Having a detailed knowledge of what a postgraduate diploma in computer science will give you a broad idea of what you will be learning through the program.