University of Sierra Leone

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Nursing (State Registered Nurse - SRN) at the University of Sierra Leone, offered through the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), provides students with essential nursing knowledge and hands-on clinical training. The program prepares graduates to provide quality patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

Program Highlights

  • Comprehensive Curriculum – Covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care techniques.
  • Clinical Training – Includes hospital-based rotations and community health placements.
  • Ethical and Professional Development – Focuses on patient care ethics, decision-making, and leadership.
  • Research and Practical Application – Encourages evidence-based nursing practice.
Degree Awarded
Higher Diploma in Nursing
Duration
3 Years (6 Semesters)
Total Credits
98 Credits
Study Mode
Full-time
Language
English
Intake Periods
September to January

Curriculum

The Computer Science curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program consists of core courses, electives, and a capstone project.

Year 1

Semester 1

  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Calculus I
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Academic Writing and Communication

Semester 2

  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Data Structures
  • Calculus II
  • Digital Logic Design
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Year 2

Semester 3

  • Algorithms and Complexity
  • Computer Architecture
  • Database Systems
  • Linear Algebra
  • Professional Ethics in Computing

Semester 4

  • Operating Systems
  • Web Development
  • Statistics for Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Technical Writing

Year 3

Semester 5

  • Computer Networks
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Theory of Computation
  • Mobile Application Development
  • Elective I

Semester 6

  • Information Security
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Software Project Management
  • Elective II

Year 4

Semester 7

  • Distributed Systems
  • Machine Learning
  • Research Methods in Computer Science
  • Capstone Project I
  • Elective III

Semester 8

  • Cloud Computing
  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Capstone Project II
  • Elective IV
  • Elective V

Elective Courses

Students can choose from the following elective courses based on their interests and career goals:

Artificial Intelligence Track

  • Natural Language Processing
  • Computer Vision
  • Robotics
  • Deep Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning

Software Engineering Track

  • Advanced Software Engineering
  • DevOps and Continuous Integration
  • Software Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Agile Development Methodologies
  • Enterprise Software Architecture

Data Science Track

  • Big Data Analytics
  • Data Visualization
  • Statistical Computing
  • Data Mining
  • Predictive Modeling

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Higher Diploma in Nursing program is competitive. Prospective students must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

  • A minimum credit of C6 or better in the following five (5) subjects: English Language, Mathematics/ Further Mathematics; Biology, Physics/Science; Chemistry at WASSCE or its equivalence in not more than two (2) sittings.
  • A Certificate in Nursing (SECHN) with a minimum of five (5) subjects at Credit Levels (C6 or better) in English Language, Mathematics/Further Mathematics, Biology/Health Science, Chemistry, and any other science subject at WASSCE, or its equivalence in not more than two (2) sittings
  • Pass in the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery Pre- Admission Nursing Programme.

Application Document

  • Completion of Form
  • WASSCE results in PDF or equivalent
  • School Testimonial
  • Birth Certificate
  • Application Pin

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Higher Diploma in Nursing program are equipped with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills applicable across various industries. The program fosters critical reasoning, research abilities, and practical expertise, preparing students for diverse career opportunities in both professional and academic fields.

Registered Nurse

Promote healthcare awareness in communities.

Community Health Nurse

Provide direct patient care in hospitals and clinics.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Work in specialized fields like pediatric or critical care nursing.

Nurse Educator

Train and mentor future nurses.

Hospital Administrator

Manage healthcare services in hospitals or clinics.

Faculty Members

Our Computer Science program is taught by distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields and committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to our students.

Professor Photo

Dr. Ibrahim Kamara

Professor and Department Chair

Specialization: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Dr. Kamara has over 15 years of experience in AI research and has published numerous papers in top-tier conferences and journals. He leads the AI Research Lab at USL.

Professor Photo

Dr. Aminata Sesay

Associate Professor

Specialization: Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction

Dr. Sesay's research focuses on user-centered design and software development methodologies. She has industry experience working with major tech companies.

Professor Photo

Dr. Mohamed Conteh

Assistant Professor

Specialization: Data Science, Big Data Analytics

Dr. Conteh specializes in data mining and predictive analytics. His research has applications in healthcare, finance, and social media analysis.

Professor Photo

Dr. Fatmata Koroma

Assistant Professor

Specialization: Computer Networks, Cybersecurity

Dr. Koroma's research focuses on network security and privacy. She has contributed to several international projects on secure communication systems.

Student Experiences

Hear from our current students and alumni

Student Portrait

"The Computer Science program at USL provided me with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical skills. The faculty members are knowledgeable and supportive, and the hands-on projects prepared me well for my career in software development."

John Koroma

Class of 2023, Higher Diploma in Nursing

Student Portrait

"I appreciated the flexibility of the Computer Science curriculum, which allowed me to specialize in artificial intelligence while still gaining a comprehensive understanding of other areas. The research opportunities and internship connections were invaluable for my professional development."

Aminata Sesay

Class of 2022, AI Engineer at Global Tech

Student Portrait

"As an international student, I found the Computer Science department to be welcoming and supportive. The program's emphasis on collaborative projects helped me build strong connections with my peers, and the technical skills I gained have been directly applicable to my work in the tech industry."

Mohammed Diallo

Class of 2021, Systems Analyst at Tech Solutions