Introduction: This course is designed to develop your knowledge and skills necessary for you to enter a career in software development (e.g. web or app development), as well as providing a foundation for a range of other careers in commercial computing, or to continue your studies on a university degree course. During this course, you'll learn about the key roles within software development, and develop the fundamental skills needed to work in these areas. You will have the option to complete the course with an industry-led project or short placement to test and hone the skills you have developed before you start working in this area.
The course develops core knowledge whilst putting theory into practice through skills development. As well as the practical skills necessary for a Computing professional, you will develop transferable skills, much sought after by employers, which will make you suitable for general employment in an ever-changing job market. Personalisation is built-in with several modules allowing the choice of topic for projects and reports, allowing you to focus on the software development area you are interested in. Themes for these will be provided by employers so that you are working on real-world topics.
Several modules also include Continuous Professional Development (CPD) within the assessment to enable you to focus on areas of interest or development needs to increase your competency. What you’ll study The course is studied over one year, full time, with the options of completing a two-week industry-led project or short placement at the end of the course. The modules develop your knowledge and skills along themes of professional skills and business knowledge; software engineering; information systems; databases; and web and mobile applications. Development of employability is a key strength of this course, achieved through the technical and personal skills you develop which are sought after by employers.
This includes an introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship as well as ethical paradigms in the IT industry. Specific preparation for work is covered in the professional development theme where you learn about CV writing and career planning whilst the seminars, labs, assignments and extra-curricular opportunities available have been structured to develop core competencies that you will be expected to demonstrate in the workplace. How you’re taught Most modules involve a series of lectures to explain and develop the subject concepts. You will study alongside students on related computer science courses which will develop your learning through perspectives outside of the Software Development field.
Some modules have optional surgery sessions where you can bring along questions on any aspects of the module you are finding difficult. The nature of the subject means that much of your learning will be computer-aided. As well as using software development environments and packages for coursework tasks, you will also use some computer-aided learning packages and techniques such as online discussion groups.
You will also be supported to find a short summer placement. These optional elements provide you with the structure and support to take ownership over your professional development as you will upon entering the workplace. Careers and employability Students who successfully complete Cert HE Software Developer will be able to progress to Year Two of NTU's BSc (Hons) Software Engineering or BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Software Engineering) apprenticeship.
