Professional Software Development
About
The growth of the ICT industry has been identified as a top priority for the Northern Ireland Executive. According to Invest NI, Northern Ireland is the leading foreign direct investment region in Europe for software development and IT technical support centres.
There are more than 900 companies in the ICT sector and many of these are international organisations.
The majority of new jobs have been in knowledge industries particularly ICT including software development, software testing and funds administration.
It is against this backdrop that we offer this course to graduates in subjects other than computing as an opportunity for career change, to enable them to exploit the opportunities for personal and professional development offered by this burgeoning sector.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Progression
On successful completion of this Postgraduate Certificate, students can then go on to study for the full MSc Professional Software Development in September 25.
Term Dates
September 2024 - March 2025
Modules
Professional Software Development 1 (20 credit points)
This module introduces software development to students who are assumed to have no previous experience. Students will be progressively taken through new concepts with parallel laboratory exercises developing the necessary professional and practical skills for working in the IT industry.
Students are introduced to programming concepts of an object-oriented language (Java) interwoven with the development of practical skills in good programming practice, software development and testing methodologies.
In addition to the technical skills and expertise, the module presents the broader social impact of the computing profession and highlights a range of corresponding legal & ethical responsibilities.
Professional Software Development 2 (20 credit points)
This module introduces students to the world of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). They will explore the fundamental concepts of Classes and Objects, and gain a deep understanding of key OOP principles such as Encapsulation, Inheritance, Abstraction, and Polymorphism. Students will delve into Data Structures and learn how to use Arrays for temporary storage, while mastering File Management techniques for more permanent data storage through Reading and Writing to Files. This module also introduces Exception Handling.
With a strong focus on practical work, students will acquire real-world software development skills, showcasing a solid grasp of the concepts being studied. Gain hands-on experience in good programming practices, testing methodologies, and team-based Agile development. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Software Development 1, this module enables students to tackle increasingly complex problem-solving scenarios by exploring advanced features of the programming language.
Software Architecture and Design (20 credit points)
This module provides a solid knowledge of algorithm analysis and data structures covering the core programming techniques, software testing strategies and software processes.
For example, Software Requirements and Design, Data Handling with search and sorting algorithms; Algorithm efficiency/effectiveness and testing for correctness.
This is a practical oriented module with the students required to develop and test applications that put into practice the concepts being presented. In addition, the module addresses project management and implementation; Strategies for frequent and reliable release; Version control.
60 credits successful completion = Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Software Development.
Entry Requirements
- At least a second class honours degree in any subject not related to the IT or Computing sector.
AND
- You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent)
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time (including modules to a total of 45 credits per semester - if studying part-time).
Application Process
- Click on the Apply Now button.
- This will take you to the online application system – if you have never used this before please click on First Time user account creation and create an account.
- Log into the system and click on New – create a new application.
- Choose Professional Develop Postgrad as the Application Type.
- Choose Admission Term Academic Year 2024-2025 and complete your details.
- Click the Fill Out Application button.
- Click on Programme Selection.
- In the programme choice dropdown please choose: Prof Software Dev, PG Cert, Part Time Derry~Londonderry.
- For the question, Are you applying for a funded place on one of the DfE Skills programmes?, select Yes.
- Please complete all required application sections.
- Ensure your application is complete and then submit.
- You will receive a confirmation email that the application has been submitted, please ensure you check your junk mail as well as the inbox of the e-mail address listed on your application.
- If you have sent all required information and you have been successful, you will receive an unconditional offer. You must accept this offer via email and confirm acceptance online to secure your place.
- If you have not sent all required information, you will be asked to send outstanding items. If a place is still available and you have met all requirements, you will receive an unconditional offer. You must accept this offer via email and confirm acceptance online to secure your place.
IMPORTANT: If we have requested additional items, you do not have a guaranteed place. You may lose your space if you do not provide any required information by the deadline supplied in the Request for documentation Email. - Once your place is accepted, you will receive an enrolment email. You must complete the online enrolment to confirm your place and start your course.