Software Development

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. We also work with external professionals, many of whom are UCEN Manchester alumni, to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

All staff educated to minimum of degree level. Many have postgraduate and teaching qualifications as well as strong industry experience.

• 64 UCAS Tariff Points

• We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.

Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
An interview is required for those applying who do not meet the entry requirement.
You will be asked to write a 500 word academic report and/or a practical assessment to gain an understanding of your writing and technical skills prior to the course.

Data Structures and Algorithms (15 credits)
This unit introduces algorithm techniques for programming and the principles of software design. Progressing from the level 4 Introduction to Programming unit, this unit will enable learners to critically evaluate algorithm techniques, to apply the design concepts in algorithm creation and to solve programmatic problems with programming language such as python, C++.

Employment and Academic Development in Technology (30 credits)
This unit will support student transition to graduate level study and professional careers. It will focus on developing and re-enforcing critical, analytical, academic and linguistic skills and preparing Students vocationally by enhancing their knowledge and skills to inform existing or potential professional careers. The unit will support students in developing employability skills and aid them in developing their professionalism in relation to their subject area.

Introduction to Operating Systems (30 credits)
Students will be able to competently operate any given Operating System and undertake routine maintenance tasks, whilst developing analytical and critical thinking skills to aid in their employment.

Introduction to Web Scripting (15 credits)
This unit will enable students to produce scripts that interact with mark-up languages such as HTML, to produce standards-based machine-produced mark-up. Students taking the Introduction to Web Development unit will be able to add dynamic content to the material produced in that unit. Other students will find this unit a necessary introduction to scripting, necessary for many computational roles in industry.

Object-Oriented Programming (30 credits)
The aim of the unit is to develop the key programming skills learnt in the Fundamentals of Programming unit. The unit includes the principles and practices of object-oriented design, implementation and testing of programming solutions.

Research Project (30 credits)
The Unit aims to provide students with the opportunity to further explore discipline-specific knowledge and undertake a research project in a self-selected area of professional practice with the context of the Award studied.

User Interface Design (15 credits)
This unit will provide an insight into the techniques for prototyping, designing and analysing user interfaces. Students will have the opportunity to design and create user interface using CSS frameworks such as bootstrap.

Year 1: Database Driven Websites (30 credits)
This unit will develop the basic concepts of website authoring, from design to implementation. Students will develop skills in creating digital content which is authored to deal with particular issues of web publishing.

Year 1: Introduction to Databases (15 credits)
This unit introduces the fundamental principles, concepts and practices of databases. The content could include SQL, database design and data modelling. Students will be given the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the earlier Introduction to Programming unit and programmatically access databases using the relevant APIs.

Year 1: Introduction to Programming (15 credits)
This unit introduces fundamental concepts of computer programming. The unit includes the principles and practice of programming design, the implementation, and testing of programming solutions, and the concepts and principles of problem solving by computer.

Year 1: Introduction to Web Development (15 credits)
The unit is a robust introduction to client side web development. Students will design and create semantic, standards-based, accessible and valid websites that are styled according to industry standards.

Level 4
100% Assignments

Level 5
67% Assignments
33% Exams

Possible career directions include the following: -
• Computer Programmer
• Software Developer
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer
• Mobile Application Developer

We would strongly recommend access to a laptop or computer to be able to undertake independent study. An External1TB Hard Drive is required

There are costs outside of academic books, printing costs and any other standard students related costs and are related specifically to the subject they are studying.