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Software Development

BSc (Hons) (Top-up)

Study Software Development at University Centre Leeds

From mobile devices to smart cars and homes, software development is key to modern life. With increased reliance on digital technologies, and a significant skills shortage in the technology sector, software developers are in demand. Approximately 21% of all jobs in technology are for developers and one of the most attractive aspects of a software development career is job security (JustIT, 2020). Across Yorkshire and the Humber, occupations where shortages are most acute and where occupations have the strongest growth include higher skilled digital professionals (WYCA, 2021).

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 1 year, full-time 2 years, part-time
  • Venue: University Centre
  • Fee: £8,745 Full Time or £4,372 Part Time (per academic year for UK students)
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 77373-10 Course code I301
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time / Part Time
  • Validated By: The Open University

Entry Requirements

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

 HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

 IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component. 

 International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria 

 Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application. 

*21 years and over at the start of the course

 RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

 

student sat at a computer with headset on

Software Development

With this course, you'll be able to enter this in-demand industry and thrive in a software development role that includes analytical and programming knowledge, as well as project management. Emphasis on practical skills means applying your learning to real-world problems using industry-recognised methods and software tools, while an individual research project will see you complete a complex software development project from the ground up.

From designing, building and testing the practical solutions needed to manage a development project, you will gain the knowledge to demonstrate analytical and programming skills to do so successfully. This course continues a strong emphasis on practical skills. You will also address and respond to real-world problems using industry recognised methods and software tools. 

Alongside enhancing practical skills in mobile app development, you will cover managing quality, agile based software development and digital entrepreneurship, digital technology and e-marketing. The individual research and development project is a key element where students will study research and critical thinking skills in the context of Software Development. Using this knowledge, you will complement your software development practical skills to research, plan, manage, develop and evaluate a complex software development project.

This course is validated by The Open University 

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How To Apply

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £27.50.

Apply via UCAS

If you're interested in applying to study part-time, these applications must be submitted directly through our website via the following link:

Part Time - Direct Application Form

Course Information

Modules include:

 

Research Methods (20 Credits)

Develop the necessary knowledge and skills to select and apply appropriate research methods to an independent study project. You will acquire skills such as critical reading and critical thinking, analysis of data using appropriate statistical methods and reflective practice.

 

Data Modelled Apps (20 credits)

Learn how to incorporate View Model-based internal and external database integration in app development. Integrating ethical and legal awareness, you will explore software architectural patterns and programming techniques used with a mobile app’s interface and data repositories.

 

Software Engineering  (20 credits)

Focusing on quality control within software development such as international standards, risk management, design patterns and release management, such as continuous deployment and patch management.

 

Digital Entrepreneurship (20 Credits) 

Explore how to develop entrepreneurial ventures using digital technology and e-marketing. Focusing on the practical aspects of digital entrepreneurship, including skills, tools, practices and processes, you will look at how digital entrepreneurial ventures can be monetised to generate income and social media marketing strategies.

 

Major Project (40 credits)  

Within a strict time frame, you will plan and deliver a solution to a problem you identified. This may be developing an online, mobile app or business solution. To do this, you will utilise existing development methodologies and tools to successfully plan and manage a project. Additionally, you will produce a proposal for your project that includes designs and practical elements, and a report and evaluation that reviews the research used and the project development.

Benefits include:

  • Produce advanced mobile apps that utilise and manipulate a variety of data sources 
  • Study professional software engineering techniques
  • Demonstrate, present and evidence a broad range of skills in a project that can be shown to employers 
  • Understand computer industry key skills and knowledge from an employer’s perspective
  • Develop in-demand skills that can be used across the digital technology sector

There are a number of assessment methods adopted across the programme which reflect the work you carry out as a professional software developer and help you develop the skills employers are looking for. 

 

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including:

 

  • Report
  • Proposal
  • Feasibility study
  • Digital product
  • Project management E-portfolio
  • Designs portfolio
  • Presentation
  • Analysis and design
  • Implementation incorporating AR
  • Case studies

This course is delivered at our University Centre Leeds Campus (Park Lane), in the heart of Leeds.

 

Throughout your studies, you will have access to our extensive range of facilities and support services. This includes computer labs equipped with the latest industry software, high spec computers, servers and network, the HE library, Library+ and student services such as support for additional needs, counselling, finance and careers advice.

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

 HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

 IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component. 

 International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria 

 Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application. 

*21 years and over at the start of the course

 RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

 

On graduation, you will be ready to enter the exciting and evolving profession in software development.

 

You could find employment in a broad range of roles in research, project management, software development, software testing, software engineering and mobile app development. 

 

Potential job roles include:

 

  • Computer Programmer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Test Engineer
  • Front End Developer
  • Mobile App Developer
  • Web Developer
  • Computer Games Programmer

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.

Unistats


 

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