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Funded coding course

Future-proof your career in lockdown

If you have been furloughed or made redundant as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may understandably be feeling uncertain about your future.

Using this time to acquire in-demand coding skills could be the ace up your sleeve when you do return to the workforce.

Queen's University is offering a free software development course, funded by the Department for the Economy to upskill individuals in programming, testing and computing foundations.

The course is open to applicants resident in Northern Ireland. It is not open to applicants from outside Northern Ireland.

Applications will close at 12 noon on Monday 25 May. We would encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. The course will start on Monday 8 June. 

Frequently Asked Questions  Apply now

Fully Funded Course

This online learning programme provides an opportunity to upskill in key technology areas including programming, testing and computing, enabling you to advance your career across multiple industries.

Whether you want to stay ahead of the talent curve in your current role or you’re looking for a career changing stepping stone into our part-time Master’s in Software Development, a strong foundation in coding and computing can help you stay professionally relevant.

No coding experience? No problem. This course is aimed at those with no prior qualifications in coding or computer science. 

Our software graduates are employed by some of the largest companies on the planet, including IBM, Citi, Allstate and Liberty.

Flexible Course Format

The online format and blended-learning delivery of the programme is specifically designed to enable flexible learning at a time that suits you.

In order to complete the course by the end of September we expect that you will need to commit to 16 hours of study effort each week. As programming is a practical activity, the more time and effort you spend practicing the better your outcome. We can also be flexible if your circumstances change during the delivery of the course and support your study until the end of December.

Students who are in a position to complete the PgCert by the end of September 2020 will be given the option to progress directly into Year 2 of study on the full MSc in Software Development, working towards completion of the masters in September 2021. Those are in a position to complete by end of December 2020 will be given the option to progress onto the Masters in 2021, completing in September 2022.

Read Frequently Asked Questions for more information 

 

The programme will provide the following upskilling elements:

Programming – 40 credits

Computing Foundations – 20 credits
  • Basic principles of programming – including variables, selection, iteration, strings and arrays and how these techniques are realised within the Java programming language.
  • Object-oriented design – objects, classes, methods, interfaces, abstraction, inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism.
  • Advanced principles of programming – including exception handling, recursion, threading, data collection and how these techniques are realised within the Java programming language
  • Principles of data storage: – including gates (AND , OR, XOR, NOT) memory, mass storage, bit patterns and data, binary system, storing integers (Two’s Complement etc.), data compression, communication errors (e.g. parity bits, Hamming).
  • Data structures and algorithms (including sorting and searching algorithmics and complexity theory).
  • Computer architecture (including processors and compilers) and networking (including internet protocols, cyber security, SSL, encryption and IOT). Basic principles of operating systems and command line programming (e.g. Linux shells).
  • Software engineering practices and software testing.



COURSE DELIVERY

Teaching and assessment will be fully delivered online through a mixture of self-directed study and practice materials, masterclasses and support advisories.
In order to replicate the interactive and engaging nature of an on-campus delivery, the online delivery will include:

  • Several weekly masterclasses that both present and explore course topics. The masterclasses will be delivered live to permit learners to connect and ask / answer questions. The classes will also be recorded to permit flexible on-demand access.
  • Weekly practice activities including set exercises, coding challenges and other tasks to reinforce learning and build practical skills.
  • Online learning materials (directed reading, study packs, etc.) which leaners will study in their own time each week.
  • Regular formative assessment to measure learner progress and to provide advice and direction.
  • Online advisory support for learners to connect with experts to provide bespoke one-to-one support. Offered Monday to Friday, daytime to early evening, to flexibly support learners.

Approximately 16 hours of study effort will be required each week for most students in order to complete by September 2020.
If required, students can continue their studies until the end of December 2020 to complete the course.

START DATE 

Applications will close at 12 noon on Monday 25 May. We would encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. The course will start on Monday 8 June. 

PROGRESSION

The PgCert in Software Development contains the first 60 credits of the full MSc in Software Development. Those who complete the 60 credits by the end of September 2020 will be given the option to transfer directly into the second year of the part-time MSc in Software Development. 

Those who complete after September 2020 will be able to join Year 2 in the following academic year (September 2021 - September 2022).

The part-time MSc is evening taught and supports distance learning, providing ongoing upskilling for those who have returned to full-time employment.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The course is open to applicants resident in Northern Ireland. It is not open to applicants from outside Northern Ireland.

The admission criteria for entry onto the programme is as follows:

Academic requirements:

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline excluding Computer Science or other similar Computing degree.

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL). When completing your online application you will be asked for a degree transcript, in place of that please submit the two RPEL forms below along with a copy of your current CV.  For further information about this process please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences askeps@qub.ac.uk).

RPL Form

Competency Evaluation Form

Socioeconomic requirements:

The course is specifically targeted towards people who have been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following list indicates the criteria which you will meet to be eligible for a funded place on the course, along with the necessary evidence you will need to provide regarding this:

  • Unemployed since 1 March 2020 – evidence: redundancy notice or recent welfare benefit  
  • Furloughed – evidence: provide confirmation from employer
  • Economically Inactive and partner furloughed, unemployed or on reduced earnings as a result of impact of COVID-19 – evidence: confirmation from employer; benefit/grant application/HMRC scheme application
  • Self-employed and income affected by COVID-19 – evidence: benefit or Self Employed Income Support application

HOW TO APPLY

Full details on steps to apply are here

  1. Log in to your existing account or create a new account in the Queen's Direct Application Portal.
  2. Fill in an application for the Postgraduate Certificate in Software Development. Applications will close at 12 noon on Monday 25 May. We would encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. The course will start on Monday 8 June. 
  3. If eligible, you will be invited to a remote aptitude test on 27 May 2020. Successful completion of the test and provision of academic qualifications will result in an offer being made.
  4. You will be required to provide evidence of your identity and eligibility after accepting your offer and prior to commencing the course.

Any queries regarding the course can be sent to askeps@qub.ac.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions
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