Courses

Programme Specification

PgCert Software Development

Academic Year 2024/25

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title

PgCert Software Development

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Postgraduate Certificate

Programme Code

CSC-PC-SDU

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100374 - Software engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

Part Time - 1 Academic Year

Total Credits for Programme

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Quality Code https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code Higher Education Credit Framework for England https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england	Level 7
Subject Benchmark Statements https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf	Computing (2022)
Accreditations (PSRB)
No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/

Programme Specific Regulations

Students who have failed the same module twice, will normally be required to withdraw from the PGCert programme.

Students with protected characteristics

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
Fitness to Practise programmes are those which permit students to enter a profession which is itself subject to Fitness to Practise rules

Educational Aims Of Programme

Educational Aims of Programme

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a strong foundation in broad computing knowledge and essential skills in computer programming which are required for Software Development. Graduates of the programme will gain strong programming skills and a high degree of self confidence in their ability to pursue further qualifications in Software Development which will ultimately give them access to a wide range of exciting roles in the Computing and IT industry. The online format and blended-learning delivery of this programme is specifically designed to allow students to gain their education in a highly flexible manner.

Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Master’s degrees in Computing, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the PGCert in Software Development programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if she/he takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Specifically, students graduating from the PGCert programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with award attained, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills.

On completion of the programme the student will be able to:

•Apply necessary skills, tools and techniques of Computer Programming which are necessary for careers in the Software Development industry.
•Apply their knowledge and understanding of some of the fundamental topics of Software Development and Computing.
•Adhere to the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

IC1.Analyse, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information.
IC2.Critically evaluate and balance quality indicators in the design and development of software solutions.
IC3.Critically evaluate a given computer program or component, identifying and resolving deficiencies.
IC4.Appraise the professional, legal and ethical framework within which a Software Engineer must operate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades across all modules.
Developed primarily through programming module.
Pervades across all modules.
Developed to some degree in both modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed coursework (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4), practical examinations (IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4).

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

TE1.Work effectively with and for others, including as part of a team.
TE2.Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques.
TE3.Use information technology effectively.
TE4.Communicate effectively using various modes/media and with a variety of audiences.
TE5.Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension.
TE6.Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.
TE7.Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and a spirit of critical enquiry.
TE8.Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed slightly within the Programming module.
Developed to a moderate level within all modules.
Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.
To some extent this is embedded within the submissions required for all modules.
Pervades all modules and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.
Strongly pervades all modules (in particular due to the part-time format) and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.
Strongly pervades all modules (in particular due to the part-time format) and comprises a core competency needed within all computing modules.
A student’s enrolment and completion of the whole programme is a clear demonstration of this learning outcome.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed coursework (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE4, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8), practical examinations (TE2, TE3, TE5, TE6, TE7, TE8).

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

KU1.The underpinning theoretical framework of Software Engineering.
KU2.The essential principles, theories, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software systems.
KU3.Good engineering practice in the specification, design, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of software solutions.
KU4.The importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software engineering process and resulting artefacts.
KU5.The professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software Engineers and their role within an organisation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Pervades all modules.
Forms a core component of the programme and is developed throughout all modules.
Developed to a moderate level in the Programming module.
Developed to a moderate level in all modules.
Developed slightly within all modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed coursework (KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, KU5), practical examinations (KU1, KU2, KU4, KU5)

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

P1.Apply a range of software engineering concepts, tools and techniques to the solution of complex software engineering problems.
P2.Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems.
P3.Deploy effectively the tools used for software development and documentation of software systems.
P4.Work effectively as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising teams.
P5.Apply appropriate project management techniques towards software engineering problems.
P6.Articulate and effectively communicate the design for a given software component or project.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed within most modules and reflects the practical and problem-based nature of software development.
Embedded within all modules to some extent.
Primarily developed through Programming module.
Developed within the Computing Foundations module to some extent.

Developed slightly within all modules.
Developed to some extent within both modules.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of assessed coursework (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6), practical examinations (P1, P2, P3)

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Computing Foundations	CSC7085	7	20	YES	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Programming	CSC7081	7	40	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%

Notes

No notes found.