Level 3 in Certificate Software Development

Starting on:

1^st July 2024 – 20^th September (12 weeks)

This is a part-time course for 17.5 hours per week, plus an additional 2.5 hours of Employability Skills 

• Monday 09:30 – 16:30
• Tuesday 09:30 – 16:30
• Thursday 09:30 – 16:30

Total: 20 hours per week.  

This course is designed to support learner development in to the world of Software Development.

It will also prepare learners for employment within different roles in the digital and software development industries and in other industries that require specific digital and IT skills within the fields of software development and IT project management.

Learners will complete the following units:

Unit 1: Project Management

• Understand the principles of project management and the methodologies used by organisations to manage IT projects
• Explain the stages of the project lifecycle as they apply to a given IT project.
  Describe key concepts, issues and risks when managing IT projects.
• Compare the characteristics of different project management methodologies used by organisations.
• Produce a project specification for an IT project in line with requirements.
• Use project management software to plan an IT project.
• Use project management software to monitor a project plan and track progress against the plan.
• Carry out a post-project review to determine project outcomes.

Unit 2 – Programming Implementation

• Explain the principles and concepts of programming languages.
• Understand how programming is implemented.
• Interpret common programming control structures that are used when developing code.
• Describe the use of common data structures.
• Describe how algorithms are used in programming.
• Describe how to test and debug programs.
• Identify the elements of common coding standards.
• Explain the role and importance of good coding practices.
• Identify the types of functional and non-functional requirements.
• Describe the tests used for functional and non-functional requirements.

Unit 3 Javascript

• Explain how JavaScript is used as a web programming language.
• Use JavaScript to prompt and validate inputs in web pages.
• Use document.write to display messages in web pages.
• Alter, show, hide and move objects in web pages.
• Use JavaScript to include special effects in web pages.
• Use functions and variables to customise web pages.
• Use functions and variables for functional web pages.
• Use event handlers to trigger JavaScript code.

Unit 4 – Object Oriented Programming

• Explain the key features of object oriented programming.
• Explain the importance of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism in object oriented programming.
• Demonstrate use of object oriented tools and techniques.
• Design an object oriented program.
• Develop an object oriented program.
• Test an object oriented program.
• Document appropriate action to correct errors.
• Create technical documentation for the support and maintenance of the program.

Unit 5 – Software Testing

• Explain the purpose and methods of software testing.
• Describe the different stages and types of software testing.
• Explain how automation is used in software testing.
• Describe functional and structural testing.
• Design appropriate test data.
• Develop a test plan in line with requirements.
• Implement a test plan and record results.
• Produce a test report.

Upon successful completion, you will achieve a Level 3 Certificate in Software Development.

• Access to a computer is required.
• Access to Microsoft Teams is required.
• Office software is required.
• Visual Studio Code is required.

This course is fully funded for Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire residents who meet the eligibility criteria.

Greater Manchester 2023/2024 Funding Rules for Applicant Eligibility:

• For learners aged 19+ on or before the 31st August 2023
• Lived in a Greater Manchester postcode region
• Lived in the UK for the last 3 years
• Be either unemployed and employed applicants
• If employed, must earn less than the current ‘low wage threshold’ of £31,600
• Must not hold more than one Level 3 or higher qualification

South Yorkshire 2023/2024 Funding Rules for Applicant Eligibility:

• 24+ on or before the 31st August 2023
• Lived in a South Yorkshire postcode region (Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield or Rotherham)
• Be either unemployed or Employed
• If employed, must earn less than the current ‘low wage threshold’ of £21,225
• Must not hold more than one Level 3 or higher qualification