Back to all courses

Professional Development Award: Software Development

The Professional Development Award in Software Development at SCQF level 7 focuses on skills in computer programming. This qualification equips you with a wide range of underpinning knowledge and skills relevant to computer programming, together with practical skills in software maintenance and program testing. Areas covered include software development analysis, design and implementation. There is also a software development project where you will have opportunities to work within a programming project team and apply project management techniques to the software development process.

Save to my Shortlist Save to shortlist Share Share

Level:

SCQF Level 7

Study Mode:

  • Evenings only and weekends

Location:

  • Virtual Campus

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • The course is online and will run over 2 evenings per week (4 hours per week in total) for 35 weeks

Who is this course for?

  • The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.
  • These qualifications are aimed at anyone with an interest in becoming a computer programmer.
  • No previous experience of programming is required but the award will require intensive study for those without it.
  • This qualification is suitable for you if you obtain a background in computing and wish to focus on coding or; if you have no background in computing and wish to retrain in this area.

What skills will I learn?

  • Analysis & Design Methodologies
  • Software Development Process
  • Waterfall & Agile Software Development
  • Basic constructs of programming, algorithms, data types, data structures and testing techniques

What will I study?

  • Software Development: Analysis and Design
  • Software Development: Implementation and Testing
  • Software Development: Project

Application Information

What further study options are available?

These qualifications are not expected to articulate to any specific degree programmes. Discussions with universities have suggested that these qualifications would only be considered in conjunction with the other qualifications held by the learner.

What career opportunities are there?

  • Software Developer
  • Web Developer
  • IT Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • DevOps Engineer

Additionally, you may choose to specialize further in areas such as:
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud computing

Related courses

View all courses

Computing (Software Development) HNC

Jump into the exciting world of software development with our hands-on course. You will gain in-demand skills in programming and systems development, learning to plan, design, and implement a variety of software solutions. What you’ll master: JavaScript VB.net: Build powerful desktop applications MySQL: Manage and manipulate databases Java: Develop versatile and robust software Shell Scripting. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your skills, this course will set you up for success in the tech industry. Get ready to code your future!

Data Science Professional Development Award

This course is designed for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of data analysis within a business or organisational context. Focusing on key concepts and theoretical frameworks, it provides a solid foundation for analysing data and applying analytical thinking to real-world challenges. Participants will explore the principles behind data analysis, learning how to interpret data and use it to drive informed decision-making in various organisational settings. This course is perfect for those who want to strengthen their analytical skills and gain a deeper insight into the theory that underpins effective data-driven strategies.