COURSE INFORMATION

This course was developed in response to the current shortage of skilled software developers in Scotland, and offers an introduction to software development. It will introduce you to a range of subjects and skills that contribute to the design and development of good quality software.

It will provide you with current skills in specialist technical software development and will allow you to develop up-to-date knowledge in programming and systems development. You will learn how to plan, design and implement a range of different software solutions using JavaScript, VB.net, C++, Java, PHP, MySQL, XML, HTML5, CSS, and link operating systems.

  • Problem solving
  • Team working
  • Troubleshooting
  • Software development
  • Analysis and design
  • Communication
  • Testing
  • Development methodologies
  • Project planning
  • Data flow
  • Two years full-time
  • Computer system fundamentals
  • Programming foundations
  • Developing software introduction
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Troubleshooting computing problems
  • Team working in computing
  • Advanced object oriented programming
  • Ethical hacking
  • Advanced web scripting
  • Dynamically generated websites
  • Data structures
  • Data science
  • Multi user operating systems
  • Relational database management
  • Cloud computing 
  • Data flow
  • Graded Unit 1 (Year 1 - Exam)
  • Graded Unit 2 (Year 2 - Project)
  • Object oriented design and programming

Year 1

One of the following: 

  • One Higher at Grade C or above in Computing Science, Maths, Graphic Communication or any Science/Technology subject; plus four National 5s at Grade C or above including Core Skills Level 5 Literacy or equivalent 
  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Information Technology: Software Development SCQF Level 6 plus four National 5s at Grade C or above 
  • Advanced Certificate: Computing with Software Development and Cyber Security SCQF Level 6 
  • Another relevant course at SCQF Level 6 
  • Relevant industry experience and/or other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis 

Year 2 

  • Successful completion of HNC: Computing (with 15 SQA credits) 
  • Software developer
  • Applications developer
  • Mobile applications developer
  • Software engineer
  • Database developer
  • You may be required to take part in an informal conversation as part of the application process. This group/individual conversation may be an information session, a portfolio discussion, or a skills based exercise
  • You will be expected to bring a reference with you
  • In the case of Fife school leavers, the College will request a Transition Form from the school