Software Engineering (Diploma)

Course details

This diploma provides a focused programme of study in the area of software design and development, providing an insight into technical skills and modern industry techniques. The computer languages Java and C are taught in the diploma, as well as Object Oriented Design and a number of important software engineering methodologies.

This is an ideal programme for students who wish to:

• Update their software development and ICT skills
• Study in a flexible, on-line environment
• Engage with an interesting and challenging curriculum
• Improve their employability by re-skilling in the area of software development
• Develop key professional skills of critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills;

Key facts

Entry requirements

The Diploma programme is open to honours degree graduates (minimum 2nd class honours) in Science, Engineering or another relevant discipline, and to other degree graduates with three or more years of relevant experience, and to those otherwise satisfying the postgraduate entry standards (degree equivalent qualifications).

Applicants with an ordinary or pass degree or Level 7 diploma must have at least three years relevant experience to be considered for the programme.

Course outline

Rather than being a general-purpose award on computing, the intention of this diploma programme is to provide a coherent and complimentary set of in-depth modules which bring the student up-to-speed on relevant software development tools and techniques.

The programme includes five core modules:

• Fundamentals of Programming (CT609)
• Object Oriented Design (CT618)
• Object Oriented Programming (CT619)
• Distributed Systems (CT620)
• Software Engineering (CT610)

Students may replace one of the core modules with one of these modules:

• Artificial Intelligence (CT621)
• Graphics Programming (CT623)

That flexibility enables prospective students to choose modules according to their professional development requirements.

Requirements and assessment

The Diploma in Software Engineering is delivered entirely using online learning technology so students can study when and where they want according to a paced learning cycle. Course materials are easy to follow and are accompanied by continuous assessment exercises, research/review questions and recommended course textbooks. Modules are delivered one at a time, over an eight-week period via asynchronous online technologies using web-supported learning.

The programme facilitators provide a recommended outline of study for each of the eight-week modules to ensure students keep on track. Each module is individually assessed by online examinations and assignments. All assessments and examinations take place within the eight-week period.