Professional Software Development
About
The growth of the ICT industry has been identified as a top priority for the Northern Ireland Executive. According to Invest NI, Northern Ireland is the leading foreign direct investment region in Europe for software development and IT technical support centres.
There are more than 900 companies in the ICT sector and many of these are international organisations.
The majority of new jobs have been in knowledge industries particularly ICT including software development, software testing and funds administration.
It is against this backdrop that we offer this course to graduates in subjects other than computing as an opportunity for career change, to enable them to exploit the opportunities for personal and professional development offered by this burgeoning sector.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Progression
On successful completion of this Postgraduate Certificate, students can then go on to study for the full MSc Professional Software Development in September 26.
Term Dates
September 2025 - March 2026
Further Information
Modules
Professional Software Development 1 (20 credit points)
This module introduces software development to students who are assumed to have no previous experience. Students will be progressively taken through new concepts with parallel laboratory exercises developing the necessary professional and practical skills for working in the IT industry.
Students are introduced to programming concepts of an object-oriented language (Java) interwoven with the development of practical skills in good programming practice, software development and testing methodologies.
In addition to the technical skills and expertise, the module presents the broader social impact of the computing profession and highlights a range of corresponding legal & ethical responsibilities.
Professional Software Development 2 (20 credit points)
This module introduces students to the world of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). They will explore the fundamental concepts of Classes and Objects, and gain a deep understanding of key OOP principles such as Encapsulation, Inheritance, Abstraction, and Polymorphism. Students will delve into Data Structures and learn how to use Arrays for temporary storage, while mastering File Management techniques for more permanent data storage through Reading and Writing to Files. This module also introduces Exception Handling.
With a strong focus on practical work, students will acquire real-world software development skills, showcasing a solid grasp of the concepts being studied. Gain hands-on experience in good programming practices, testing methodologies, and team-based Agile development. Building on the foundational knowledge acquired in Software Development 1, this module enables students to tackle increasingly complex problem-solving scenarios by exploring advanced features of the programming language.
Software Architecture and Design (20 credit points)
This module provides a solid knowledge of algorithm analysis and data structures covering the core programming techniques, software testing strategies and software processes.
For example, Software Requirements and Design, Data Handling with search and sorting algorithms; Algorithm efficiency/effectiveness and testing for correctness.
This is a practical oriented module with the students required to develop and test applications that put into practice the concepts being presented. In addition, the module addresses project management and implementation; Strategies for frequent and reliable release; Version control.
60 credits successful completion = Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Software Development.
Entry Requirements
- At least a second class honours degree in any subject not related to the IT or Computing sector.
AND
- You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent)
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come , first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications can not be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time (including modules to a total of 45 credits per semester - if studying part-time).
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Software from the drop down box. Then select Professional Software Development (Architecture & Design), PG Cert from the next drop down box.
