The Certificate in Software Engineering is a part-time, online programme designed for learners who want to build practical, industry-ready software development skills using modern tools, frameworks, and AI-assisted development workflows. The programme focuses on full stack application development, cloud deployment, front-end engineering, mobile application development, and modern developer operations practices, while also exploring how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping software engineering. Students will learn how to work effectively with AI coding assistants, automated testing tools, intelligent development environments, and emerging AI-enabled workflows used by modern software teams.
This programme is ideal for Computing graduates (or those with equivalent experience) who want to upskill in modern software engineering, Professionals seeking to strengthen their practical development and cloud skills, or graduates from the Certificate in Computer Science who want to specialise in contemporary software development practices.
Unique Features:
A key feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on practical, project-based learning. Students build and deploy real applications while working with technologies and practices used by modern software engineering teams. The programme also explores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in software development, including AI coding assistants, automated testing tools, intelligent development environments, and AI-assisted workflows. The focus throughout is on developer augmentation — helping learners become more productive, adaptable, and capable software engineers.
The programme team has extensive experience in fostering a vibrant online learning community, helping students feel connected and supported throughout their studies. This is achieved through industry-standard collaboration tools alongside our custom-built e-learning platform, developed by staff and students. The programme also includes optional onsite workshops, podcasts, interviews, networking opportunities, and a wide range of learner supports.
Throughout the programme, learners develop a portfolio of practical software projects across web, cloud, and mobile platforms. By the end of the programme, students will have gained hands-on experience designing, building, testing, deploying, and managing modern software systems using industry-relevant technologies and workflows.
Web App Development (10 ECTS):
Focuses on designing, building, testing, and deploying modern full stack web applications. Learners work with front-end and back-end technologies, APIs, databases, authentication, and cloud deployment while exploring concepts such as responsive design, server-side rendering, testing strategies, and secure development practices. The module also introduces AI-assisted software development workflows, including coding assistants, automated test generation, and intelligent debugging tools.
Developer Operations (5 ECTS):
Introduces modern DevOps and cloud deployment practices used in professional software engineering teams. Learners explore automation, cloud infrastructure, application deployment, monitoring, logging, and security using scripting and cloud APIs. The module also examines continuous integration and deployment workflows, infrastructure management, and scalable application hosting in cloud environments.
Front End Web Applications Development (5 ECTS):
Explores advanced front-end development using modern frameworks and meta-frameworks for building interactive and performant web applications. Topics include client-side and server-side rendering, state management, reactivity, component architecture, routing, and modern UI development patterns. Learners will also examine how AI tools can support front-end design, prototyping, and development workflows.
Mobile Application Development (10 ECTS):
Focuses on the design and development of modern native mobile applications using Kotlin and Android development frameworks. Learners build applications using both traditional UI approaches and Jetpack Compose while exploring topics such as navigation, persistence, networking, API integration, authentication, maps, live location services, and mobile architecture patterns such as MVVM. The module also introduces AI-assisted mobile development workflows and modern backend integration services.
Applicants for this programme will be computing graduates (Level 8 - Hons degree or Higher Diploma) or those with equivalent qualifications in a related discipline, with the capacity and aptitude to complete an intensive programme in Software Engineering. Applicants should have a foundation in programming and core computing concepts, as well as the analytical and problem-solving skills required to engage with the technical material. RPL Information: Level 7 ICT graduates with a major award (Ordinary degree or Diploma - minimum 60 credits) have routinely used the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to enter the course.
Graduates of this programme may progress to postgraduate study opportunities including the HDip in Computer Science and the MSc Enterprise Software Systems.
Explore our Part-time Prospectus to see the range of flexible study options available, with detailed course information, entry requirements, and study formats. Download the prospectus to find a programme that fits around your work and other commitments.
