Learning Outcomes

Educational aims

This diploma aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to underpin a career in software development. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental technologies and techniques, and the issues involved in their application. In addition, it will:

prepare you to keep ahead in a rapidly changing subject area by helping you to develop as an independent learner
develop relevant skills in communication, numeracy, and collaborative working
enable you to apply your learning in your private, social and professional life.

The diploma is mapped to the software developer HTQ occupational map, delivering its specified KSBs (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours).

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:

a broad critical understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT
a range of models and languages to support the analysis and design of computing and IT systems
the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used, how people interact with them, and the possibilities and limitations of such systems
the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of computing and IT systems
major trends in computing and IT and the implications of these trends.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

apply and critically evaluate key computing and IT concepts in a range of contexts
compare, contrast, critically analyse and refine specifications and implementations of software systems or simple hardware systems.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

analyse, design, evaluate and test computing and IT systems, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools where appropriate
plan and organise yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes
demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning to keep up to date with computing and IT
identify and address the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of computing and IT systems
use appropriate professional tools to support your work.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:

communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and appropriately, bearing in mind the audience for and the purpose of your communication
work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and improving your learning
find, assess and apply information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
select and use accurately, appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
recognise and understand a range of technological problems, and select suitable techniques for solving them.