Level 3 Certificate in Software Development, Gateway Qualifications

What is the course about?

The future of work is evolving rapidly. This course will help you secure your career by equipping you with in-demand tech skills and preparing you for success in the digital workforce.

The course offers a strong foundation in Software Development, equipping you with essential skills to start a career or advance in your current role as well as progress to a qualification in the same sector or a related area at a higher level.

With technical software development skills highly sought after by employers, this course will help distinguish you from other candidates and open new career opportunities.

The Level 3 curriculum covers the core aspects of modern software development, employing practical, project-based methods to enhance your learning.

This qualification will be supported by a comprehensive learning support package, provided by Code Institute, including a learner management system and learning content.
 

What will we cover?

1. Project Management: we will look at project management methodologies, use project management software to plan an IT project, track progress, and review the outcomes to determine project success.

2. JavaScript: use of JavaScript in web development.

3. Object-Orientated Programming with Python: we will examine the underpinning concepts of object-oriented programming to develop skills in an object-oriented language.

4. Programming Implementation: we will look at the underpinning concepts of programming and how it is implemented.

5. Software Testing: develop an understanding of testing strategies and techniques
 

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

1. Utilise project management concepts and the processes and tools used by organisations to manage IT projects. Learners will experience the concepts, processes, and tools used to manage IT projects. 

2. Develop an understanding of JavaScript as a text-based programming language to create interactive elements on web pages.

3. Recognise the features of object-oriented programming in Python
4. Use tools and techniques of an object-oriented programming language using Python.
5. Design and develop an object-oriented program in Python to meet requirements

6. Test and document an object-oriented program

7. Explain the principles and concepts of programming languages and how programming is implemented.

8. Understand the importance of good programming practices.

9. Understand functional and non-functional requirements in programming

10. Develop an understanding of testing strategies and techniques and the stages from planning to acceptance testing. Recognize how automation can be applied to software testing and implement test plans, identify appropriate test data and record results.
 

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

As this is a level 3 portfolio based accredited course you will be required to complete tasks in your portfolio so your written English should be at least at level 2 GCSE or equivalent.

No prior knowledge of Software Development is required but you should be a confident computer user with good file management skills.

Admission to the course is contingent upon a successful completion of an initial assessment with the Code institute and a short interview with the Head of the curriculum afterwards. You should complete the application form first by clicking the Start Assessment button on our website.
 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This course has a blended format. It will be delivered online with a 3-hour session per week. Additionally, you will be required to come in the college for five Saturdays during the duration of this course. Additionally, there are five in person Saturday sessions from 10:30am – 4:30pm in our campus. For more information about these sessions please contact us at computing@citylit.ac.uk

You will engage with an online Learning Management System, provided by the Code Institute that also provides analytics and tracking to support your progress throughout the course and we will also be using Discord.

Students should allocate 7 hours per week for self-directed study. Throughout the course, students are expected to give regular progress updates to the group during these sessions. Additionally, there will be scheduled assessments to evaluate progress and understanding.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You need access to a laptop/computer with a working camera that can run Chrome browser efficiently, a good internet connection and a notebook.

There are no additional costs and all course materials will be provided.

Disclaimer
As part of this course, students will be required to use platforms provided by Code Institute. These platforms are not managed by City Lit, and students will need to register using their personal email addresses. By enrolling and participating in this course, students agree to share their data in accordance with Code Institute’s privacy policies and terms of use. Please review these policies before proceeding.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The skills learnt on this course will not only open a wide range of job opportunities but also compliment any existing skills that translate across all industries. This course will allow you to begin working in entry level tech roles, and you can also progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Software Development or a relevant degree programme in higher education.