Software Development

Overview
The overall aim of the programme is to provide a strong foundation in broad computing knowledge and essential skills in computer programming which are required for Software Development. Graduates of the programme will gain strong programming skills and a high degree of self confidence in their ability to pursue further qualifications in Software Development which will ultimately give them access to a wide range of exciting roles in the Computing and IT industry. The online format and blended-learning delivery of this programme is specifically designed to allow students to gain their education in a highly flexible manner.

There are a limited number of fully funded places available (eligibility requirements and conditions apply) for this course as part of the Skill-Up programme from the Department for the Economy. These places are to retrain eligible individuals with no prior qualifications in coding or Computer Science.

If you're looking for a career changing stepping stone into our part-time Master's in Software Development, a strong foundation in coding and computing can help you stay professionally relevant.

Course Structure
The foundational modules are studied in the first year and cover introductory programming using the Java programming language and progressing to advanced algorithmic and object-oriented programming. This runs alongside the computing foundations module which includes foundation knowledge of computing including an introduction to software engineering and software testing.

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline excluding Computer Science or other similar Computing degree.

Applicants with entry qualifications other than a 2.2 Honours degree will be considered on an individual basis based on a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) assessment. Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

In addition to the above qualification requirements, all applicants will also be required to pass an aptitude test.

This is a very popular course and applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, since it may be necessary to implement an application cut-off date. In such circumstances, applications will be considered in date order, with priority given to those submitted earliest and prior to the cut-off date.

Due to a limited number of places on this course, it is advised applicants apply early. When capacity is reached, eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list, and should places become available, you will be notified via the Direct Applications Portal.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen's student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.

If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.

Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 16th June 2023 at 12 noon.

9 months Part-Time.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.