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How to Get Into Software Development

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How to Get Into Software Development

Instructors: Amy Brereton

Included with

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the software development process, identify key team roles, discuss ethical issues.
Explain the broad applications of software development and the associated challenges, including social, legal, and ethical concerns.
Demonstrate awareness of diverse roles and skill profiles in software development.
Detail the steps in the job application process, providing examples for interview preparation.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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There are 2 modules in this course

Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.

In this course, you will learn about the dynamic field of software development and uncover the crucial roles, from requirements engineers to backend developers, and the skills essential for success. You'll learn to navigate the development process, including gaining insights from an inspiring career changer who has thrived in the software development field. Whether you're a coding novice or an enthusiast, this course empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in software development. Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills, offers this course. Click Start offers scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start icon on the top, to check if you are eligible for free access!

Software development is a team-based process and this week, you'll find out what the different members of a development team do. You'll also explore the different types of jobs in development, and learn about the important skills and knowledge that developers need. We'll also focus on some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand.

What's included

3 videos13 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts

3 videos Total 8 minutes

Welcome to the course 1 minute
Meet the team 4 minutes
Being an ethical developer 3 minutes

13 readings Total 110 minutes

Welcome to How to Get Into Software Development 5 minutes
Lesson 1: Overview 5 minutes
The software development cycle 10 minutes
What to consider when selecting a programming language 10 minutes
Exercise: Exploring developer jobs 10 minutes
Transferable skills and development 10 minutes
Lesson 1: Summary 5 minutes
Lesson 2: Overview 5 minutes
How do you learn to program? 15 minutes
Data security: when things go wrong 10 minutes
Intellectual property 10 minutes
How to make software accessible 10 minutes
Lesson 2: Summary 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 30 minutes

Check your understanding: The development team 15 minutes
Check your understanding: The ethical developer 15 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

Introduce yourself 10 minutes
Which role interests you? 10 minutes

In this lesson, you'll discover some of the diverse industries that hire developers and you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which sector suits your interests. We'll also cover the hiring process and look at how you can secure your initial development job.

What's included

2 videos9 readings1 assignment1 peer review2 discussion prompts

2 videos Total 12 minutes

Who hires developers? 3 minutes
An interview with a senior software engineer 10 minutes

9 readings Total 70 minutes

Lesson 3: Overview 5 minutes
Reflection: Which industry suits you? 5 minutes
Research: Finding potential roles 30 minutes
Summary: Lesson 3 3 minutes
Lesson 4: Overview 5 minutes
How does recruitment work? 10 minutes
Summary: Lesson 4 2 minutes
Course summary 5 minutes
Next steps 5 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Test your learning and earn your certificate 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Writing good answers 60 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 35 minutes

The diverse industries that hire developers 15 minutes
Interview tips 20 minutes

Instructors

Amy Brereton

University of Leeds

5 Courses 4,932 learners

Offered by

University of Leeds

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Frequently asked questions

This course is part of Click Start, a UK training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills. Click Start is offering a limited number of scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK.

Check if you are eligible for free access today.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.