Course Introduction:

A Professional Development Award (PDA) is a qualification designed to help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of work. In the context of software development, a PDA focuses on practical and theoretical aspects relevant to the industry.

A qualification offered by organisations like the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) designed to enhance skills and knowledge in a specific profession or field. PDAs typically involve a combination of theoretical and practical training and are recognised in the workforce, especially in fields like software development, healthcare, and management.

The SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) in Software Development at SCQF Levels 7,8 & 9 offers different tiers of expertise in software development, each corresponding to a different Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level. These levels represent increasing complexity and depth of knowledge, skills, and understanding. Here’s an overview of each:

Qualification Structures:

1. SCQF level 7 Group Award Code: GT22 47
2. SCQF level 8 Group Award Code: GT23 48
3. SCQF level 9 Group Award Code: GT24 49

Each of the Levels consists of three mandatory Units and the total credit value 6 SQA credits (48 SCQF credit points) for each level. There are no optional Units in delivering this PDA.

Unit Specifications Summarisation:

This qualification is available at three SCQF levels: 7, 8 and 9.

Each level comprises three Units:

1. Software Development: Analysis and Design
2. Software Development: Implementation
3. Testing Software Development: Project

Level 7 is suitable for leaners with no previous background in Computing other than basic IT skills, level 8 for learners with some previous knowledge of computing or a graduate-level qualification in a non-STEM area and level 9 for learners with a graduate-level qualification in a STEM area who wish to retrain as Computer Programmers. Learners completing level 9 should be prepared for employment as entry-level programmers. Those completing lower levels are likely to require further training before being ready to enter employment.

A: PDA in Software Development @ SCQF Level 7

Target Audience:

• Typically aimed at those entering the field of software development or those with a foundational understanding of IT.

Focus:

This level introduces fundamental concepts of software development, including:

• Basic programming skills in a relevant programming language (e.g., Python, Java, C++ or web development).

Software Design Methodologies.

• Problem-solving using algorithms and basic software engineering principles.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Ability to write, test, and debug simple programs.
• Developing structured solutions to problems using programming concepts like loops, conditions, and functions.

Career Path:

• Entry-level roles like Junior Programmer, Software Tester, or Technical Support Assistant.

Further Progression:

• Learners can progress to SCQF Level 8 to deepen their knowledge and skills.

The following tables outline the award at each level.

PDA Software Development at SCQF level 7

Analysis and Design

This Unit introduces the Software Development Analysis and Design Process. It covers traditional and contemporary trends in software development methodologies including Waterfall, Prototyping, Incremental, Spiral, Rapid Application Development (RAD) and Agile. You will gain practical experience in using various Analysis and Design tools and be able to produce models and apply both the Waterfall and the Agile Development approaches.

Implementation and Testing

This Unit will introduce you to the principles and practices of computer programming including the stages in writing a computer program, the basic constructs of programming, algorithms, data types, data structures and testing techniques. You will develop your programming and computational thinking skills by implementing and testing practical solutions using an appropriate software development environment.

Project

This Unit is designed to give you the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge of software analysis, design, implementation and testing to produce the components of a software product composed of multiple sub-programs. It is aimed at learners wishing to begin preparing for a role as an entry-level software developer. You will analyse a problem, design the operation and interaction of program components, produce working code to meet requirements, and test a completed solution to prove functional operation.

B: PDA in Software Development @ SCQF Level 8

Target Audience:

• Suitable for those with some experience in IT or software development, looking to advance their technical skills.

Focus:

This level builds on the foundations of Level 7 and dives deeper into:

• More advanced programming concepts and software development techniques.
• Software testing, debugging, and optimization.
• Working with software frameworks, databases, and integrated development environments (IDEs).
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts and design patterns.

Learning Outcomes:

• Writing more complex and efficient software programs.
• Proficiency in managing software projects, including requirement gathering, design, coding, testing, and deployment.
• Understanding the importance of user experience (UX) and user interfaces (UI) in software development.

Career Path:

• Intermediate roles such as Software Developer, Database Developer, or IT Support Analyst.

Further Progression:

• Learners can move to SCQF Level 9 for more specialised and leadership-focused roles.

The following tables outline the award at each level.

PDA Software Development at SCQF level 8

Analysis and Design

This Unit introduces the use of object-oriented techniques in the Software Development: Analysis and Design Process. It reviews the analysis and design techniques used and cover the use of object-oriented analysis techniques to define user requirements, the use of object-oriented design techniques to design software solutions and the use of object-oriented modelling techniques to model solutions. You will gain practical experience in the use of object-oriented techniques to analyse user requirements and design and model software solutions.

Implementation and Testing

This Unit will introduce you to the use of object-oriented programming techniques, extend your skills in using algorithms and data structures in program development and let you apply a wider range of testing techniques. Object-oriented programming techniques include the use of objects and classes and algorithms, encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. Data structures will cover lists, queues, stacks tables and trees, and algorithms will include sorting and searching. Testing will cover Static Testing (verification), Dynamic Testing (validation), Unit Testing, Integration Testing and User Acceptance Testing. You will develop your programming skills by designing, implementing and testing practical solutions using an appropriate software development environment.

Project

This Unit allows you to apply skills and knowledge of software analysis, design, implementation and testing to produce a software product composed of multiple subprograms. You will determine the scope and plan the development of a software project, design the operation and interaction of its components, produce working code to meet the requirements, and test a completed solution to prove functional operation. This will involve using an object-oriented programming approach and choosing appropriate data structures and algorithms to build a functional product. You will collaborate with others to deliver the completed project.

C: PDA in Software Development @ SCQF Level 9

Target Audience:

• Designed for individuals with substantial experience or previous qualifications in software development, seeking advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills.

Focus:

This level emphasizes high-level software development skills, with a focus on:

• Advanced programming techniques, including multi-threading, distributed systems, and cloud computing.
• Software architecture, systems integration, and scalability.
• Leadership in software development projects, including agile methodologies and team management.
• Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Learning Outcomes:

• Mastery in developing, testing, and deploying complex software systems.
• Understanding of the principles of software project management and leadership.
• Ability to design scalable and efficient software systems using advanced development techniques.

Career Path:

• Senior roles like Lead Software Developer, Systems Architect, or IT Project Manager.

Further Progression:

• Opportunities to pursue advanced qualifications like a degree in software engineering, IT management, or related fields.

The following tables outline the award at each level.

PDA Software Development at SCQF level 9

Analysis and Design

This Unit will introduce you to the use of architectural patterns and design patterns in the Software Development Analysis and Design Process. It reviews object-oriented analysis and design techniques and covers the use of templates for solving problems that occur in many different situations or applications. You will gain practical experience in the use of creational, structural and behavioural design patterns to show relationships and interactions between classes or objects without specifying the final application classes or objects involved.

Implementation and Testing

This Unit will introduce you to the planning of software development projects, the use of libraries and APIs in software development and the use of code repositories. Project planning will be carried out in line with the Agile Project Management Process. APIs will be used to interface with major platforms. Libraries covered will include standard and add-on libraries for the relevant platform. Version control will be accomplished by the use of code repositories.

Project

This Unit allows you to apply skills and knowledge of software analysis, design, implementation and testing to produce a software product composed of multiple subprograms in a “real world” teamwork scenario. You will work in a team to determine the scope and plan the development of a complex software project, design the operation and interaction of its components, produce working code to meet the requirements, and test a completed solution to prove functional operation, while following methodical project management practices and incorporating software design patterns. The project will include interaction with third-party APIs and management of source code with version control software.

SQA more emphasised on having the following five main characteristics: each level descriptor has five characteristics which provide a reference point for determining the level of a qualification.

Benefits of Attending PDA Qualifications:

Upon completing the SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) in Software Development, learners gain several key outcomes that enhance their professional and technical abilities.

These include:

1. Recognised Qualification: Learners receive a nationally Recognised qualification from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which can help improve employability in the software development industry.
2. Technical Skills in Software Development: The course equips learners with practical and theoretical knowledge in software development. This includes programming, software design, and testing, using modern tools and methodologies.
3. Problem-Solving and Analytical Abilities: Learners develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills, enabling them to approach and solve real-world software challenges effectively.
4. Proficiency in Programming Languages: Learners gain hands-on experience with various programming languages and development environments, preparing them to work in a wide range of software development roles.
5. Pathway to Further Education: The PDA can serve as a stepping stone to further qualifications, such as HNC/HNDs, degrees, or additional professional certifications in software engineering or related fields.
6. Career Advancement: The skills and knowledge acquired through the PDA can lead to opportunities in roles such as software developer, programmer, systems analyst, or IT project manager, as well as support advancement for those already working in IT.
7. Flexibility and Adaptability: Learners gain a solid foundation in software development principles, which enables them to adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies in the rapidly changing IT industry.

This qualification demonstrates a learner’s competency in essential software development skills, positioning them well for both employment and further academic opportunities.

This Courses Suits the following:

The IT training classes which we are currently offering are suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

• School leavers
• Adult returnees to education
• Individuals who are in employment and wish to enhance their career prospects
• Individuals who wish to start a new career in IT
• Individuals who want to get promotion at work
• Individuals who want to upgrade in their IT skills
• Any Age group
• Diversity

Target Audience:

• The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set
• These qualifications are aimed at anyone with an interest in becoming a computer programmer
• No previous experience of programming is required but the award will require intensive study for those without it
• The qualifications are suitable for learners with backgrounds in computing who wish to focus on coding or learners with no background in computing who wish to retrain in this area.

Modes of Course Delivery & Attendance:

ITPT is currently providing different method of learning opportunities to our clients. Many people are looking for learning diversity to enhance their qualifications, but they don’t have the time to take on full-time instructor led study or attending courses regularly at their appropriate venues.

Online, distance and blended learning is a popular solution helping busy people study flexibly around their needs and requirements. We want to be the first choice for those potential online and distance learners so we are introducing variety of different study channels so the people can facilitate themselves accordingly.

Classes Duration:

This course will be delivered 1 day a week, 3 to 7 hours a week, one full classroom but not more than 8 students per class. We believe in quality not in quantity so we endeavour to do our best to have precise quantity per class so an instructor can concentrate equally.

• The classroom option is available only for those who wish to pursue the PDA programme in conjunction with a vendor qualification, such as Full Stack Development, Python, Android, or similar courses.
• Please do remember the above course is instructor led training programme followed by hands on live labs, so the attendance is required.
• A separate classroom course can be arranged for a group of 5 to 6 students to facilitate fast-track learning.
• For eLearning option, there is no classroom attendance is required.

Job Roles

• Junior/Senior Software Developer/Engineer
• 1^st line Help Desk Software engineer/Developer
• .NET Developer
• Java developer
• Java Programmer
• Web Developer
• Front End Developer
• VBA Developer
• C++ / C# Software Developer/Engineer
• Data Modeller/Architect

Course Funding: Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS)

This course is funded by SAAS part time funding which is available to eligible individuals only;

SAAS General funding eligibility requirement:

1. You have to be a resident of Scotland
2. Either employed and earning less than 25k a year or can be unemployed as well
3. Have not used the SAAS funding in this Academic Year.

Other criteria;

• Students do not need to pay it back as this is a grant not a loan.
• This funding is different from the full-time funding which can be applied by someone who previously granted for a degree, postgrad or any other full-time studies (HNC/HND) etc.
• Part time funding cannot be received on a same session if one is already receiving any part/full time funding for other courses.
• Part Time funding can only be used for one course per academic year.
• SAAS part time funding academic year starts from Aug to July.

For more information on this, please visit the below link;

https://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/funding_guide.pdf

To check your funding eligibility:

Please follow the below link to check if you qualify for the course funding;

https://www.saas.gov.uk/part-time/undergraduate-funding

Self-Funding:

If you do not qualify for SAAS part-time funding, you have the option to self-fund the course. The full course fee can also be paid in manageable instalments within the course duration.

Contact Us:

For more information please do contact us:

Edinburgh Phone: 0131 552 5558 – 0131 552 5800
Glasgow Phone: 0141 429 2922
Email: info@itpt.co.uk
Website: https://www.itpt.co.uk/
Contact us via website: https://www.itpt.co.uk/contact-us/

To Book an Appointment with Course Advisors:

To Book course registration or for further information about the course or its funding, please follow the below link:
https://tinyurl.com/ITPT-Appointment