Software Systems Engineering Certificate of Credit

This level 7 Certificate of Credit in Software Systems Engineering is the perfect introduction to systems analysis and design theory. Over this 10 week course you will experience a full development project lifecycle. Learn key skills and techniques that are required to bring an application development project to a life in a busy working environment.

In particular, you will be required to explore and engage with multi-cultural issues such as communication, negotiation and presentation, applying these to international contexts and the global software development economy.

Gain a unique understanding of codes of practice and competence, the role of professional bodies, ethical practice and appreciation of business practices and change of management.

You will be able to apply your project to your own working environment learning in a real world setting.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

This module will be delivered by expert academics who are practising professionals too. This ensures that module content remains up-to-date and highly relevant and brings through pertinent examples from the business world which are current and topical.

All learning resources will be delivered entirely online through our user-friendly student portal dashboard and intuitive digital learning environment. You will interact with your tutors and fellow students through a mix of virtual live classrooms, tutorials and guest lectures. Group discussions and debate are held through forums and community spaces and the use of collaborative tools such as wikis for group projects and assignments. Digital texts, ebooks, journals, databases and more are available electronically via our library.

Study skills

Many of our students are mature learners who may have not studied academically for a number of years. To help you to become an effective student, able to study at postgraduate level, there are a number of advanced study skill resources available to you covering areas such as research skills, critical evaluation in academic context, literature search, referencing, plagiarism and so on.

Pace of study

We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.

Assessment method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

You should normally have a UK undergraduate degree (at least a 2:2) with honours in any discipline, or an equivalent international qualification.

Applicants with a degree in a non-computing discipline or a lower degree classification in a computing related discipline may still be considered for entry to the programme where they can demonstrate relevant work experience in a management or supervisory position, and followed by an interview to demonstrate effective communication, learning skills and the motivation to succeed on the programme. However, applications may also be considered where there is extensive evidence of key practical experience and work-based training.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 

RPL may be available for you based upon past study and experience.

English language qualification

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
• International GCE O-level English Language: grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: grade C

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2023/24 for new entrants

Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.

About your fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

Flexible payment plan available

• Pay monthly for the course that you are studying

Students should apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Photo ID – this could be your passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Written reference supplied on headed paper from either a manager, supervisor, tutor or teacher
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Application deadlines

All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.

This Certificate of Credit can act as an ideal form of CPD for those wishing to move into systems engineering. It will give you a comprehensive insight into software systems.

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning:

Other courses you might like

• Computing and IT MSc
• Cyber Security MSc
• Big Data Analytics MSc