Postgraduate Diploma in Software Development
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Diploma
- Code
- D69
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Made up of
- 120 credits
Description
The increased complexity of software systems and the dependence of many organisations on reliable computing systems stress the need for skilled software developers equipped with the knowledge and techniques to become the professionals at the leading edge of their field. The modules in this postgraduate diploma course will equip you with a sound understanding of the software development process, the ability to meet the needs of the latest trends in the software industry and a broad range of skills for effective participation in a software development team.
If you would like more information about the postgraduate computing programme, you can visit our website. This site includes additional information about our modules and qualifications, recommended routes through the programme and sample study materials.
Planning your studies
There are no entry requirements for the diploma modules, but you must be suitably prepared for study at professional level. You are expected to have studied to at least HNC/HND level, or to have had equivalent practical experience. Individual module descriptions will tell you more about the requirements.
You can take your modules in any order. It is often helpful to begin with a module that is related to your current area of work or to your own interests or experience, so that you can build on your strengths while getting used to Open University supported open learning. We recommend that you start with only one module in the first six-month study period. After this you will have a clearer understanding of the demands that study will make on you, and can decide whether you wish to take more than one module at a time.
Your study of the diploma must be completed within four years from the start of the first module to sitting the examination of the last. If you find you have time to study 30 credits worth of modules in every study period, you can of course obtain the diploma in two years. If you begin studying on this diploma, but later find that you cannot complete it within four years, you may be able to switch to the Postgraduate Diploma in Computing for Commerce and Industry (C02), or the Postgraduate Diploma in Management of Software Projects (E19) instead, depending on the modules you have studied. These two diplomas have no time limits. We cannot guarantee that the same selection of modules will continue to be available.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 40 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
All the modules listed below are available with electronic submission and marking of assignments and so can be studied anywhere in the world.
Career relevance and employability
The modules are designed for professional software developers and their managers, who need to update or extend their skills and knowledge in software development, allowing them to gain recognised qualifications to develop their careers.
BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT offers exemption from some of its membership requirements for holders of an appropriate MSc in computing from The Open University. For more details view or download our Recognition leaflet 3.7 Computing. BCS regulations are on their website.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Modules
For this 120-credit postgraduate diploma you require:
60 credits from these compulsory modules:
| Postgraduate compulsory modules | Credits | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
15 | Nov 2012 FINAL |
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | Nov 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module M873
And 60 credits from the following optional modules (including M882, M883 and M887 unless these have already been taken as part of the 60 credits of compulsory modules):
| Postgraduate optional modules | Credits | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
|
15 | Nov 2012 |
|
15 | Nov 2012 |
|
15 | May 2012 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules M877, M879, M881, M891
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Please see our Credit Transfer site for details. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of modules, so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you can be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Software Development entitling you to use the letters PGD Soft Dev (Open) after your name. If you obtain 60 credits or more at distinction grade, you will qualify for the award of the diploma with Distinction.
Once you have completed the postgraduate diploma, you can gain the MSc in Software Development (F26) by taking a 60-credit research project module. For this your project topic will need to be in the area of software development. If you choose a topic that is in a more general area of computing, you may instead be awarded the MSc in Computing for Commerce and Industry (F05).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
- Introduction to the Qualification Regulations
- General Qualification Regulations
- Postgraduate Diploma in Software Development
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
About this page
A postgraduate qualification in Computing and ICT.
Study explained
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