Get the Skills for a Professional Career in Software Development
An Advanced Certificate in IT from Focus College can get you all set to launch a software career or enter a partner university. Enrol today!
12 Month Hands-On Computing Training Program
There is a strong demand for software developers in a wide variety of industries, from biotechnology to telecommunications and transportation. In this 1-year full-time program, you will get the skills you need to jump into the growing Internet Technology field and launch your career.
If you have an analytical, problem-solving mind and like to be creative while working with computers, the Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software Developer program from Focus College could be just the place for you to start your journey to a career in IT.
You could complete the certificate program, find employment, spend another year with us to complete your Advanced Diploma, and even move on after that to enter one of our 75 partner universities around the world to get a degree. It all starts right here.
Focus on your goal and we’ll get you the skills to make it a reality.
Career Opportunities
The Advanced Certificate in Computing: Software Development courses aim to equip students with the necessary skills required to pursue a career in the computing field at a professional or junior managerial level. They are also aimed at those who wish to study computing at this level before undertaking a career in another field where such skills are often very necessary.
This program will prepare students for employment in an IT/Computing-related post at a technician or professional level in a software development role.
Who Will Benefit from the Program?
Actually, most people have a lot to gain from taking this program. Former students returning to school, anyone who wants to pursue higher education, adult learners with families, working individuals who wish to enhance their career prospects, and people who wish to start their own businesses.
“PROGRAM DESCRIPTION”
The program covers an introduction to developing software, ethics in computing, troubleshooting, an introduction to project management, database design fundamentals, relational database, as well as an introduction to SQL and mathematics for computing.
The Advanced Certificate in Computing: Software Development will provide a breadth of competencies. Upon completion of this program students will have:
- Developed knowledge and skills in planning, developing and evaluating
- Developed employment skills, particularly relating to the IT industry
- Developed and enhanced transferable skills for employability and core skills
- Developed study and research skills as well as academic stimulus
- Developed a range of contemporary computer and software skills that are required by the technology industry
- Been prepared for employment in competitive international markets or for progression to degree study at partner universities around the world
- Been provided with underpinning knowledge associated with appropriate vendor qualifications
“REQUIREMENTS”
- Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent Canadian qualification OR relevant experience or mature students
- In the case of students from non-English-speaking countries/territories, students will have to demonstrate their English proficiency at a minimum IELTS Band level of 6.0 or equivalent. (In a case where a prospective student has no proof of English proficiency or an English proficiency level below IELTS Band 6.0, that student will be required to take the Focus College ESL “Crash Course”)
“YEAR 1”
“Computer Systems Fundamentals”
This unit is designed to provide candidates with knowledge of the various hardware and software elements of a computer system, how to install an operating system, and how to install and configure application and security software. Candidates will also be introduced to the theory and practical application of number systems in computing. It is not intended that students gain an in-depth knowledge of any particular operating system or applications software. The unit provides a foundation for further study of particular operating systems.
“Professionalism and Ethics in Computing”
This unit is designed to provide candidates with a knowledge and understanding of professional issues, including contemporary legislation, and ethical considerations for those fulfilling a computing related role within the workplace. This unit is intended for candidates whose aim is to follow a career, or is currently following a career, as a computing professional to ensure work duties are carried out responsibly.
“Team Working in Computing”
This unit will provide candidates with the opportunity to develop effective skills for team working in the context of computing. Candidates will develop co-operative working skills which will include negotiation of goals, roles and responsibilities in the development of a team based Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project. Candidates, both individually as a team, will present the project outcomes within the timescale prescribed by the team. Individual progress will be tracked against a project plan and the team will develop skills in updating the plan to ensure that the project is delivered on time. Individual team members will contribute to any necessary research and to documentation of the group’s activities.
“Troubleshooting Computer Problems”
This unit is designed to provide candidates with the skills required to develop a possible solution to a computing problem in the context of computer networking, software development or technical support. Candidates will learn how to investigate the problem, plan and implement a solution, test and amend it until the problem is resolved and document each step taken to solve the problem.
“Computing: Introduction to Project Management”
This unit will enable candidates to develop the basic knowledge and skills required to plan, implement, monitor, manage and report on a small scale project.
The unit is intended for candidates who are working or preparing to work in an environment where they would be expected to work as part of a project managed team in the public, private or voluntary sectors. This unit will aid the candidates understanding of how projects are created run and managed.
“Database Design Fundamentals”
This unit is designed to provide the candidate with the skills required to create, maintain and interrogate a relational database management system using commercially available database software. The resultant skills will help prepare the candidate to enter commercially operated database environments and to administer the system to the requirements of the industry. The unit is primarily aimed as an introduction to relational database management systems and will incorporate the skills to design a suitable structure to maintain and update real world systems. The unit is written in generic terms enabling it to be completed using a commercially available relational database management system software and may be delivered as part of an HN Group Award.
“Personal Development Planning”
Through a process of Personal Development Planning, candidates will identify their skills, abilities and development needs and review these in the context of their own personal, educational and career aims. They will devise a personal action plan, then undertake and evaluate that plan. They will gather, organize and present evidence of each stage of the plan – including personal reviews – in their personal development portfolio.
“Relational Databases”
This unit is designed to introduce candidates to the design and creation of a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). It also introduces candidates to the terminology and key concepts used in the designing and building of a RDBMS and the process of creating a relational database. The candidate needs to demonstrate an understanding of these key concepts, and the need for good design.
“SQL: Introduction”
This unit is designed to develop a broad knowledge of the concepts, principles, boundaries and scope of relational databases using a query language. These will be reinforced by developing the practical skills required in using the structures and features of a query language in order to maintain and interrogate a relational database management system. The SQL constructs used adhere to the current standards, so will be applicable in all SQL-based platforms. It forms part of an HN group award program, although it can also be used as a stand-alone unit by candidates wishing to acquire and develop skills using a query language.
“Mathematics for Computing 1”
This unit is designed to allow candidates to acquire the fundamental mathematical knowledge required to apply computing techniques to problem situations effectively. Candidates will be able to create a mathematical model or express a problem mathematically. It is primarily intended for candidates who will specialize in programming or candidates who require a deeper understanding of computer operation at a basic hardware level.
“Research Skills”
This unit is about developing the candidate’s ability to access and evaluate information from a variety of primary and secondary sources by planning and reporting on a research investigation. It is aimed at those who need to access and analyze information as part of their course of study.
“Computing: Graded Unit 1”
This graded unit is designed to provide evidence that the candidate has achieved the following principal aims of the Advanced Certificate in Computing:
- To develop the candidate’s knowledge and skills such as planning, analyzing and synthesizing
- To develop study and research skills
- To enable progression within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
- To provide academic stimulus
“FEES”
Review our program pricing for full details.
Scholarships and other financing options are available for qualified candidates.
“DETAILS”
- This program is offered at the Kelowna and Surrey campuses
- Students are required to maintain 80% attendance throughout the program
- Approximately 10–15 hours/week is required from students to be successful in this program
- In order to graduate, students must pass all units through the program with a grade of C or higher
Is Employment-Focused Training for a Career in IT Right for You? Get More Info…
If you’re interested in exploring whether Focus College’s training programs and career opportunities in Information Technology and Software Development are right for you, or you want to learn more about how you can transfer credits to one of our many international university partners, fill out the form on this page and we’ll get you some more information.
A helpful Focus College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from determining the right career path for you to discussing financial aid options.
*Program length when completed in normal time.
