Software Development in Practice

This online professional development course covers the following topics: 

• Software engineering principles 

• Data and operators 

• Control structures and recursion 

• Data structures 

• Graphical user interfaces 

• Files, streams and I/O techniques 

• Advanced data structures 

• Management of the software development enterprise 

You do not require any previous qualifications or work experience to study one of our online professional development courses.   

You must provide evidence that you have an English language ability equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5. If you do not have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You do not need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Fees for the academic year 2026/27  
£1,495 

These fees* are fully inclusive of all costs, including all teaching materials, core textbooks, assessments, and resits.  

*All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed. 

Teaching and assessment  

The learning, teaching and assessment strategies for all online programmes are aligned with the three University of Liverpool Hallmarks of research-connected teaching, active learning and authentic assessment – as well as the three University of Liverpool Graduate Attributes of confidence, digital fluency and global citizenship.  

Teaching methods  

Studying online allows you to study in your own time and from wherever works best for you – whether that is from your home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

All our online programmes are delivered through a specially designed online learning platform. This allows 24/7 access to your study materials, which includes:  

• innovative lecturecasts consisting of audio recordings, infographics, videos, animation, short tasks, and written content  

• a comprehensive eLibrary of ebooks and academic journals  

• forums for you to discuss programme content with peers  

• support from academic staff and a dedicated Student Support team  

Assessments  

Online programmes are assessed based on work carried out in the virtual classroom. Reflecting the hallmark of authentic assessment, this may include report writing, reflective practice, research projects, and individual or group presentations that represent the kinds of tasks you would be expected to undertake in a professional setting.  

We are committed to:  

• providing frequent and transparent feedback  

• ensuring our assessment criteria are simple and clear  

• making it easy for you to clearly view your marks in your gradebook when you log into the learning platform  

• delivering provisional marks and feedback of assessed work usually within seven days for taught modules  

• ensuring academic support through weekly lecturer office hours  

• providing access to our Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns or issues  

Online learning experience  

We will support your online learning experience with high-quality learning materials and resources, which can all be found on our state-of-the-art virtual learning platform.  

Typically, your learning experience will include the following:  

• directed learning – including participation in virtual discussions with peers, led by the lecturer, working through relevant and specially prepared videos and lecturecasts; completing interactive exercises on the learning platform; appointments with your lecturer during office hours  

• self-directed learning – including wider reading and research in your subject area to further develop your knowledge and understanding  

• assessment – time taken to prepare and complete assignments and activities which contribute to your overall assessment  

Study duration 

Software Development in Practice has an approximate study duration of 10 weeks, studied online and part-time.   

Academic staff  

We are committed to delivering an enriching online study experience, and all our lecturers are experienced subject specialists with demonstrated learning and teaching proficiency.   

They play an integral part in ensuring the latest theories and research feature in our programmes and are dedicated to providing a high level of support throughout your studies.   

All lecturers and supervisors are honorary faculty at the University of Liverpool.  

Quality and assurance   

As one of the Russell Group’s 24 members, the University of Liverpool is recognised as a world-class, research-intensive institution, that adheres to strict quality standards.  

The University is registered with the Office for Students and an established member of the Quality Assurance for Higher Education.   

Apply for this course by completing a simple online form.  

You will also need to provide evidence of your English language ability, equivalent to an IELTS (academic) score of 6.5. 

If you do not have an IELTS or equivalent certificate, you can take our free online English test to assess your proficiency. Please note, you do not need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

You must also submit an official form of photo ID with your application (e.g. your passport, driving licence or government ID).

Students with disabilities  

We welcome applications from students with disabilities and consider them on the same academic grounds as those of other students. If you have a disability, medical condition and/or support needs it is important that you inform us so that you receive appropriate support.  

Deadlines  

We have regular start dates throughout the year with regular application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to apply in good time, particularly if they have special requirements.  

There are plenty of opportunities for those trained in software development including software engineer, web developer, and DevOps engineer. You can also choose to specialise and pursue a career as a machine learning specialist, cybersecurity analyst, or data scientist. 

Since it was established in 1983, the School of Computer Science and Informatics has been at the forefront of key developments in the field and has built a strong international reputation for research in artificial intelligence and algorithms. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 the School was ranked 5th in the UK for world leading (4*) research outputs, and 100% of research environment rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).  

By studying online with Liverpool, you can earn a highly regarded microcredential from a prestigious redbrick university. We are also a member of the Russell Group, an association of 24 research-led UK universities committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of research and education. You will acquire new skills and knowledge, all while continuing to work in your current role.   

The University of Liverpool has been offering online programmes since 2000. We are recognised as one of Europe’s leading providers of wholly online postgraduate degrees. All our programmes are designed for online delivery, and our state-of-the-art learning platform encourages collaboration with fellow professionals from around the world.