STUDY OPTIONS

OVERVIEW

STUDY LEVELS

Cert HE

UCAS CODE

C601

DURATION

1 Year

START DATE(S)

Sep / Nov / Jan / Feb / Apr

ENTRY YEAR

2025/26 | 2026/27

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

64

What you will learn

Co-designed with Microsoft and focused on employability, our 1-year Software Development Cert HE course is equivalent to the first year of a degree.

Get to grips with front-and back-end development, and learn in-demand programming languages including JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS and SQL.
Benefit from the opportunity to design and build a functioning website using a real-life scenario.
Develop the skills to write and implement algorithms and understand how to interpret and present data.
Learn how software developers can effectively and appropriately use the power of AI to enhance their practice.
Look at how software systems are developed, understand the software development cycle and explore agile methodologies in the workplace.

If you’re looking for a software development course in Manchester, check out our 1-year Software Development Cert HE and unlock your greatness at UA92.

How You Will Study

Course
breakdown

24 weeks of
study

4 x 6-week blocks

1 subject module per block

4 CPD focus days per block

Subject Module
Breakdown

250 hours of
study per module

80 hrs face-to-face (32%)

20 hrs Digital Wednesdays (8%)

150 hrs independent study (60%)

Assessment
Breakdown

No traditional
end-of-year exams*

100% coursework*

*there will be one short exam in the module Computational Problem-Solving.

Your course modules

Module 1 - Front-End Development

You’ll get to grips with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, learning how to design and build a website based using a real-world scenario.

Module 2 - Back-End Development

You’ll take an in-depth look at web servers that form the backbone of the Internet. You’ll gain an understanding of Linux system management, the PHP programming language, Structured Query Language (SQL), and database development theory, whilst building a database-based web server app.

Module 3 - Software Design and Development

You’ll take a look at how software systems are developed from inception to delivery and testing. You’ll learn about both the traditional software development lifecycle and the latest agile methodologies.

Module 4 - Computational Problem-Solving

You’ll develop the skills to devise efficient algorithms and undertake practical exercises implementing algorithms in the Python programming language. You’ll also learn how to interpret and present data.

What is the 92 Programme?

It’s more than a degree, it’s preparation for life.

Alongside your course modules, you will engage with the 92 Programme, which is built into every degree and tailored to each subject area.

Engaging with the 92 Programme is a requirement for all students and will count towards your overall grade.

Through taught sessions, immersive experiences and coaching, you will build confidence, resilience, wellness, self-reflection and professionalism, skills designed to support your future success.

Find out more about how we prepare students for future career success.

Why the 92 Programme is part of your course?

In a recent study*, 78% of employers believe graduates do not arrive in the workplace fully equipped with the skills they need to be work-ready.

Another study conducted by the World Economic Forum** identified ‘10 Skills You Need for the Future of Work’. These skills include:

Emotional intelligence (EQ)
Analytical (critical) thinking
Active learning with a growth mindset
Interpersonal communication skills
Leadership skills
Technology skills

At UA92, we prepare you for life after graduation and equip you with the skills employers value most. You may not realise it, but developing these skills now, will get you set for career success and could land you that dream job in the future.

*CMI Report: Work Ready Graduates

**World Economic Forum: The Future of Jobs Report 2023

How is the 92 Programme assessed?

Assessment takes the form of a Professional Diary, which is a log capturing evidence of your learning, activities and reflections. This can be videos, photos or even audio.

This is supplemented with a reflective account, which links your experiences to your personal growth.

Why study at UA92?

UA92 offer a deliberately different experience to traditional universities; with fixed morning or afternoon timetables and no end of year exams. Our industry-inspired courses, place character and personal development firmly at the core of the learning experience.

Degrees and Certificates of Higher Education awarded by the prestigious Lancaster University
No traditional end of year exams*
Study one module at a time
Courses co-designed with industry
Fixed morning or afternoon timetable**
Multiple start dates throughout the year
Focus on Character and Personal Development

91.4%

Name: Software Development Cert HE
Availability: InStock

said they felt supported with their learning.

NSS Results 2025

UA92 scored higher than all Greater Manchester universities for Academic Support and Assessment and Feedback in the National Student Survey 2025.*

*compares UA92’s results against the 4 Universities in Greater Manchester: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, The University of Greater Manchester and The University of Manchester.

THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT

UA92 Main Campus

This is where our story began, back in 2019. UA92 Main Campus is in the heart of Old Trafford, Manchester. Inside there’s a fully equipped Sports Performance Centre, Media Studio and Digital Academy. The tram stop is a 1 minute walk, which gets you into the heart of Manchester city-centre in under 10 minutes.

FIND US

UA92 Main Campus

Brian Statham Way

Old Trafford

Manchester UK

M16 0PU

Open in maps

a red wall showing the text welcome to ua92

The Digital Academy at UA92

DIGITAL ACADEMY

Located on our main campus, the Digital Academy includes a 360 degree immersive audio and video environment, augmented reality and virtual reality zone, digital labs and unique and varied study spaces.

DIGITAL LABS

Our specialist Digital Labs give you access to high-spec Mac minis and all the software you need to complete your studies.

THE IGLOO

The Igloo is our cutting-edge, 360 degree immersive audio and visual space. The Igloo provides a unique, engaging space for collaboration and digital experiences.

VR SUITE

The VR suite gives students the opportunity to experience and experiment with the medium of virtual reality.

STUDY SPACES

There’s a communal space at the heart of the Digital Academy. The large contemporary, open plan collaboration zone, is perfect for independent or group study sessions.

My UA92 Journey: Computer Science

What’s next?

This 1-year course is the perfect stepping stone to a full computer science degree. If you pass the Cert HE successfully, you will automatically be eligible to progress to the second year of the 3-year degree programme.

If you choose to leave after the 1-year Cert HE, you’ll walk away with a valuable level 4 qualification which will support your job applications in the sector.

Whatever you decide, you’ll be on your way to an engaging career in the digital world. You might go on to be a software developer, software engineer, computer programmer, computer technician, app developer or web designer.

91%

of graduates are engaged in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

FIND OUT MORE

UA92 is above the national average for graduate outcomes. The Graduate Outcomes survey is the biggest annual survey that captures the status of recent graduates who completed their studies at a higher education institution in the UK.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey Results released in 2025. National Average is 88%.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

We have over 100 industry connections who support our mission to develop career-ready graduates. These partnerships provide you with access to industry-leading expertise, mentorship opportunities and work-place experiences.

Our industry partners play a vital role in shaping both the curriculum you study and your student experience. From delivering guest lectures and masterclasses to providing internships and graduate roles.

Find out more

Meet the Digital Team

Ali Al-Azari

Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

I’m an experienced Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Cybersecurity, as well as the 92 programme lead for the World of Digital.

I hold an MSc in Cloud and Network Security and am passionate about driving innovation and clarity in digital education.

Having vast experience in optimising IT infrastructure and practical instructions, I can provide great insights into IT technical matters. I always prefer a hands-on approach, commit to excellence and foster a strong learning environment that empowers the next generation of digital professionals.

Damian Payton

Head of Digital

My digital career started at BBC Manchester, as producer and community media skills trainer.

At DigitalMe, I developed UK-wide youth digital skills projects – including Supporter To Reporter, which took Trafford teenagers to the London 2012 Olympics.

I founded Hive Manchester, an award-winning social enterprise helping young people learn digital skills in fun and creative ways. Hive reached over 4000 young people and 220 schools, colleges and universities, especially in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with top tech employers like Cisco, Mozilla and Accenture, developing some of the UK’s first Digital Apprenticeships and a Princes Trust-supported digital bootcamp.

I am a STEM ambassador, Code Club Founder, Coderdojo Champion and Raspberry Pi Certified Educator.

Away from the screens I love to run, swim and cycle in the hills of my hometown Buxton.

Ngozi Nneke

Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & AI – Research and Enterprise Lead

I’m a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Research and Enterprise Lead, with over 18 years of experience across academia and industry.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), hold a PGCE LTHE, and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with 4 master’s degrees, including an MBA. I am currently awaiting my PhD viva in Explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI).

My research focuses on Explainable and Trustworthy AI, developing explainable, transparent, and ethical AI models for healthcare and applied domains. I have co-authored peer-reviewed papers and presented at major international conferences in AI, Explainable AI, Data Science, and Digital Innovation.

I am also the founder and convener of UA92 TechFest, a flagship employability and innovation event linking Level 6 Computer Science students with industry partners. I serve on the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Strategic Planning Committee and am a judge at the Prolific North Tech Awards.

Nicolae Grigore

Digital Lecturer

I have experience teaching across a range of levels, and as a former course lead I have worked on creating engaging and inclusive experiences for students in many different sub fields of Computer Science.

My main interests are in Problem Solving, Programming, Logic and Mathematical Techniques for Computer Science.

As a Digital Lecturer at UA92, I am passionate about delivering fun yet comprehensive sessions to our students.

In my free time I play chess and watch videos on a variety of topics.

Omar Alobaidi

Digital Lecturer

With a Ph.D. in Computer Science (AI) from Manchester Metropolitan University, I bring over five years of experience in higher education. Most recently, I served as an IT Lecturer, teaching Python, Java, and database systems, and previously taught at Sussex University, where I developed programming modules and full course materials. My research interests include AI-driven learning technologies, and I have a strong background in programming and web development. Outside of work, I enjoy web design, reading, current affairs, and spending time with family and friends.

Reece Harbour

Digital Lecturer

I’m a former secondary school teacher and website developer, now working as a Digital Lecturer. I love helping students explore coding, creativity, and all things digital.

My background in education and web development allows me to blend technical know-how with a passion for teaching and problem-solving.

Steph Riley

Course Leader - Digital

I am a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and a PhD researcher in Information Science, with particular interests in system analysis and design.

My research focuses on data management and information retrieval, exploring how information can be organised, accessed, and utilised effectively in digital systems.

Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of teaching both adult learners and undergraduate students, taking on a range of responsibilities including supervision, mentoring and curriculum design.

Alongside my work in education, I am also a published author and have been involved in innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Outside of academia, I enjoy spending my time reading and exploring nature through hiking.