Part-time Diploma in Software Engineering

Software-Engineering

About the Course

The Part-Time Diploma in Software Engineering is a joint programme offered by Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic. The objective of this programme is to develop competent and skilled manpower in support of the ICT sector in the area of software engineering.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
  1. Apply computational thinking and key foundational programming concepts in program or software construction
  2. Apply the principles and concepts of database management systems for data management that enables users to store structured and unstructured data
  3. Analyse, design and manage software solutions and projects that applies various software development methodologies and best practices
  4. Apply user experience and user interface principles to develop multi-platform software applications using front-end and back-end software frameworks, programming languages and libraries
  5. Apply secure software design principles and techniques and undertake software testing to ensure quality, and robust software solutions
  6. Apply or infuse emerging ICT technologies in software solutions, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT)
  7. Apply DevOps practices and tools to increase an organisations ability to deliver applications and services at high velocity
  8. Use cloud-based platforms for software solutioning and deployment.
  9. Work within collaborative teams to integrate knowledge and technical skills acquired to design, develop and deploy software solutions from end-to-end.

Target audiences

Individuals who are looking for a career as a Software Engineer or Application Developer. It will also serve as a career advancement or further education advancement opportunity. Or if you fit any of the profiles, such as, IT graduate, Post NS or mid-career switchers.


Schedule

 Number of Lessons    Duration  
   2 to 3 week days
Saturday
(where necessary for practical or project lessons)
   6:30pm - 9:30pm
9:00 am - 12:00pm OR
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
 
Diploma in Software Engineering
Participants will be awarded the Modular Certificate (MC) upon successful completion of each certificate programme. The Diploma in Software Engineering will be issued upon meeting 50% of attendance requirement and passing all coursework and assessment of all Modular Certificates.

Module Synopses

1. Modular Certificate in Programming Foundations

Programming Fundamentals I

This module introduces students to computational thinking for programming problem solving and the fundamental concepts and constructs in computer programming which are applicable to most programming languages. Students will be able to apply computational thinking methods to decompose, abstract, identify patterns to problems and assemble a series of computer instructions that solves a problem programmatically. Students will be able to explain and write computer instructions that employ the use of variables, input and output statements, decision making constructs, repetition constructs and functions. They will also learn to test and debug computer programs to ensure that programs perform as they are intended to.

Database Systems

This module covers the principles and concepts of database management systems and the reasons for using such systems in an organisation. It provides an understanding of the factors in database design and it will help students develop a methodical approach to database design and implementation. This includes the skills in accessing and manipulating database systems through the use of SQL as well as NoSQL. It also introduces an awareness of the maintenance, performance and support issues associated with a database environment.

Programming Project

In this module, students will apply computational thinking and specifically algorithmic thinking skills in a programming project. Students will apply various programming constructs and data structures in constructing a program that solves a real-world problem.

Programming Fundamentals II

This module introduces students to data structures for organising and representing data for the purpose of programming problem solving. Specifically, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to solve problems using a key-value data structure, a multi-dimensional or tabular data structure and a tree data structure. Students will also be introduced to the object-oriented approach to designing and writing programs beyond the procedural or imperative approach.

2. Modular Certificate in Software Development I

Front-End Development

The Front-End Development module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to develop effective web applications using HTML and CSS, and applying design principles and aesthetic guidelines for a good user experience. Students will also learn to use front-end web development frameworks to further enhance their ability to develop progressive web applications. By the end of the module, students will be able to build visually appealing, user-friendly web applications that work well on a variety of devices and platforms. 

Back-End Development

The module teaches the techniques and skills required to set up and deploy restful webservices integrated with database using server-side frameworks. Students will learn about server-side programming and be able to create and deploy a database-driven web service.

Software Development Project

This module provides students an opportunity to integrate knowledge and technical skills they have acquired from the course and experience problem solving, project management, communication and working as a team to develop IT applications.

3. Modular Certificate in Software Development II

Software Testing and Analytics

 The focus of this module is on the post-development phase of application development. Students will be exposed to various testing strategies. This includes learning how to perform targeted group deployment aimed at user acceptance, and bug tracking management. Students will also learn to implement analytics upon deployment, as well as how to plan for new features.. 

Application Security

 This module aims to give students a comprehensive view of software application security. Students will learn the necessary hands-on skills required to design, build and test secure applications. Key topics covered include the designing of secured applications, understanding popular web application exploits such as the SQL injection attack, performing white / black box testing and developing secure code.

Rapid App Development

This module prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to build rapid, multi-platform software applications that run seamlessly across different device form factors. Students will apply various software frameworks, toolkits and services in the cloud, in combination with a layered software architecture approach, to develop these rapid multi-platform applications.

4. Modular Certificate in Software Operations and Solutioning

Operating Systems and Cloud Computing

 This module covers the fundamental concepts of operating systems and cloud computing through a practical, hands-on approach. Students will explore operating system components and the various cloud computing models. Powershell and bash scripting to automate system administration tasks will also be covered in this module. Students will learn practical aspects of cloud computing using widely available cloud platforms. By the end of the module, students will be able to setup secure cloud infrastructure.

DevOps Fundamentals

This module covers the fundamentals of DevOps approaches that bridge the gap between software developers and IT operations teams through a practical, hands-on approach. Students will work with front-end deployment and back-end codes, and manage hosts for both monitoring and scaling. Automation workflow tools such as Git, Docker, Jenkins, and other open source tools will be used to illustrate continuous integration and continuous deployment in this module.

Emerging Technologies

With new technologies constantly evolving in the IT industry, a technical appreciation of the latest trends will be beneficial to students. This module offers students a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts and workflows of these technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). They will learn to compare and evaluate different solutions and develop the necessary skills to implement them. The technical skills they acquire in this course will be put to use in projects and to model realistic use cases.

5. Modular Certificate in Software Project

Capstone Project

 This module provides students an opportunity to integrate knowledge and technical skills they have acquired from the course as a whole and experience problem solving, project management, communication and working as a team to develop IT applications.


Please click here to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).

WSP Eligibility

Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who are:

  • Applicants should possess a relevant local polytechnic Diploma in Information Technology or Computer Science within three years of graduation from the Polytechnics or the Operational Ready Date (ORD) for full-time National Servicemen, or
  • within five years of graduation from the Polytechnics, and if their employer is a participating company.

Conditional Offer

Graduating student (in final academic year) from a local polytechnic may apply for the programme.
Click here for more information on how to apply for the programme and receive a Conditional Offer.
Please click here to view the updated course schedule and fees on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal (STEP).

Last updated on 29 Feb 2024

Need more help?

If you are still unsure about which course to pursue, please contact our Academy for Continuing Education.