CertHE Digital and Software Technology

Program Overview

CertHE Digital and Software Technology

Overview

The CertHE Digital and Software Technology program addresses a skills shortage in the general area of ‘digital’ and software technology. The program will provide students with a broad set of skills suitable for technical roles in which they can implement software solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services, and increase productivity using selected digital technologies.

Introduction

This CertHE program provides a broad appreciation and understanding of digital technology, including computing, data science, networking, security, business systems, and operations. Students will learn about software development and digital management, use and apply modern version control and continuous integration software development technologies, work as part of a team using an agile development method to design and create a software solution, and gain experience with introductory cyber security techniques.

Course Details

All About the Course

This CertHE addresses a skills shortage in the general area of ‘digital’ and software technology. The course will provide students with an opportunity to acquire a broad set of skills suitable for technical roles in the digital and software sectors. Successful students will be able to implement software solutions that enable businesses to develop new products and services and increase productivity using selected digital and software technologies.

Links to Industry

The topics within this course reflect current industry best-practice and are informed by Manchester-based companies such as Car Finance 247, AJ Bell, and Autotrader. Students will learn techniques that use processes and technologies to encourage shorter delivery cycles in software development.

Semester One

• Computer System Fundamentals
  • This module covers computer-based systems at both a theoretical and practical level.
  • It covers how the transfer of data between computers is controlled by hardware and software that define how data is formatted and structured, but also how the transfer of information is managed and stored.
• Programming with Python
  • The ability to approach problems is key in practical programming and is a bedrock of computer science.
  • This practical module will instill in students the need to make this logical approach and at the same time introduce them to an integrated programming environment using the Python language.
• Web Technologies and Databases
  • Dynamic website development is an exciting fundamental aspect of any technology degree.
  • This module will take students step-by-step through this process with a bespoke, guided, practically-oriented teaching regime.

Semester Two

• Introduction to Business Intelligence
  • This module sheds light on the use of business intelligence (BI) systems in organisational scenarios.
  • The module will provide students with a broad set of skills applicable to the origins and evolution of BI systems, as well as distinctions between characters, data, information and knowledge.
• Introduction to Networking
  • This module covers the operation of computer networks at both a theoretical and practical level.
  • It covers how the transfer of data between computers is controlled by communication protocols which not only define how data is formatted and structured but also how the transfer of information is managed to ensure it arrives successively at the intended destination.
• Agile Methods, Software Technologies and Operations
  • In this module, students will have an opportunity to learn about agile software development methods that are widely used in the software development industry.
  • Scrum is an orchestration framework used by small, self-organising teams in business information system development.

What Will I Be Doing?

Teaching

• Lectures are used to cover the basic technical principles that underpin the core content of each module.
• Practical workshops are used to enable students to put theory into practice and develop their technical practical skills in configuring and managing industry-standard broadcast and network technology.
• Computer laboratories are used to teach software development (programming) using an integrated programming environment.
• A group project is used to apply software development processes to build a software solution.
• Industry seminars supplement the academic teaching with external industry-based speakers who explain how what is being studied has a real-world application within the industry.

Assessment

A variety of assessments are used within this program, including:

• Practical assessments
• Written assignments
• Oral presentations
• Examinations

What You Want to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a CertHE qualification?
  • A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is a UK higher education qualification equivalent to the first year (Level 4) of a full-time Bachelor's degree, providing foundational knowledge in a specific subject area.
• What do you mean by ‘digital and software technology’?
  • This program will provide students with a broad set of skills suitable for technical roles. Students will learn how to implement software solutions, a skill in demand by modern businesses. Students will also gain a foundational understanding of key digital and technological disciplines, including computing, data science, networking, security, business systems, and operations.

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, students can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in their career.

Greater Manchester Institute of Technology

Located across England, Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are a national network of partnerships between local colleges, universities, and leading employers.

We are a proud partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology. This means as a student on this course, students will benefit from being part of the University of Salford community, with access to our facilities and support, and taught by our tutors. Students will also be part of the GMIoT network, with access to additional events and activities.

Employment and Stats

What About After Uni?

• Employment
  • This course will lend students the skills required to access roles in a breadth of digital roles, for example:
    • Software Developer
    • Business Analyst
    • Cyber Security Specialist
    • Data Analyst
    • Solution Architect
    • Operations Manager

Requirements

What You Need to Know

• Applicant Profile
  • Students will have a keen interest, curiosity and passion for technology, especially related to the technical aspects of digital and software products and services.
  • Students will have an enthusiasm for computer programming, and probably have good IT skills, as well as an interest in understanding how things work at a technical level.
• English Language Requirements
  • International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
• Standard Entry Requirements
  • GCSE
    • English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
  • UCAS Tariff Points
    • 72 points
  • A Level
    • 72 points (DDD) - must include A-level Computer Science
  • BTEC National Diploma
    • MMP in Computing or IT-related subject. Other engineering or science-related subjects may be accepted with distinctions in the Mathematics units.
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma
    • Merit / Merit in Computing or IT-related subject
  • Access to HE
    • 72 points in Access to HE Computing
  • Scottish Highers
    • 72 points - must include Computer Science
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
    • 72 points - must include Computer Science
  • European Baccalaureate
    • Please contact our Admissions team
  • International Baccalaureate
    • Please contact our Admissions team
  • Accreditation of Prior Learning
    • An applicant who does not possess one of the qualifications which satisfies the General Academic Entry Requirement may be considered through the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) (both Certified Prior Learning and/or one Prior Experiential Learning) as per the University’s Admissions and Retention Policy.

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
  • We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education.

Tuition Fees

• Type of Study | Year | Fees
  • Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,535 per year
  • Part-time | 2025/26 | Part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional Costs

• Students should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general sustenance on trips and visits.