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Entry Year

14/09/2026

Location

Castlereagh

Duration

3 Years (Part-Time)

Course Code

P00989-AA
Overview
Foundation DegreeSoftware and Cloud Development with Data Analysis (Higher Level Apprenticeship)Validated by The Open University
Castlereagh
Part-Time
Higher Education
Start Date: 14/09/2026
End Date: 08/06/2029

Qualifications

HLA in Software and Cloud Development with Data Analysis - Private (SCD001)

Overview

Welcome to the Future of Software and Cloud Development with Data Analysis 

Are you ready to launch your career in the dynamic world of Software and Cloud Development with Data Analysis? If you've completed your A Levels or their UK equivalent, our two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship programme is your gateway to a bright future. We offer a crystal-clear path to university, or you can opt for an exciting BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree right here at Belfast Met. 

Why Choose Our Programme? 

The demand for skilled IT professionals is on the rise, with the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer projecting a potential shortfall of up to 6,200 IT workers in Northern Ireland by 2030. In this landscape, Software Development takes the lead in Northern Ireland's IT sector, with significant growth predicted in Software and Cloud Development, as well as Data Analytics. Our courses are meticulously crafted to empower you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in these thriving domains. 

What You'll Gain

  • Advanced Expertise: Our programme is designed to take you beyond the basics. You'll develop Software and Cloud Development skills in cloud computing, web development, and database development. Plus, you'll master data analytics techniques used in the real world. 
  • Real-World Experience: Learn from industry-seasoned professionals in our state-of-the-art computing labs, equipped with industry-standard hardware and software. Gain hands-on experience and real-world insights that will set you apart in your career. 
  • Career Opportunities: By the time you graduate, you'll hold a valuable qualification, practical skills, and relevant work experience, all of which will open doors to exciting career opportunities. 
  • Certifications: We're dedicated to enhancing your employability. That's why our programme includes the opportunity to earn prestigious industry certifications from Microsoft and Comptia. You'll become proficient in Java, C#, HTML5, R, Python, Power BI, Azure, and SQL Server. 

Key Areas of Study 

  • Software Development 
  • Web Development 
  • Cloud Development 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Database Development 
  • Software Testing 
  • Microsoft Azure, C#, Java, Python, SQL & PowerBI 

We understand that your future is important to you. That's why our programme also includes a work-based learning module, ensuring you gain practical experience in a real-world setting. 

Join us today and transform your computing foundation into a thriving career in the world of Software and Cloud Development with Data Analysis. Your journey begins here at Belfast Met! 

Ready to take your career to the next level in Software and Cloud Development with Data Analysis? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations: 

OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found  under the Higher Education section of our public documents.

Regulations for validated awards of The Open University

Programme Specification

Student's guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University

Advice
Pre-Entry Advice

For more information, please see our Course Overview presentation and Pre Entry Advice video

Click here to download presentation

Requirements

64 tariff points. 

To be able to apply at this stage, you must be employed in an IT role or have an arranged an apprenticeship with an employer in IT.

If you are currently not employed in an IT role, you must apply to the IT Apprenticeship through the following link: Belfast Metropolitan College Careers Portal (mindmill.co.uk)

 

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses

APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​

Assessment

Module

Level/Credits

Assessment

Programming and Scripting.

Level 4/20 Credits

CW, CW

Cloud and Cyber Security Fundamentals.

Level 4/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Mathematics for Computing.

Level 4/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Database Design and Development.

Level 4/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Systems Design and Cloud Development.

Level 4/20 Credits.

CW, Exam

Machine Learning Fundamentals.

Level 4/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Advanced Programming and Web Development

Level 5/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Data Analytics and Visualisation

Level 5/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Applied AI

Level 5/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Secure Programming and Testing

Level 5/20 Credits

CW, Exam

Work Based Learning

Level 5/40 Credits

CW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CW = Coursework

Careers
Made for More

Careers

Students who successfully complete this course are guaranteed a place on the one-year BSc (Hons) Software and Cloud Development and Data Science Top-Up Degree offered by Belfast Met or 1 ½ year HLA BSc (Hons) Software and Cloud Development and Data Science after Top-Up Degree.

Successful completion of this course also allows for progression onto university degree courses in computing related disciplines including, but not limited to, computer science (subject to individual course requirements). 

There are also employment opportunities upon successful completion of this course. For example: 

Cloud Engineer/Developer

An IT professional responsible for any technological duties associated with cloud computing, including design, planning, management, maintenance and support. The cloud engineer position can be broken into multiple roles, including architect, software engineer, security engineer, systems engineer and cloud network engineer. Each position focuses on a specific type of cloud computing, rather than the technology as a whole

Interests

Interests

  • Problem Solving 
  • Technology 
  • Design 
  • Computing 
  • Data Analytics 
  • Programming 
Careers
Got a Question

Contact us

To be able to apply at this stage, you must be employed in an IT role or have an arranged an apprenticeship with an employer in IT. To apply, please email us with details of your employer and we will assist you in your application.

 

Tel: 028 9053 3151

Email: creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk

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