How to Get Into Software Development from Coursera

Developing software challenges you to think in different ways and to come up with creative solutions to problems in a range of industries. So if you are a problem solver who likes to be challenged, then software development is a promising career to consider.

In this course, you will learn about the dynamic field of software development and uncover the crucial roles, from requirements engineers to backend developers, and the skills essential for success.

You'll learn to navigate the development process, including gaining insights from an inspiring career changer who has thrived in the software development field.

Whether you're a coding novice or an enthusiast, this course empowers you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in software development.

Click Start, a nationwide training programme designed to help young people develop digital skills, offers this course. Click Start offers scholarships giving free access to young people in the UK. Follow the link in the Click Start icon on the top, to check if you are eligible for free access!

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: The software development team

Software development is a team-based process and this week, you'll find out what the different members of a development team do. You'll also explore the different types of jobs in development, and learn about the important skills and knowledge that developers need. We'll also focus on some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand.

Week 2: Starting your career

In this lesson, you'll discover some of the diverse industries that hire developers and you'll have an opportunity to reflect on which sector suits your interests. We'll also cover the hiring process and look at how you can secure your initial development job.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of software development teams, roles, responsibilities, and job market

Exploers career opportunities in software development across various industries

Provides insights from an inspiring career changer who has succeeded in software development

Accessible for both coding novices and enthusiasts

Offered by Click Start, a programme that helps young people develop digital skills and offers free access to eligible individuals

Career center

Learners who complete How to Get Into Software Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to software development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to web development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to mobile development or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to database administration or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to network administration or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and attacks. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to information security or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to technical writing or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Robotics may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this field or who are looking to advance their career.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Software Architecture may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this role or who are looking to advance their career.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and implement complex systems, including software systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to systems engineering or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to computer systems analysis or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. A course in Project Management may be particularly helpful for those who are new to this role or who are looking to advance their career.

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Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to software quality assurance or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to extract insights and solve problems. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to data science or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes. This course provides a foundation in the software development process, including the different roles involved and the skills and knowledge required. It also covers some of the legal, social, and ethical concerns that are important for a developer to understand. This course may be particularly useful for those who are new to business analysis or who are looking to make a career change into this field.

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