Level 3 Diploma in Software Development

1. Principles of Software Development Core concepts, professional conduct, and industry expectations.

2. Programming Fundamentals Variables, control structures, functions, and object‑oriented programming.

3. Data Structures & Algorithms Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, sorting, and searching techniques.

4. Database Design & SQL Relational models, normalization, queries, and database management systems.

5. Web Development Basics HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design.

6. Software Engineering & Project Management Agile, Scrum, SDLC, and documentation standards.

7. Testing & Quality Assurance Unit testing, integration testing, debugging, and audit‑ready reporting.

8. Version Control & Collaboration Tools Git, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines, and collaborative workflows.

9. Cybersecurity & Compliance Secure coding practices, GDPR, and ISO standards.

10. Practical Assessments & Portfolio Development Real‑world projects, client case studies, and portfolio creation.

• Builds competence in programming, databases, and web development

• Enhances compliance with RQF, Ofqual, and City & Guilds standards

• Strengthens skills in software engineering, testing, and project management

• Provides tools for audit‑ready documentation and portfolio development

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in software development, IT, and computing

• Learners progressing from Level 2 Diplomas in IT or Computing (e.g., ITFD‑212)

• Students seeking employment as junior software developers or IT technicians

• Individuals aiming to progress to Level 4 Diplomas in Software Engineering (SWEN‑414) or higher computing qualifications

• Assessment Type: Practical projects + written exam + portfolio review

• Format: Applied coding tasks, MCQs, project defense, and oral presentation

• Total Questions: 60 theory + multiple coding tasks + portfolio submission

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 16–20 weeks (240–280 hours total)

• Certification: Level 3 Diploma in Software Development (SWDV)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.