Software Development Diploma

Overview

This program prepares you to enter and advance quickly in the software development field. You will gain skills and knowledge to identify software solutions, create designs for database, web, and mobile applications, and use specific programming languages to launch their design. These learnings will well prepare you for employment as an entry-level software developer where you can move forward as a Computer Programmer, Web Developer, Software Tester, or Mobile Application Developer.

This diploma creates a strong foundation in Software Development and is a great opportunity for individuals who are team players, ever-curious about technology, can problem-solve, and have strong attention to detail.

Employability  

Software developers are the creative, brainstorming masterminds behind computer programs of many varieties. While some software developers may focus on a specific program or application, others work with integration, adding scripts, and troubleshooting more extensive corporate software.  

The smartphone application you rely on, the computer games that keep gamers riveted, and the online program that helps you budget and track expenditures were all created by software developers.  

Responsibilities 

Software Developers oversee the creation of software programs and the writing of code to build websites, databases, and mobile applications. Depending on the company where they work, a software developer will analyze the user's needs and then create, test, and develop software that will solve a problem, provide entertainment or make life easier for its intended audience. 

After mapping out the design, creating flowcharts, and drafting each step of the process, developers build diagrams and models to instruct programmers how to write the code for the program. 

Other job duties include mapping out the software to have on record for future upgrades and enhancements, testing software, and collaborating with other specialists to ensure the software is functioning correctly. 

Required Skills

Software developers must have a healthy balance of hard and soft skills. Not only are software developers responsible for outlining and creating the code and design for a program, but this career generally involves a lot of collaboration between various stakeholders. 

Length:

16 months (two-year diploma accelerated – 4 terms)

Delivery Method:

This program is delivered over 50% face-to-face in person to meet the International Learner's Study Permit requirement to gain Post Graduate Work Permits. Face-to-face learning takes place at Red Deer Polytechnic's Downtown Campus. Domestic learners follow the same schedule as international learners.

Investment:

International Learners: $7,250/term

Domestic Learners: $5,250/term

Please note: students are to pay per term and are required to pay their term balance at least 30 days before the start date of their next term. For example, if students begin their term on January 22, 2024, they must pay their term balance by December 22, 2023.

Credential:

Diploma

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following entrance requirements for admission into the program: 

• High school level diploma or an equivalent level institution worldwide

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 on each band score.

Please visit Red Deer Polytechnic's English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements webpage for other methods to meet the ELP requirements.

Digital Literacy 

Candidates must possess knowledge of computer/technology tools to be successful in the program.

Program Details (60 hours per course):

Program Materials:

All learners should budget approximately $800 per year for classroom resources (including online textbooks and resources). Details on purchasing and accessing the required online resources will be given on the first day of class. Learners are not required to purchase resources ahead of time.   

Hardware Requirements 

Learners with a desktop computer are required to have the following minimum specifications: 

• Laptop with minimum 500 GB SSD (no HDD) and 8 to 16 GB Ram 
• Display: 1280 x 768 screen resolution 

Learners with a laptop are required to meet the following minimum specifications: 

• 11th generation Intel CPU (i5 or i7) or better (or equivalent AMD processor) 
• 8GB RAM (16GB recommended) 
• 13-inch 1080p screen (15 inches recommended) 
• Portable hard drive (for data backup) 
• Windows 10 Professional  

Program Completion Requirements:

Learners must successfully complete all course work and assessments, earning a minimum of 65% in each course. 

How to Apply!

Upcoming Intakes

The planned IT Diploma Program breaks for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:

Oct 23, 2023 – Oct 27, 2023

Dec 11, 2023 – Jan 19, 2024

March 4, 2024 – March 8, 2024

April 22, 2024 – April 26, 2024

June 17, 2024 – July 19, 2024

Sept 2, 2024 – Sept 6, 2024

Oct 21, 2024 – Oct 25, 2024

Dec 16, 2024 – Jan 13, 2025

1. Choose your preferred intake.
2. Download the application form here.
3. Submit the completed application form and all required supporting documents to the Division of Extended Education by email at extended [dot] ed [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (extended[dot]ed[at]rdpolytech[dot]ca).
4. Once your documents have been reviewed, you will be contacted by Red Deer Polytechnic to pay the non-refundable application fee ($120 for domestic students or $150 for international students).
5. Once your application is approved, you will be contacted with a conditional acceptance letter and further information on how to pay for your full program tuition.

View more information on becoming an international student at RDP.

You have questions; we have answers. Contact us by extended [dot] ed [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (email )or 403.356.4900