Module Specification

Software Development Lifecycle

London school of INNOVATION

Module Specification

Software Development Lifecycle



This module provides an introduction to the lifecycle of software development projects for conversion students - those without a solid software engineering background. This knowledge is not only indispensable for software developers, but also for digital transformation professionals, project managers, and leaders involved in software development projects. It forms a solid basis for more specialised studies and provides a framework for evaluating, controlling, and improving software development practices. The module begins with an overview of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), particularly key concepts related to agile software projects. There is an introduction to methodologies including Waterfall and Agile.

Students look at programming languages, such as Python and Ruby, and software design principles and architectural patterns, covering topics such as Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Domain-Driven Design (DDD). There is an overview of key web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript, and a discussion of web service concepts such as APIs. Databases are considered, as are securing and auditing the software environment. Software testing, quality assurance, maintenance, and optimisation are looked at,  as well as the user experience, project management, future trends.The module delves into the intricacies of Agile methodologies and the Scrum framework, which have gained wide acceptance due to their focus on flexibility, teamwork, and continuous enhancement. By the end of this module, students will have gained a robust understanding of the SDLC. You'll learn the key concepts, technologies, roles and processes related to agile software projects.


Code Number of Credits ECTS Credits Framework HECoS code
SL41 15 7 FHEQ - L4 software engineering (100374)

Learning outcomes

Code Attributes developed Outcomes
LO1 Knowledge and Understanding Comprehensive knowledge of the software development lifecycle, including project management, in version control, CI/CD practices, and DevOps culture for software delivery.
LO2 Intellectual Skills Critically evaluate the application of programming languages and tools in diverse software development contexts.
LO3 Technical/Practical Skills Design robust software architectures applying OOP, DDD and other design patterns to real-world problems.
LO4 Technical/Practical Skills Implement full-stack web technologies, integrating front-end and back-end development practices effectively.
LO5 Technical/Practical Skills Synthesise and apply the principles of SDLC and ALM within agile and traditional project environments.
LO6 Professional/Transferable Skills Conduct advanced software testing to engage in ethical and legal compliance and articulate findings to various audiences.

Assessment Patterns

Weighting Format Outcomes assessed
50% Individual Essay Coursework
This individual coursework requires students to produce an essay based on a specific topic in the module. Its purpose is to evaluate the student's ability to independently interpret a technical question and research, analyse, and articulate their understanding and opinions. It assesses the learning outcomes, in particular, through interpretation, research, critical thinking and writing skills, and also through the ability to form and express coherent arguments.

Students are set an essay title based on a discrete technical area in the module and have to research and write an answer that evaluates the question from competing perspectives, drawing upon appropriate sources. Students must be aware of the learning outcomes of the module in writing their essay as their marks will be based on the extent to which they demonstrate they have met the outcomes. Please see the marking calculation below for further information.

Students will have a workshop in the module on essay writing, in particular, how to analyse, research and structure their essay, and what markers are looking for. The module leader will also provide further support whilst students work on their essay. Students will be shown examples of successful and unsuccessful essays. They will have the opportunity to present their thoughts in class and receive peer and tutor feedback too.

Throughout the programme, students will regularly receive formative assessment tasks and feedback opportunities to gain actionable feedback (from self, peers and staff) on their own work to indicate how to improve future work and learn how to give constructive feedback to other people.
K LO1
I LO2
T LO3
T LO4
T LO5
P LO6
50% Invigilated Exam
This is a time-limited and closed-book exam with a mix of multiple-choice and analytical written questions that students undertake during the summative assessment period as scheduled under the School’s remote invigilation conditions to ensure quality and academic integrity.

The exam enables the students to demonstrate their successful attainment of the module learning outcomes, primarily related to knowledge and understanding, and secondarily related to Professional/Transferable Skills.

The analytical written questions will consist of problem questions representing issues and dilemmas students are likely to encounter in professional life and students have to synthesise and apply what they have learnt on the module in order to produce sound and reasoned judgements with respect to the problem.

To enable the students to practice and prepare, various formative assessment activies, including quizzes and a AI-augmented assignments and mock exams are built into the module. Additionally, throughout the course, students will regularly receive feedback on their knowledge and assignments from AI as well as peers and staff to indicate how to improve future work and how to give constructive feedback to others.
K LO1
I LO2
P LO6

Student workload

Activity Total hours
Introductory lecture 1.50
Concept learning (knowledge graph) 18.00
AI formative assessment 9.00
Case Study Review 9.00
Workshop/Lab Sessions 13.50
Individual or group assignments 18.00
Independent reading, exploration and practice 57.00
Summative assessment 24.00
150.00

Content Structure

Week Chapter Name Chapter Description
Week 1 Programming Languages This chapter presents the diverse array of programming languages, such as Python and Ruby, pivotal in the field, along with IDEs that enhance the development experience. Students gain familiarity with industry-standard tools, empowering them with choices that best align with their future software projects.
Week 2 Software Design Delving deeper, students interact with the paradigms of software design including object-oriented principles and Domain-Driven Design (DDD). The chapter conveys the strategic significance of adopting appropriate architectural patterns to address complex problems within software engineering.
Week 3 Web Technologies This chapter dives into the world of web development where students engage with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript, understanding their role in creating dynamic user experiences. It also unpacks the nuances of web services and the concept of APIs as a connectivity cornerstone.
Week 4 Databases Here, students explore various database types and the granularity of back-end development, focusing on how data is manipulated, stored, and utilised within software solutions. The chapter presents SQL and NoSQL databases, covering data handling techniques and the criticality of robust back-end systems.
Week 5 Software Integrity Security takes centre stage, with this chapter covering safeguarding techniques from access control to encryption. It equips students to understand and implement practices that protect and audit the software environment, navigating industry standards and regulations.
Week 6 Version Control Students will assimilate the principles of version control, CI/CD, and hybridise these concepts with the DevOps culture. The chapter fosters an appreciation for the harmonious synergy between code management and automated deployment processes.
Week 7 Quality Assurance Quality assurance comes to the fore, instructing on diverse testing methods and code review practices. Through rigorous studies, students will grasp the importance of embedding quality control throughout the software development lifecycle.
Week 8 Maintenance and Performance Optimisation The lifecycle continues with strategies for maintaining and fine-tuning software. This chapter reinforces the significance of refactoring and performance optimisation, pivotal for the software's longevity and efficiency.
Week 9 Agile Methodologies Highlighting the human factor, students learn about collaborative methods from Scrum to Kanban, and tools designed to facilitate seamless teamwork. This chapter grounds the theoretical learnings with practical insights into teamwork and communication.
Week 10 Future-Proofing Careers In a rapidly evolving field, this chapter equips students with foresight into emerging technologies and ethical considerations. From containerisation to digital transformation, it offers a lens into the future developments affecting IT and software careers.

Module References

There are no module reference contents to display.

Methods of teaching/learning


Introductory lecture (1.50 hours)

This is the first weekly session, dedicated to providing a comprehensive introduction to the module. The module leader will present an overview of the subject, elucidating its importance within various digital engineering professions and its interrelation with other modules. Students will need no preparation ahead of attending this session.

The module leader will provide a structured breakdown of the content to be covered in the subsequent 9 sessions. Students will also receive an outline of the essential reference materials, alongside suggestions for supplementary reading. The format and criteria for the summative assessment will be delineated, followed by a dedicated period for questions and answers.

A recording of the session will be available to facilitate async engagement for any other student who missed the class, also offering an opportunity to review the content again.


Concept learning (knowledge graph) (18.00 hours)

Our institution's approach to teaching is primarily based on flipped learning. Ahead of each weekly session (Workshop/Lab), students will be required to study the essential concepts that are used in the coming session so they are familiar with the theories and ideas related to that session. The study material will be in the form of written content, illustrations, pre-recorded lectures and tutorials, and other forms of content provided through the AGS.

This content is self-navigated by the students, accommodating different learning styles and schedules, allowing students to watch or listen to them at their own pace and review them as needed.


AI formative assessment (9.00 hours)

Once each concept of the theory is studied, students will be prompted to engage in formative assessment with instant AI feedback. They include multiple-choice questions, socratic questions and answers, written questions, role-play and other AI-assisted practice scenarios.

The purpose of this automated formative assessment is to provide students with immediate feedback on their understanding of module material and highlight any areas that need support or further study. They are also used to track student progress, boost motivation and promote accountability.


Case Study Review (9.00 hours)

In this learning activity, students explore recent real-world case studies relevant to their course topic. The case studies will have been selected and curated by the module leader to represent up-to-date examples. They guide students through key details, contextual factors, and outcomes. This approach enhances students' understanding of current industry trends, challenges, and solutions, preparing them for real-world scenarios they may encounter in their future careers.

The learning experienced will be augmented by AI (virtual private tutor) allowing the students to critically engage with the content and discuss the case studies.


Workshop/Lab Sessions (13.50 hours)

The 9 weekly sessions following the introduction (weeks 2 to 10) will be dedicated to teaching the contents of the module during interactive workshops. These sessions will complement the theory with practice, experience or analysis. Their purpose is to advance the student's cognition from 'knowledge' to 'understand' and 'apply'.

Depending on the nature of the content, challenges and learning activities will be pre-designed to apply flipped learning, and may include hands-on project work, group discussions or debates, roleplay, simulation, case study or other presentation, and other learning activities and opportunities. These workshops present an opportunity to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also encourage collaboration and foster a sense of community among students. There will be an opportunity also for Q&A in every session.


Individual or group assignments (18.00 hours)

Each Workshop/Lab session will be followed by an assignment. Assignments are used to reinforce learning and encourage independent thinking and problem-solving. They help the students identify the gaps in their understanding of the subject and provide them with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical setting.

Assignments can be individual or group-based (teams of 2 to 4). They can take many forms, including essays, presentations, or projects. When they are group-based, teams will be randomly picked by AGS, in order to promote broader teamwork practice. Assignment files will be uploaded to AGS by the students ahead of the next weekly session. Feedback will be provided on each submitted assignment.


Independent reading, exploration and practice (57.00 hours)

This activity challenges students to engage with the reference material and independently explore and analyse academic literature related to the course topic. Students are expected to select relevant sources, practice critical reading skills, and where applicable technical skills, and synthesise information from multiple references. This is an opportunity to enhance research abilities, critical thinking, and self-directed learning skills while broadening and deepening subject knowledge.


Summative assessment (24.00 hours)

Summative assessments are used to evaluate student learning at the end of a module. These assessments can take many forms, including exams, papers, or presentations. Instructors can use summative assessments to measure whether students have achieved the learning outcomes for the module and provide them with a sense of their overall progress. Summative assessments can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching methods used in the module.

Programmes this module appears on

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
Module Spec: Software Development Lifecycle (SL41)