Understanding Software Development Processes and Tools Micro-credential

There are two intakes of this micro-credential per year, starting in February and July in 2023. 

For more details about key dates, download our 2023 student prospectus. 

To be eligible to study on the Programme, applicants must meet the admission criteria. The high-level entry criteria as approved by NZQA are as follows:

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent level qualification 

• OR equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

For further information, including how to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, download our 2023 Student Prospectus.

Whether you’re leading software development projects, engaged as a key stakeholder or seeking to carve out a career in software project management, this micro-credential will equip you with the skills needed to be part of delivering successful ICT projects. Examples of individuals or groups who would benefit from this micro-credential include:

• People who are end-users of software systems and want to give informed feedback to software developers or vendors

• People who work directly with software developers such as analysts, product owners, and project managers

• People who want to integrate software more effectively into their businesses or organisations

• People who are interested in developing a greater understanding of software development in order to develop new career paths or expand their current roles

Generally, a 15 credit micro-credential will comprise two summative assessments. Some assessments are individual and others may be group based to encourage collaboration with others. Assessments are about applying your learning to your practice or context - developing small plans, strategies, designing initiatives, and exploring and evaluating key concepts or ideas. All assessments will add demonstrable value to your applied knowledge of the area you're learning in.

In the Understanding Software Development Processes and Tools micro-credential, you will evaluate software processes to workshop with your peers and complete a software development project by proposing changes to improve existing system functionality.

• The domestic tuition fee for the Programme is $450 (including GST). Unfortunately, students are not eligible to apply for StudyLink Student Loans for this micro-credential.

• The fee for international students in New Zealand is NZD$1,125(including GST).

• The fee for international students outside of New Zealand is NZD$1,087.

AcademyEX offers a range of scholarships to support people to study and help to minimise barriers to learning. The following scholarships can be applied for, and cover 75% of fees for this micro-credential.

• Tangata Whenua - for learners who identify as Māori 

• Pacific Ako - for learners who identify as Pacific 

• Taipakeke - for learners who are aged 60 years and over. 

• Impact Scholarship - for learners who are positively impacting people, society and/or the planet.

Please note: The Early Bird discount of 10% off does not apply to our micro-credentials. 

Find out more, including scholarship terms and conditions, by visiting our Scholarships page.

Applications close one week before the start date of the intake you are applying for. Please see Key Dates in our 2023 student prospectus for specific application close dates.  Applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact [email protected] if you applications are closed and you would like to apply.

Absolutely. We’ve had loads of students do the course alongside family members, friends and colleagues. There are also opportunities to work collaboratively on assessments during the programme and work together on a project of interest. Learning is always better together!

In the lead up to the start of each intake, fully enrolled students will receive onboarding emails from the team, as well as access to platforms that will be used during your study. During the first session, whether online or in-person, the team will talk through what you can expect during the programme and answer any questions. 

International students learning onshore with us will also be required to attend a separate orientation session. Details will be provided during the application process.

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. This programme has been designed to fit in around full time work or family commitments, with weekly online sessions taking place in the late afternoon/early evening. Assessments are designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects.

If you are concerned about the workload and how you will balance it, please reach out to us and we can chat about how it could work for you.

We are very happy to help you to communicate the benefits of studying with academyEX to your employer. If you would like us to provide you with a letter of support or further information, please just ask.

This programme is available to study as an international student either via online distance learning or if you currently reside in New Zealand and your visa conditions allow study. To find out more about studying with academyEX as an international student, and for programme fees, visit our International Students page.

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don't have to take time off to study.

Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. 

Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

Our stackable learning means you can take a mix ‘n match approach to building your skills, knowledge and network across programmes, no matter which faculty, so you have a customised toolkit to make change and innovate where it matters most to you.

You can think of micro-credentials as building blocks of learning. Each building block could be credited to larger qualifications (e.g. a Master’s degree) if a specific micro-credential aligns to specific learning outcomes covered in a larger qualification. It’s worth having a chat with us about what you’re seeking to achieve for your upskilling so we can help with selecting the right learning pathways for you.