Fundamentals of Software Development

COURSE OVERVIEW

What this course develops

Coding is only one part of building software. This course introduces the complete development mindset: understanding requirements, designing a solution, implementing it, testing it and improving it.

Course content

From problem to requirement

Translate a user need into clear functional and non-functional requirements.

Planning the solution

Break the system into components, flows and manageable development tasks.

Data & logic design

Decide what information the software needs and how key processes should work.

Implementation thinking

Connect a design to code structure, naming, functions and maintainable organisation.

Version & change thinking

Understand why software evolves and why changes must be controlled and documented.

Testing

Distinguish expected behaviour from defects and design useful test cases.

Debugging & iteration

Investigate failures, correct them and retest rather than patching blindly.

Mini development lifecycle

Take a small software concept through requirements, design, implementation planning and test strategy.

Learning outcomes

Understand the stages of software development.
Translate needs into requirements.
Structure a small software solution.
Design meaningful tests.
Explain why maintainability, iteration and documentation matter.

Teaching approach

Teaching is live and tutor-led. Concepts are explained, demonstrated and then applied through guided exercises. Learners are expected to make decisions, attempt tasks, test their work and discuss errors rather than simply watch a completed solution.

Delivery options

This course can be delivered online. In-person delivery can also be requested and is subject to location, tutor availability, programme scheduling and any equipment or venue requirements.

Who it is for

This is a beginner course suitable for learners who want structured development in software development. If you are unsure whether the starting level is right, use the application form to describe your current experience and we can review the request.

Complete course structure and pricing.

Total learning time40 learning hours

One-to-one€1,050

Group · per person€750

Group requirement2+ learners

Historical Data Science Malta learning-hour structure

20 hours contact tuition
10 hours self-study (non-supervised)
5 hours supervised hands-on practice
5 hours assessment (assignments and mini-project)

Group option: the group fee is per person. A group consists of 2 or more learners and you form your own group and apply together.

Delivery: online one-to-one or group delivery. In-person delivery can also be requested and is subject to location, tutor availability and programme arrangements.

Scheduling: one-to-one delivery can be arranged flexibly according to tutor availability. Group scheduling is agreed for the self-formed group.

This Data Science Malta course is listed in MDIA's Boost Your Coding Catalogue.

Fundamentals of Software Development appears in the current Boost Your Coding Catalogue published by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). The scheme is designed to help individuals aged 16 and over undertake basic or introductory coding training.

Funding supportUp to €1,000

Eligible age16+

CompletionMinimum 70%

Current scheme periodTo 30 Sep 2026*

MDIA states that eligible individuals may receive 100% of eligible course fees up to a maximum of €1,000 per individual. For courses already listed in the catalogue, applicants should apply for confirmation of financial support at least one month before the course starts. Following successful completion, the funding claim must be submitted within the timeframe established by MDIA.

Data Science Malta can provide the relevant course and completion/attendance documentation required from the training provider where applicable. Funding is administered by MDIA: approval, eligibility and reimbursement are not determined by Data Science Malta.

*The current MDIA guidelines state that the initiative remains in effect until 30 September 2026, contingent upon availability of funds. Applicants should always check the latest MDIA conditions before enrolling or relying on reimbursement.