Glasgow Code Learning Digital Skills Courses: Pro

What is Pro? 

Pro is our top level. Pro offers FREE 12-week courses for those who want to start a career in digital technologies.

There are three pathways: Software Development, AI and Data Science, and Cyber Resilience. They follow on from our Developer courses in Software Development, AI and Data Science, and Cyber Security.

If you are aged between 16 and 19 years old and not already in receipt of benefits, you could be eligible to receive a Training Allowance of up to £65 per week for the duration of your course.

If you complete Pro, you’ll achieve an SQA Professional Development Award (PDA) at SCQF Level 7 or 8.

Mentoring 

Every Pro learner is matched with an expert industry mentor. They support personal development on a 1-to-1 basis throughout their course. The mentors will share the experience of their professional journey and industry insight.

What will I study?

NEW!! AI & Data Science (Level 8)

There are three core units and an optional unit in this course:

Working with Data – develop data analysis skills using various software tools. The focus of the unit is data preparation and analysis. You will use one or more software tools to analyse large, complex datasets to gain insights and facilitate data-driven decision-making. Statistical methods will be introduced in context, including correlation and probability.

Communicating with Data - you will develop practical skills in the design and creation of a range of data visualisations. You will learn techniques for communicating data effectively and accurately. 

Data Science Project - you will analyse a large and complex dataset, in collaboration with other learners, to provide insights, using a range of collaboration, project management and data analysis software. 

Machine Learning (optional unit) - gain an understanding of how machine learning algorithms can be implemented in an appropriate programming language. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the syntax and semantics of a specific machine-learning language and use that understanding to investigate a range of common machine-learning approaches and their associated algorithms. 

 **Please note - computational and coding competency is essential. Learners should have previously gained our AI & Data Science (Level 6) accreditation or have demonstrable experience/knowledge of coding and data science to join the PDA AI & Data Science (Level 8) course.

Software Development (Level 7)

There are three units:

Analysis and Design – covers traditional and contemporary trends in software development methodologies. This includes Waterfall, Prototyping, Incremental, Spiral, Rapid Application Development (RAD) and Agile. You will gain practical experience in using various Analysis and Design tools. You will be able to produce models and apply both the Waterfall and the Agile Development approaches.

Implementation and Testing – introduces you to the principles and practices of computer programming. This involves the stages in writing a computer program, the basic constructs of programming, algorithms, data types, data structures and testing techniques. You will develop your programming and computational thinking skills by implementing and testing practical solutions using an appropriate software development environment.

Project – designed to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge of software analysis, design, implementation and testing to produce the components of a software product composed of many sub-programs. You will analyse a problem, design the operation and interaction of program components, produce working code to meet requirements and test a completed solution to prove functional operation.

**Please note - computational and coding competency is essential. Learners should have previously gained our Software Development (Level 6) accreditation or have demonstrable experience/knowledge of coding to join the PDA Software Development (Level 7) course. 

Cyber Resilience (Level 7)

Units include:

Cyber Resilience – understand the different threats people and businesses face, and the outcome of attacks. What tools and techniques are available to be able to reduce those threats – and quickly recover if a disaster happens.

Data Security – you will research real-life examples of data security breaches, and learn some practical tools and techniques to help keep data more secure. You will research, plan and put in place security strategies to help protect data within a business.

Professionalism and Ethics in Cyber Security – you will learn about the importance of personal privacy, intellectual property rights, digital rights management, corporate responsibility for data security, and professional codes of practice. You learn the legislation relating to data security and personal privacy. You will appreciate the ethical issues facing cyber security specialists; explore the importance of information policies; and find out about the professional bodies that represent security professionals.

Social Engineering – introduces you to the psychological, behavioural and nontechnical techniques that compromise information security. The unit covers human vulnerabilities in computer interaction and data security, common social engineering techniques, preventative measures, and how to advise about and raise awareness of, this type of threat.

**Please note - computational competency is essential. Learners should have previously gained our Cyber Security (Level 6) accreditation or have demonstrable experience/knowledge of cyber security to join the Cyber Resilience (Level 7) course. 

 How is Pro taught?

Glasgow Life works in partnership with Glasgow Clyde College to deliver the course. The class arrangements can vary between in-college classes and a hybrid of in-college and online tutor-led classes.

Courses run continuously throughout the year, ask for more information.

Is Pro right for me?

Pro is for people wanting to advance their skills. 55% of the digital workforce have qualifications at SCQF levels 7-10, more than any other level.

Pro will:

• Help you get job-ready qualifications.
• Give you greater access to Graduate Apprenticeship opportunities
• Count towards Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in college and university applications.
• Combine with Developer to give you a two-year qualification in only 18 weeks!

Apply for Pro if you have:

• Qualification at SCQF level 5 or above in a related subject – like our Developer courses.
• Relevant experience – you can describe this on the application form.