Course Overview
Learning the fundamentals of programming can lay the foundations to a rewarding career in software development.
Our Diploma in Programming Course will cover the core principles of programming. This program will encourage students to actively implement topics covered in class. This course will explore what programming is and what uses it can have, while focusing on displaying and calculating data in a meaningful way.
Throughout the course you will discover how to use variables to store and calculate information that is updated in real time based on the user’s input, how to understand and implement a sorting algorithm, the use of recursion and iteration and the differences between them.
This course has been designed to introduce students to programming with a focus on core concepts and how to apply them.
Why Programming?
- Coding and programming careers have great earning potential
- Demand remains strong for coding-related jobs
- Coding ability gives new perspective to problem-solving
- Learning to programme offers career flexibility
- Programming can be used in many disciplines, from game development to financial institutions
- You will gain an understanding of the principles used in programming with a wealth of new areas to explore
Course Modules
- Data types
- Iterations, recursion
- Arrays
- Functions
- Object Orientated Programming (OOP)
- Debugging
- IDE’s
- Algorithms
- Stacks
- Languages
Data Types – A core element of programming data types are split into many categories. In this course, we will look at integers, floating-point numbers, characters, strings, and Booleans to explore their use.
Iteration and Recursion – Looping through data to calculate or solve problems can be done using both iteration and recursion.
Algorithms – Algorithms use data in a meaningful way. Sorting algorithms such as the bubble sort, simply sort the information given to the algorithm from largest to smallest. Learn how this type of algorithm works and how to create your own.
OOP – Object Orientated Programming will allow each object to run code that is dedicated to that object. Using classes and inheritance to make the programme more adaptable and help scale your solution in the future.
Learning Outcomes
In this course, you will gain an understanding of the core concepts used in programming. Students will gain experience implementing concepts such as inheritance, recursion, and arrays. Use sorting algorithms to order data and learn how to write and plan your program to get the results you want.
Course Award
City Colleges Diploma
Who Should apply?
This course is suitable for individuals who have a moderate level of computer experience.
Entry Requirements
Students will require a laptop or a PC for the duration of this course. Students will be using processing3 software available online for free for practical work during this course.
Assessments/Examinations
Digital Assessment:
- Students will be assessed through two practical assignments.
- The first assignment will be completed during the course.
- The second will be completed within one month of cessation of the lectures.
- These assignments will be based on the information and topics covered during the course and will focus on core programming principles.
Lecturer

Michael Carstairs
Michael Carstairs is a game designer and developer.
He has studied game design for 6 years and has achieved an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Game Design from TU Dublin. Michael has developed several games that can be found on steam, itch.io, and new grounds.
He has focused on game design and programming with a particular focus on AI using Boid behaviors and creating adaptive and scalable solutions to game requirements.
Michael brings a wealth of knowledge in games design and development with a particular interest in unique and interesting game mechanics.
Enquire
- Live & fully online
- Archived for review
- City centre location
- Fully interactive
- Limited class sizes
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