How To Become A Software Developer In South Africa & Subjects Needed
Are you looking for a way to become a Software Developer in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become a Software Developer in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.
What Does A Software Developer Do?
Software developers (also known as computer programmers) design, build, install, test and maintain software systems that help businesses and equipment work effectively and efficiently. The work could involve designing computer controls for industrial and manufacturing machinery, building administrative and financial databases, or developing software for home entertainment equipment.
Software developers work closely with analysts, designers and staff to create technical plans to meet the needs of the client. They work with a range of web-based technologies and have to understand how databases integrate with these systems. Software developers are responsible for:
- Reviewing current systems
- Presenting ideas for system improvements, including cost proposals
- Producing detailed specifications and writing the programme codes
- Testing the product in controlled, real situations before going live
- Preparation of training manuals for users
- Maintaining the systems once they are up and running.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
Although most software developers either have a computer science or engineering qualification, it is not necessary to complete a degree or diploma; in some cases, doing a relevant course is all that is required. That said, certifications and experience in various programming languages and operating systems can give the necessary edge towards effective programming.
A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a pre-requisite. Experience can be gained in company trainee programmes, work placements, internships or a year in the industry. Also, all software vendors, including Microsoft and Sun, run accredited training.
Keeping up with the rapid pace of change is vital in this profession and, therefore, learning from more senior programmers and going on external courses to keep your professional skills up to date is highly necessary.
Training should focus on programming, systems analysis and software from recognised providers. It would be beneficial to register with the Computer Society of South Africa once qualified.
What Subjects Do I Need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications
Where Can I Study?
University of the Witwatersrand
- Various Programmes
- www.wits.ac.za
University of Cape Town
- Various Programmes
- www.uct.ac.za
North-West University
- Various Programmes
- www.nwu.ac.za
University of Johannesburg
- Various Programmes
- www.uj.ac.za
University of Pretoria
- Various Programmes
- www.up.ac.za
University of Stellenbosch
- Various Programmes
- www.sun.ac.za
UNISA
- Various Programmes
- www.unisa.ac.za
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Various Programmes
- www.cput.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology
- Various Programmes
- www.tut.ac.za
College of Cape Town (Private FET)
- Various Programmes
- www.cct.edu.za
Varsity College
- Diploma: Information Technology (Software Development)
- www.varsitycollege.co.za
CTI Education Group (Private College)
- Certificate: Information Systems (Software Development)
- www.cti.co.za
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