Overview

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This course aims to prepare you for agile software processes. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the agile process. You’ll learn about the basics of agile software development approaches, principles of agile, agile methodologies, release planning, roles and artefacts in agile. This course covers a wide variety of topics in agile requirements, iteration planning and ceremonies, executing a sprint, agile metrics, agile testing and maintenance, agile pitfalls, and ensuring agile success that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in this degree program.

Syllabus

Agile Methods – An Introduction

Modern software projects face uncertainty and scale. This module contrasts linear models with iterative approaches, demonstrating why the short cycles and feedback loops of Agile reduce risk and accelerate value. Learners connect SDLC fundamentals to the adaptive mindset of Agile.

Agile Software Development

This module introduces the core philosophy of Agile Software Development. It introduces iterative and incremental delivery and discusses how core SDLC activities work in Agile. The module also introduces a simple meta-framework (TTD – Time To Develop & CAF - Change Absorption Frequency) to compare agility across methods, and introduces some popular Agile methods.

Agile Principles and Manifesto

This module explains the Agile Manifesto and its twelve principles, offering learners a framework to understand the core values that guide agile teams. It highlights how these principles influence real-world decision-making in agile environments. The module interprets the four values and twelve principles and translates them into day-to-day team decisions. It also describes how decomposition and coordination enable many Agile teams to move in parallel when building large systems.

Agile Methodologies

This module introduces two widely adopted agile methodologies: SCRUM and Extreme Programming (XP). It covers practices such as Test-Driven Development (TDD), giving students practical insights into how agile is implemented in modern software teams. It discusses how Scrum provides rhythm and empiricism through roles, artefacts, and events and how XP brings technical excellence through pair programming, TDD, and Continuous Integration (CI).

Agile Requirements

This module focuses on managing requirements in agile projects, emphasising the flexibility and responsiveness that agile brings to requirement gathering and refinement. It also introduces basic techniques for effort estimation. You will learn how to discover needs, frame them as user stories with clear acceptance criteria, estimate and prioritise a backlog that continuously delivers value.

Agile Roles and Values

This module provides a structured approach to understanding Agile Planning, starting with the essential roles and values, moving on to team dynamics, and culminating in the creation of a product vision and roadmap.

Agile Process Execution

This module provides a structured approach to understanding and applying Agile methodologies, with a focus on the practical execution of Agile processes. It covers essential aspects such as user story creation and estimation, release and sprint planning, daily work management, and effective progress tracking.

Managing in an Agile Environment

This module covers aspects of agile project management, moving beyond the basics to address how agile principles are applied to broader organisational challenges.

Managing Quality in Agile Processes

This module highlights the distinct approach to quality and risk management in agile, emphasising proactive measures and early intervention to ensure successful outcomes.

Moving Forward with Agile Processes

This Module delves into the practical aspects of adopting and scaling agile methodologies within an organisation. It highlights the tangible benefits of agile product development and the key factors that contribute to its success.