This module addresses topics of:

Test artefact creation
Testing methods
Test automation
Usability testing
Accessibility testing
Foundations of Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Requirements Analysis and Test Planning
Program Testing Levels and Techniques
Test Case Design and Test Data Management
Test Automation and Tool Support
Defect Management and Test Reporting
Software Quality Assurance Standards and Metrics
Usability and User-Centred Design Principles
Usability Testing Methods and Evaluation Techniques
Integrating Program Testing and Usability Testing
Cost against effectiveness criteria

BCS / TechSkills / Employability elements:

Economic development issues: The module carefully looks at effectively testing applications for their effectiveness against cost
Evaluation of systems: Is extensively covered on the module due to the testing based angle

PRACTICAL – Portfolio of artefacts - You will complete a practical portfolio. The portfolio will consist of case study related artefacts created to show appropriate design, and extensive use of test plans and testing.

PRESENTATION – Your presentation will discuss the practical work, highlighting the application of testing undertaken.

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. You will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, you will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help you build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

1. Explain the role of software testing and quality assurance within the software development lifecycle, including their impact on reliability, safety, and user satisfaction.

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration
Communication

2. Apply testing techniques to verify the correctness and robustness of software applications.

Application & Problem-Solving
Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Devise test plans that align with functional and non-functional requirements.

Communication
Reflection

4. Use appropriate testing tools and frameworks to automate tests, manage defects, and report test results.

Application & Problem-Solving
Digital Literacy

Current test environments

Riussaue, P. (2025), Learn Software Testing 2025: Master Manual Automation Security Performance Mobile and API Testing While Building Confidence in Quality Through Skills Strategy and Professional Growth, Independently Published

Bach, J. and Bolton, M. (2025), Taking Testing Seriously: The Rapid Software Testing Approach, Wiley

Heusser, M. and Larsen, M. (2025), Software Testing Strategies: A testing guide for the 2020s, Packt Publishing

Tiwari, A. (2024), Manual Software Testing Pro: A Practical Guide for Testers | Software Testing Strategies 2024 | API Testing Explained: QA Software Testing Books for Beginners | International Standards Testing, Independently Published

Within this module you will explore computing systems and development from an evaluation perspective. In doing so you will familiarise yourself on criteria that can form a testing benchmark. In establishing this you will then through case studies review applications to build a context on what needs and can be tested. Formally you will devise test plans and use these to test actual applications for their effectiveness. The module takes a strong basis on the Agile lifecycle.