Interested in becoming a Project Manager who understands the value of Agile Scrum Practices? Gain the knowledge, tools and capability needed to better manage change and deliver products and services in our seven week Skills Bootcamp.

  • Online learning over seven weeks with a time commitment of six hours per week.
  • Gain a qualification in EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum with the British Computing Society (BCS).
  • Engage with industry experts through hands-on workshops, enhancing your understanding of Scrum.

Agile and Scrum methodologies are all about working together to successfully reach the goal. During our Skills Bootcamp in Scrum Foundation you'll learn about Agile principles and the Scrum framework.

At the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning and take the EXIN Foundation certification in Agile Scrum from the British Computer Society (BCS). EXIN are the accrediting body for organisations in the field of IT.

Please note each learner will get one Certification credit to take the exam. This exam will take place in person on the 4 December. All learners wanting to resit will need to purchase a second credit.

This course is for people looking to start a new career in project management or use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or to help you secure new work. You must be aged 19+ to apply.

We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.

Who is the British Computer Society?

The British Computer Society (BCS) is a global community made up of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policymakers, all committed to their mission.

As a charity with a royal charter, their agenda is to lead the IT industry through its ethical challenges, to support the people who work in the industry, and to make IT good for society. BCS assess and recognise talent at every level through a diverse range of qualifications, professional registrations, content and skills frameworks.

"I felt well supported on the Skills Bootcamp, and there was a good atmosphere to ask questions if I needed to. I've developed my understanding of Scrum and how to work better with Scrum, which has influenced and developed my team collaboration and communication skills."

Sophia, Student, Skills Bootcamp in Scrum Foundation

What you'll learn

Course overview

Agile principles have become incredibly popular in software development and are increasingly being used in other fields. During your seven-week course you’ll learn about the Scrum framework, including how to establish crossfunctional and self-managing teams, and  how to produce a working increment of software at the end of each iteration or sprint.

You'll cover a variety of topics on the course including: 

  • The Agile way of thinking
  • Scrum practices
  • Scrum planning and estimation
  • Monitoring Scrum projects
  • Advanced Scrum projects
  • Scrum in different situations.
Course structure

Our Skills Bootcamp in Scrum Foundations is structured around the BCS syllabus but brought to life by the trainers.

Week one

The agile way of thinking including the agile manifesto, exploring the difference between traditional P3M approaches and the Agile - Scrum framework.

Week two

You'll explore the concept of the Scrum – Sprint, unpacking the roles of Scrum Master, Product Owner and the Developers- The Scrum Team.

Week three

You'll identify and practice the key scrum events and steps: product backlog, Sprint backlog, Sprint, Sprint daily, Sprint review and retrospective, all framed around the concept of a timebox.

Week four

Moving on to bring in key tools and ideas: backlog refinement, estimations and prioritisations. You'll use tools such as Planning Poker, the 3Cs, User Stories and Roadmaps. You'll explore the following key activities: definition of ready, definition of done and the iteration and increment.

Week five

Finally, you'll explore velocity and ensure your team can deliver using Agile principles and the Scum - Sprint approach in an enduring and sustainable way.  

Week six

The taught phase of the course will conclude with a half day practical exercise. You'll undertake a number of sprints, be encouraged to fulfil different scrum roles and be supported to pass the BCS exam.  

Week seven

You'll take part in revision sessions and sit the EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum exam.

How will I be taught?

You'll be taught by industry professionals who have 30+ years of project management experience and 150+ contacts with local businesses. You’ll gain firsthand experience of working in the project management field and running a small – medium enterprise (SME).

Not only will you be given the theoretical knowledge needed to pass the BCS EXIN Foundation Certificate in Agile Scrum, but you’ll also take part in practical exercises and career-oriented employability sessions that will allow you to go straight into a project management role.

You'll attend one in person Scrum practical workshop in Bath on the 3 December and your final exam will also take place in the same week on the 4 December.

This hands-on course includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process. You’ll also be given the opportunity to attend extra support sessions and have one-to-one reviews throughout the course to ensure you are on track to reach your goals and provide feedback on your experience.

It's important to note that you're expected to spend a number of hours outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent study.

Empowering employability and your success

Our wellbeing, employability and careers programme focuses on an evidence-based approach, integrating a positive psychological and coaching approach with employability and career skills. Through conversations, connections and collaborations, these can facilitate positive changes and grow a supportive community.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to navigate the job market, portfolio careers and self-employment successfully and to thrive in your career.

To facilitate the building of connection and community you'll be offered a one-to-one wellbeing and careers coaching session when you start your Skills Bootcamp. There'll be two further opportunities to have a one-to-one coaching session during and after your course.

During your course you'll have access to:

  • One to one wellbeing and careers coaching
  • Workshop sessions and learning huddles
  • Wellbeing, careers and creativity immersions
  • Networking events with local employers, Skills Bootcamp alumni and fellow learners.
Assessments and how your progress will be reviewed

Throughout your Skills Bootcamp journey, your progress will be reviewed in multiple formats which could include verbal and written feedback, peer feedback, formal assessments and collaborative working. The course will conclude with the EXIN Foundation certification in Agile Scrum from the British Computer Society (BCS), this is an online, 40 question multiple choice exam.

The formal assessments will happen at key points during the course but are not pass-or-fail. They are a tool for us to identify your strengths and weaknesses to help us give you the best opportunity to reach your goals during the Skills Bootcamp.

What jobs will I be able to apply for?

After completing your Skills Bootcamp in Scrum Foundation you could start a career as a:

  • Scrum Master
  • Agile Coach
  • Project Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Product Owner
  • Product Manager 
  • Programme Manager
  • Transition Manager 
  • Project Supervisor
  • Transformation Lead
  • Project Surveyor
  • Delivery Manager
Ofsted and the Skills Bootcamps

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates the Skills Bootcamps. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.

This means that all Skills Bootcamp providers must meet Ofsted’s framework regulations, therefore, ensuring you have a good experience on your learning journey. However, at any point during the delivery of the Skills Bootcamp, the University might be inspected by Ofsted. While this won't impact your day-to-day participation on the course, Ofsted might request to speak to you to gain insights into your Skills Bootcamp experience.

Read our safeguarding policy.

Interested in applying?

What we look for

We’re looking for you to have an interest in project management or taking your existing management skills to the next level. While some previous knowledge is desirable, the most important factor is a positive mindset.

This course is for people looking to start a new career in project management or use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or to help you secure new work.

Eligibility requirements

You must:

  • Be aged 19+
  • Be living in or near Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire or North Somerset
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK
  • Agree to provide mandatory personal data and supplementary information on your career outcomes for up to eight months following completion of the Skills Bootcamp
  • Not have completed a Skills Bootcamp funded by the Department for Education (DfE) in the last 12 months
  • Have access to a computer and Excel
Required equipment

Your device can be either a personal Windows device or a work device. If you're using a work device you'll need full admin rights and enough RAM and memory to support your studies.

Your device should be able to hold a steady internet connection and be able to download and work with tools such as Microsoft Teams and Figma.

Your computer will also need a working microphone, speakers and web camera.

This course cannot be undertaken on a mobile device.

Before you start your course it’s important to make sure that your computer is in working order and is properly equipped for your course. You need to be prepared for any situation that could arise, for example contributing within class.

If your microphone and camera don't work you will struggle to participate.

Cost

Our Skills Bootcamp in Scrum Foundation is funded by the Department for Education (DfE), and therefore is free. We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.

If you're being sent for training by your employer, your employer will need to pay up to 30% of the total fees depending on the size of the company. If this is the case, please contact us at shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk for more details.

Dates and times

This course is now full. Please register your interest to find out about all future courses.

How to apply
  1. Complete the application form. This will take roughly ten minutes to complete, and you’ll need your National Insurance number
  2. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria for this Skills Bootcamp, a member of our team will have a short phone call with you to ensure your suitability for the course. Please have to hand the operating system and amount of RAM your device has for this call
  3. If you are suitable for the course our team will contact you a couple of days after your phone call to offer you a place on the course and provide you with the enrollment forms that you must fill out
  4. Once you’ve returned your enrollment forms, you’ll be successfully enrolled on the course. You’ll be invited to an induction day prior to the course starting.

What happens after completing a Skills Bootcamp?

Career support

After completing your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be supported by your Career Development Coach for six months. This includes help with interviews, updating your CV and putting together a business plan. You’ll have access to additional training such as our Entrepreneurship for Beginners short course.

During and after your course you’ll be invited to a Skills Bootcamps students and alumni LinkedIn group in which you can network and celebrate your career success with your fellow learners.

Once you’ve finished your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be sent a monthly newsletter with the latest job vacancies and networking events.

Skills Bootcamp outcomes

As our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded by the Department for Education, there is an expectation that you'll keep in touch with us to let us know about any career progression opportunities you receive after completing the short course. You’ll be provided with a short declaration form to fill out once you've secured new work.

logos for West of England Combined Authority and Skills for Life 

Contact us

If you have any queries please contact shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk

Privacy Notice

Read the privacy notices about signing up to these Skills Bootcamps, including how and why your personal data will be collected, and what it will be used for.