Education

What I'm learning and building

At 27, I made the decision to change careers and return to education - a big step that’s shaped the last few years of my life. Coming from a background in heating engineering, I wanted to pursue something that challenged me in new ways and aligned with my curiosity for technology and problem solving. A curiosity shared by both engineering and computer science. Now 29 and approaching graduation, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for the opportunities ahead.

What I’m Learning

My HND Software Development course covers a broad range of subjects in computing, software engineering, and systems design. From the foundations of programming to applied development practices.

Software Engineering: Object-Oriented Programming, Programming Paradigms, Testing, and Systems Development.
Web Development: Advanced Web Scripting, Mobile Web Applications, User-Centered Design.
Databases & Systems: SQL, Database Design, Computer Systems Fundamentals, Troubleshooting Software Problems.
Professional Skills: Project Management, Team Working in Computing, Professionalism and Ethics.
Mathematics & Logic: Calculus, Matrices, and Logical Reasoning for Computing.

In addition to my HND at Edinburgh College I’m studying Fundamentals of Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University as an extra module in my last year, where I’m exploring topics such as propositional logic, Boolean algebra, and reasoning frameworks giving me a deeper appreciation of how mathematics and logic underpin computing. This module also introduces OCaml, expanding my experience beyond traditional imperative languages.

What I'm Working On Right Now

Horror Themed Cinema Website

My current project at college involves designing a responsive cinema website focused on horror films. The site features movie listings, user login and seat selection systems, and a modern UI built with HTML, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript. This project demonstrates my growing front-end design skills, along with logical problem solving and attention to accessibility.

As the project develops, I’ll continue refining the interface and expanding the backend using database integration and advanced scripting techniques.

Skills & Tools

HTML CSS PHP JavaScript Java Python SQL MySQL NetBeans VS Code

Looking Ahead

As I approach the end of my HND in Software Development, I’m looking forward to taking the next step into a professional environment where I can keep learning and apply my skills to real-world challenges.

With a background in engineering and a passion for technology, I enjoy solving problems, building reliable solutions, and working with others to improve how things are done. My goal is to build a long-term career where curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything I do.