Generative AI in the Software Development Lifecycle

Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly transforming digital development, with significant impact across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This course equips technical professionals to identify where GenAI adds value, assess risks, and adapt workflows, roles, and business models accordingly.

Unlike programmes focused solely on business strategy or technical prompting, this course treats the SDLC as a holistic system. Learners develop practical, phased adoption roadmaps aligned with organisational goals and capacity. They gain tools to evaluate GenAI’s business value and communicate strategies effectively to stakeholders.

The course demystifies AI by focusing on its real-world applications across SDLC stages. Participants learn to map GenAI opportunities to everyday tasks and roles, building a grounded understanding of its impact.

Through structured assessments, case studies, and best-practice insights, learners build confidence in their recommendations and are empowered to lead GenAI integration in software development. The CPD-accredited curriculum ensures relevance, credibility, and immediate workplace applicability.

This course explores opportunities for adoption of generative AI across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Learners will be guided in assessing where GenAI adds value, identify risks and provide strategic insight into adapting processes, roles and approaches within the SDLC. Each module builds on one another, enabling participants to engage in the steps required to scope opportunities for GenAI adoption within the SDLC and provide informed recommendations on implementation. By the end of the course, learners will be able to create a techno-business roadmap for phased GenAI adoption that aligns with the capacity and business goals of their organisation.

• Module 1: Introduction to the Software Development Lifecycle

• Module 2: Generative AI fundamentals for the SDLC

• Module 3: Empirical reports on using GenAI adoption in the SDLC

• Module 4: Best practices for adopting GenAI in the SDLC

• Module 5: Engineering AI systems

• Module 6: Reimagining the SDLC in the age of AI

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• identify the SDLC tasks, processes and methodologies suitable for AI assistance

• articulate the practical and theoretical limitations and benefits of GenAI relevant to SDLC scope

• assess the immediate and longer-term benefits and drawbacks for adopting GenAI in the SDLC

• evaluate the readiness of an organisation for adoption of GenAI in the SDLC and provide recommendations for implementation

• assess the opportunities and challenges for adopting AI-enabled functionalities in software

• articulate the business value of GenAI adoption within the SDLC

• create a techno-business roadmap for phased GenAI adoption aligned to business goals and organisation capacity.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise, but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping to future-proof your career.

This course is aimed at:

• Technical leads and decision-makers: Management-level professionals with a strong technical background, responsible for steering the strategic adoption of GenAI within the Software Development Lifecycle and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

• Senior technical professionals: Experienced practitioners such as senior software developers and architects (5+ years’ experience) who will play a pivotal role in driving transformation through hands-on implementation and technical leadership.

• Ambitious mid-level developers: Highly motivated software developers (2+ years’ experience) seeking to advance into senior or management positions by building expertise in GenAI-enabled development practices and strategic thinking.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Our online learning model is designed to help you advance your skills and specialise in emerging areas that address real-world challenges. We will help you build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics and fellow learners.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. There is an optional weekly live session, which is recorded for anyone who can’t attend. The assessment criteria will be presented to you at the start of the course, so you can approach your studies with confidence and motivation, knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how to meet those expectations.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.