theAppFactory

Traditional university software development and software engineering programmes do not typically provide graduates with exposure to how applications are actually developed in commercial settings. The modern software development landscape increasingly incorporates AI-powered tools that fundamentally change how developers work, collaborate, and solve problems. Many courses find it challenging to cover essential commercial development practices including requirements gathering, stakeholder management, version control collaboration, code review processes, AI tool integration, deployment practices, technical debt management, cross-functional collaboration, and client communication.

New graduates seeking early career positions as software developers often focus on highlighting technologies, coding languages, and related tools without articulating alignment to commercial contexts or demonstrating practical skills acquired through real-world application.

This project aims to simulate the experiences and challenges of a real software house by developing web applications motivated by real problems with real clients using modern web technologies and AI-enhanced development practices. Students will work in teams using…

Traditional university software development programmes typically lack exposure to commercial development practices, leaving graduates unprepared for industry realities involving client collaboration, AI-enhanced workflows, and cross-functional teamwork. The theAppFactory project aims to address this gap by simulating authentic software house experiences through a 12-week programme where student teams develop real web applications for genuine clients using modern technologies including React, Node.js, and AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT. Working in agile sprints with real stakeholders from local businesses and organisations, students experience commercial challenges including requirements gathering, version control collaboration, code review processes, technical debt management, and client communication whilst learning to leverage AI tools effectively without compromising fundamental programming competencies. The project emphasises both technical deliverables and professional development, with support structures including industry mentorship and AI tool guidance, ultimately producing graduates who can demonstrate commercial awareness, effective teamwork, critical thinking, and readiness for modern software development environments that integrate traditional practices with AI-assisted workflows.