Backend Design
& Engineering.
Learn how to design secure APIs, structure databases, implement authentication, test backend services, improve performance and prepare applications for deployment using modern backend engineering practices.
Duration
6 weeks
Learning format
Physical or remote
Technology tracks
Node.js, Go, C#, PHP and Python
Course outcome
Designed, tested and documented API
Learn the thinking behind
reliable backend systems.
The programme moves beyond basic routes and database queries. You will work through the decisions that make an API understandable, secure, maintainable and suitable for real product development.
Design before implementation
Learn how to translate requirements into resources, endpoints, schemas, permissions, validation rules, error contracts and service boundaries before writing large amounts of code.
Engineering beyond localhost
Consider configuration, logging, testing, documentation, deployment, monitoring, failure handling and the practical work needed to operate a backend after development.
Backend concepts across
five technology tracks.
The core engineering principles apply across languages. Exercises, demonstrations or project implementation may use the track selected for the relevant cohort.
Node.js
JavaScript or TypeScript backend development using an appropriate server framework and package ecosystem.
Go
Structured, efficient API development using Go’s standard tooling and common service patterns.
C#
Backend development with the .NET ecosystem, typed models, dependency management and web API conventions.
PHP
Modern PHP backend engineering using structured application, framework and database practices.
Python
API development using Python’s web ecosystem, validation, dependency and testing tools.
What you will
build.
The main project is a structured REST API that demonstrates how backend concerns work together rather than as isolated tutorials.
Resource-based API
Clear endpoints, HTTP methods, status codes, pagination, filtering and consistent request and response structures.
Relational data model
PostgreSQL schemas, relationships, migrations, constraints, indexing and query design.
Authentication and access
Secure credential handling, token or session flows, authorisation rules and role-based access.
Validation and errors
Input validation, sanitisation, application errors and predictable error responses for clients.
Performance controls
Caching, rate limiting, query optimisation and techniques for reducing unnecessary backend work.
Tests and documentation
Automated tests and OpenAPI documentation that make the service easier to verify, maintain and integrate.
Six-week
curriculum.
Each week adds another production concern to the course project, allowing learners to see how architecture, data, security and operations connect.
01
API design and service boundaries
REST principles, resource modelling, naming, HTTP methods, status codes, versioning, pagination, filtering and request-response conventions.
02
Application structure and request flow
Routing, controllers or handlers, services, middleware, configuration, validation, structured errors and application logging.
03
Database architecture
PostgreSQL modelling, normalisation, relationships, migrations, transactions, indexes, constraints and query optimisation.
04
Authentication and security
Password handling, token or session design, authorisation, role controls, CORS, input handling, secrets and common API risks.
05
Caching, rate limiting and performance
Redis concepts, cache design, invalidation, throttling, API keys, database efficiency and practical performance measurement.
06
Testing, documentation and deployment
Unit and integration testing, OpenAPI documentation, environment configuration, deployment workflow, health checks, monitoring and final project review.
Who this course is
for.
The programme is intended for learners who already understand basic programming and are ready to focus on backend design and engineering.
Aspiring backend engineers
Developers who can write basic programs but need a structured path into APIs, databases, security and backend architecture.
Frontend developers
Frontend engineers who want to understand the services, data and authentication systems behind the interfaces they build.
Working developers
Developers who have built backend features but want stronger structure, testing, documentation and production engineering habits.
What you should know
before starting.
Learners do not need to know every backend framework, but should be comfortable with basic programming concepts and independent practice.
Recommended foundation
- Variables, functions, conditions and loops.
- Basic object or data-structure handling.
- Installing and running development tools.
- Basic command-line familiarity.
- Basic Git and version-control awareness.
- Willingness to practise between sessions.
What you will need
- A computer suitable for software development.
- Reliable internet access for remote participation.
- A code editor and required language tooling.
- Access to Git and a modern web browser.
- Time for exercises and the final project.
- A selected backend language track for the cohort.
Build the backend skills behind reliable digital products.
Complete the training application to select your preferred learning format and backend technology track. Current fees, cohort dates, availability and payment instructions are confirmed during registration.