Top 15 Mobile App Development Courses For Beginners’ Upskilling in Singapore

The mobile app market is booming. According to Statista, the global mobile app market is projected to reach $781.70 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.48% from 2022 to 2029. This explosive growth fuels a soaring demand for skilled app developers. 

Given the current trend of HR departments reducing their hiring of entry-level developers, you may be looking to enhance your skills and wondering where to start.

This guide will navigate you through the landscape of mobile app development courses tailored to enhance your current skills. Whether you’re starting from scratch or have some coding experience, we’ll equip you with the knowledge you need to embark on your mobile app development journey.  

Introduction: What is Application Development

Application development involves creating software applications that perform specific tasks or provide certain functionalities. This process includes designing, developing, testing, and deploying applications for various platforms such as mobile, web, and desktop. Understanding the basics of application development is crucial for anyone looking to enter this field.

Vital Things To Know Before Learning Mobile App Development

Before enrolling in a mobile app development course, it’s essential to evaluate these factors to find the right program for your upskilling journey:

1. Technological Advancement: Stay updated with the latest tech advancements to handle modern challenges and avoid common mistakes from application development.
2. Improved Problem-Solving Abilities: Understanding different technologies allows for better problem-solving.
3. Career Growth and Opportunities: Upskilling opens doors to new career opportunities and advancements.
4. Adaptability to Market Changes: Continually updating skills leads to better adaptability to market shifts.
5. Increased Job Security: Upskilling demonstrates a commitment to growth and improves job security.
6. Better Understanding of Emerging Trends: Staying updated with new skills helps anticipate emerging trends.

Top Application Development Skills To Focus on When Upskilling

Those who focus on mobile app development courses to upskill should focus on the following skills:

1. Programming Languages:
   • Java: A versatile language widely used for Android app development, enterprise applications, and web development.
   • Python: A beginner-friendly language popular for web development,  data science, and scripting.
   • Swift: The primary language for developing iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications.
   • JavaScript: A core language for front-end web development and increasingly used for back-end development with Node.js.
2. Understanding of SDLC:
   • Agile: An iterative approach that emphasizes flexibility and collaboration, with frequent releases and feedback cycles.
   • Scrum: A popular Agile framework that utilizes sprints, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives for project management.
   • Waterfall: A traditional, linear approach with distinct phases, suitable for projects with well-defined requirements.
3. System Architecture and Design Patterns:
   • MVC (Model-View-Controller): Separates data, presentation, and logic for improved maintainability.
   • MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel): A variation of MVC commonly used in mobile app development.
   • Microservices: Breaks down applications into independent, loosely coupled services for scalability and resilience.
   • RESTful APIs: A standard for designing stateless web APIs that use HTTP communication methods.
4. Front-End and Back-End Development:
   • Front-End: Focuses on the user interface and user experience, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular.
   • Back-End: Handles server-side logic, data storage, and communication with databases, using languages like Java, Python, or Node.js.
5. Database Management:
   • SQL (Structured Query Language): A standard language for managing relational databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
   • NoSQL: A category of non-relational databases that offer flexibility and scalability for handling large amounts of data.
   • Data Modeling: Designing the structure of a database to efficiently store and retrieve data.
   • Database Performance Optimization: Techniques for improving the speed and efficiency of database queries.
6. Version Control Systems:
   • Git: A distributed version control system that tracks code changes and enables collaboration among developers.
   • GitHub: A popular platform for hosting Git repositories and facilitating social coding.
   • Branching and Merging: Strategies for managing parallel development and integrating code changes.

Top 15 Mobile App Development Courses For Beginners 

Here are 15 top mobile app development courses for beginners, recommended from Vinova’s top talents:

1. Coursera Android App Development Specialization

This specialization from Vanderbilt University is one of the best mobile app development courses for beginners who want to dive into Android app development. It covers essential programming concepts using Java and includes hands-on projects to reinforce learning. Students like the structured, self-paced learning, but some worry about updates. The supportive community enhances the experience.

• Curriculum: The course is self-paced and features a combination of video lectures and quizzes.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical projects are integrated into each course module, providing hands-on experience.
• Career Benefits: Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that can enhance your job prospects in app development.
• Credibility/Ratings: The course is highly rated, with over 4.5 stars from thousands of reviews.
• Price: The entire specialization costs approximately $399.

2. Coursera Swift 5 iOS Application Developer Specialization

This course focuses on developing iOS applications using the Swift programming language, Apple’s programming language. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical projects, allowing students to build real-world applications. The course is praised for its quality instruction, interactive nature, clear explanations, and structured assignments, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to improve their skills.

• Curriculum: The course is structured over several months and offers flexible scheduling.
• Practical Experience: Learners gain hands-on experience through projects that allow them to build real applications.
• Career Impact: Upon completion, learners receive a certificate that validates their skills for iOS development roles.
• Credibility/Ratings: This course is rated 4.4 stars based on student feedback.
• Price: The full specialization costs around $399.

3. edX CS50’s AP® Computer Science Principles

This professional certificate program from Harvard University offers comprehensive training in mobile app development courses, covering various coding languages and development techniques. The rigorous curriculum provides a solid foundation in computer science principles, ensuring a deep understanding of mobile app development. Students appreciate the high-quality content and the collaborative learning environment.

• Learning Style: Self-paced with rigorous academic standards.
• Hands-On Learning: Includes projects using React Native and JavaScript.
• Career Benefits: A recognized certification that can significantly boost career opportunities.
• Credibility/Ratings: Highly credible program is offered by Harvard University.
• Price: Free to audit, $90 for a verified certificate.

4. Udemy Complete iOS App Development Bootcamp

This comprehensive mobile app development course covers all aspects of iOS app development, including Swift and Xcode. It is designed for beginners and includes numerous hands-on projects that help solidify learning. Reviews highlight the instructor’s engaging teaching style and the practical applications of the material covered.

• Learning Style: Video lectures with downloadable resources and quizzes.
• Hands-On Experience: Build multiple apps throughout the course.
• Career Outcomes: Prepares you for entry-level positions in iOS development.
• Credibility: Highly rated with thousands of positive reviews on Udemy.
• Price: Typically around $199.99, but often discounted.

5. Stanford CS193p – Developing Apps for iOS

This free course from Stanford focuses on iOS app development using SwiftUI and Xcode. The course is particularly praised for its accessibility, allowing anyone interested in iOS development to learn from one of the top universities in the world. Students benefit from high-quality lectures and assignments that encourage creativity while applying technical skills. 

• Format: Lecture-based with practical assignments and projects.
• Hands-On Experience: Students build a game and progressively complex applications.
• Benefits: Free access to high-quality education from a prestigious institution, opening doors to career opportunities.
• Reputation: Highly regarded in the developer community, with free access enhancing its credibility.
• Cost: Free.

6. Udemy Complete Android N Developer Course

This course teaches Android app development through building clones of popular apps, providing a practical learning experience. The course has received positive feedback for its comprehensive content and regular updates, ensuring that learners are kept abreast of current Android development practices. Students appreciate the step-by-step guidance that helps them build progressively more complex apps. 

• Teaching Method: The course uses video tutorials and hands-on exercises.
• Practical Experience: Students gain practical experience by building clones of well-known apps to understand real-world functionality.
• Career Impact: This course equips students with skills needed for entry-level Android developer jobs.
• Credibility/Ratings: The course is highly rated by thousands of students on Udemy.
• Price: The course is approximately $199.99, but it is frequently discounted.

7. IBM Mobile App Development with React Native

This mobile app development course focuses on building cross-platform mobile applications using React Native, a framework that allows developers to create apps for both iOS and Android efficiently. Participants find value in its project-based learning approach, which emphasizes real-world applications of skills learned. The program is known for its industry relevance, preparing students for mobile app development roles using modern technologies.

• Learning Approach: The course emphasizes project-based learning and provides guided instruction from industry experts.
• Hands-On Experience: Students gain practical experience by creating their own mobile applications throughout the course.
• Career Relevance: Skills in React Native are in high demand in today’s job market, making this course valuable for career advancement.
• Credibility and Ratings: Offered by IBM, a globally recognized institution, and rated 4.5 stars by learners.
• Pricing: The course is free to audit, with a certificate available for a fee.

8. Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate

Designed by Meta (formerly Facebook), this professional certificate program equips learners with essential skills for an entry-level career in Android development using Kotlin and React Native. Students appreciate the comprehensive curriculum that includes portfolio-building projects, which can be showcased during job interviews. The program also offers career support resources, enhancing its value for those entering the job market.

• Format: Self-paced learning with practical assessments integrated throughout the course modules.
• Practical Experience: Includes real-world projects to enhance learning outcomes.
• Career Impact: Prepares learners for roles as Android developers, increasing employability prospects.
• Credibility/Ratings: Courses developed by Meta are well-respected and highly rated by participants.
• Price: Approximately $49 per month.

9. Programming Mobile Applications for Android Handheld Systems

Offered by the University of Maryland, this course provides foundational knowledge in Java programming specifically tailored for Android devices. It combines theoretical concepts with practical coding exercises, helping students develop functional applications effectively. Participants value the structured approach of the course and its emphasis on real-world application development.

• Pedagogy: The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on projects.
• Practical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience developing mobile applications using Android Studio tools.
• Career Impact: The course validates skills required for entry-level mobile development positions.
• Credibility/Ratings: Highly rated by learners, reflecting its quality and effectiveness.
• Price: Approximately $49.

10. Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course)

This beginner-friendly, project-centered mobile app development course guides students through creating a simple Android app from scratch. It emphasizes hands-on learning with direct application of concepts taught in lectures. Learners appreciate the supportive community aspect where they can seek help from peers and instructors alike.

• Teaching Approach: Emphasizes hands-on learning, guiding students through the app-building process step-by-step.
• Practical Application: Provides direct experience applying learned concepts to create a functional mobile app.
• Career Benefits: Equips students with foundational skills for further mobile app development studies.
• Reputation: Highly rated by participants, recognized for its effectiveness in teaching beginners.
• Pricing: Starts at $49.

11. SwiftUI Masterclass from Udemy

Focusing on building apps with SwiftUI, this masterclass offers an engaging learning experience through video tutorials complemented by practical exercises. Students enjoy building multiple apps throughout the course, which reinforces their understanding of modern iOS development practices using SwiftUI technology.

• Teaching Methods: The course features comprehensive video tutorials, practical exercises, and quizzes.
• Hands-On Experience: Students gain practical experience by creating multiple apps throughout the course.
• Career Preparation: This course prepares learners for modern iOS development roles using SwiftUI.
• Credibility and Ratings: This highly-rated Udemy course is popular among aspiring iOS developers.
• Price: The course is generally priced around $199.99 but is often available at a discount.

12. CodeLab for Android Kotlin Fundamentals

This introductory course teaches Kotlin programming language fundamentals specifically for Android app development. It uses an interactive learning environment with coding challenges that help solidify understanding of key concepts in Kotlin programming.

• Learning Approach: The course provides an interactive learning environment with coding challenges and assessments to reinforce knowledge.
• Practical Experience: Students engage in real-world coding scenarios to effectively build their first Kotlin apps.
• Career Impact: The course equips learners with essential Kotlin skills that are highly sought after in modern Android development roles.
• Credibility/Ratings: The course is well-rated within developer communities and recognized as a solid foundation course for beginners in Kotlin programming.

13. Eduonix Android and UWP Development Using Xamarin Forms

This mobile app development course focuses on cross-platform app development using Xamarin Forms, allowing developers to create applications for both Android and UWP (Universal Windows Platform). It combines theoretical lessons with practical exercises to reinforce learning outcomes effectively.

• Learning Style: The course combines theoretical lessons with hands-on coding exercises to reinforce your understanding.
• Hands-On Experience: You’ll engage in practical projects that require building functional applications across platforms.
• Career Opportunities: This course prepares you for entry-level positions as a Xamarin or cross-platform app developer, enhancing your employability prospects.
• Reputation: The course is generally well-received within online education platforms, with positive feedback regarding its practical approach.
• Cost: Typically around $199, subject to discounts.

14. Mammoth Interactive’s Ultimate iOS Course

Covering both coding and design aspects of iOS app development using Swift, this comprehensive course engages students through video tutorials complemented by interactive assignments that encourage creativity alongside technical skill acquisition.

• Learning Approach: The course employs engaging video tutorials alongside interactive assignments, fostering both creativity and technical proficiency.
• Practical Skills: Students gain hands-on experience in coding and designing visually appealing applications for a range of iOS devices.
• Career Prospects: The course equips students with versatile skills applicable to various roles within the tech industry, particularly in iOS app design and development.
• Reputation: The course is highly regarded by students for its comprehensive content and engaging teaching style, and it holds a respected position within the online education community.
• Pricing: The course is priced around $199, with frequent discounts offered during promotional periods.

15. NTUC’s Android Programming and App Development Course

This online mobile app development course by Coding Blocks covers the fundamentals of Android app development, guiding students from basic UI design to building complete applications. It includes over 100 recorded videos and live webinars, focusing on essential concepts such as UI design, Firebase integration, push notifications, hardware sensors, networking, and databases.

• Pedagogy: Video lectures, live sessions, and practical assignments facilitate learning. Students receive 24/7 support and regular evaluations.
• Practical Experience: Hands-on projects involve integrating third-party libraries, ensuring practical skills in creating interactive applications.
• Career Impact: The course builds a strong foundation in Android development, increasing job market competitiveness.
• Credibility/Ratings: Experienced instructors with industry backgrounds teach the course. It has received positive feedback for its comprehensive content and supportive environment.
• Price: ₹14,999 for the online course.

Top Application Development Learning Platforms

These platforms provide comprehensive resources for anyone looking to enhance their skills in mobile app development, each with unique offerings tailored to different learning styles and career objectives.

1. Coursera: Offers a variety of application development courses, including specializations and professional certificates.
2. edX: Provides access to courses from top universities and institutions around the world.
3. Udemy: Features a wide range of mobile app development courses for all skill levels.
4. LinkedIn Learning: Offers courses focused on both technical skills and soft skills for developers.
5. SMU Academy: Provides professional certificates in mobile application development

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mobile app development courses explored in this blog offer comprehensive educational opportunities for aspiring mobile developers. By carefully considering your learning preferences, career goals, and budget, you can choose the course that best suits your needs and kickstart your journey toward becoming a sought-after mobile developer. Remember, the key to success in this field lies in continuous learning, dedication, and a passion for building innovative mobile applications. 

If you’re a developer who is looking to upskill or reskill, Vinova Singapore is a great career option to looking into. After all, this list was written with inputs from successful cases of upskilling from our IT top talents.