Computer Studies at South Chelsea College

An understanding of computers is essential in most modern careers. The Computer Studies Department offers British Computer Society (BCS) programmes leading to internationally respected and accredited qualifications. Students on these programmes come from a wide range of backgrounds bringing with them appropriate prior learning experience.

The British Computer Society (BCS) is a professional organisation offering public examinations in computer studies at Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate levels. ECDL Advanced Certificate qualifications are offered at NQF Level 3, providing a good foundation for those who do not yet have the computing skills to study at degree level.  To sit these examinations you have to become a member of  BCS and the College will assist students in applying for membership. A small membership fee will apply.

Students are placed on either:

• a ‘Degree Access route’, enabling them to gain an advanced ECDL certification, commonly known as a European Computer Driving Licence. This is an internationally accepted qualification at level 3 of the National Qualification Framework (NQF), or
• a ‘Degree level route’ where students will undertake a 3 year programme leading to a professional qualification from the ‘British Computer Society’(BCS), at NQF level 6. The Professional Graduate Diploma is the academic equivalent of a UK university honours degree and it is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

Successful SCC Computer Studies Students on both the Degree Access and the Degree level routes gain internationally recognised BCS qualifications.  Students completing the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT would be eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Qualification at British or overseas Universities.

All students intending to study Computer Studies at SCC will need to be able to demonstrate that they have prior learning experience to a minimum of NQF level 2 (GCSE’s or equivalent). Students will be re-assessed upon arrival at the College and advised as to which level is most suited to their needs, taking into account previously gained recognised qualifications.

Degree Access Route

Advanced Business Technology (Comp)

Students are introduced to a range of computer applications and to a course in coding and programming, as well as strengthening their numerical and communicative skills, before moving on to the British Computer Society (BCS) – Advanced ECDL syllabus.

Course Subjects:

• Integrated Business Technology [Analysis, Structure and Presentation of Information using Database, Spreadsheet, Word Processing and Graphics Applications]
• Coding and Programming [introducing students to the structure of a programming Language]
• A Numeracy and Communications component
• Programming Techniques

ECDL Advanced Qualification in IT

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is an internationally recognized qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills.

ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries.
ECDL is designed for those who wish to gain a qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and improve their career prospects.

Students further their understanding of the following key areas in IT applications at an advanced level:

•  Word processing
•  Spreadsheets
•  Databases
•  Presentations

Candidates gain a BCS qualification at level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and those who complete all four modules can claim “expert certification”.

Degree Level Route

BCS Certificate in IT

This is the foundation level of BCS Professional Examinations and is the academic equivalent to Year 1 of a UK university honours degree.  It is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as NQF level 4.

Course Subjects:

• Information Systems
• Software Development
• Computer and Network Technology

Success in these examinations qualifies the student to progress to either further study at diploma level, or appropriate employment. Completion of the Certificate in IT level means you are eligible to apply for BCS Associate Membership (AMBCS).

Entry Requirements:

Students must demonstrate competence in English Language and must be able to show evidence of having gained qualifications at level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework, GCSE or equivalent.

BCS  Diploma in IT

This level is equivalent to the 2nd year of a UK University Honours Degree. It is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as NQF level 5.

The diploma develops students understanding of Systems Analysis and Design, Software Engineering and Computer Systems for Businesses. Students are additionally offered an introduction to Java on this course.

Course Subjects:

• Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice
• Database Systems
• Computer Networks
• IT Project Management
• Object Oriented Programming
• Individual project

On completion of the diploma programme, students will be well qualified to progress to either the BCS Graduate Diploma, the third year of a BA(Hons)degree at a British University, further professional development or appropriate employment. The BCS Diploma is equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND).

Entry Requirements:

BCS Certificate in IT or an equivalent NQF level 4 qualification for which you have received an exemption.

BCS Graduate Diploma in IT

This level is equivalent to the 3rd year of a UK  University Honours Degree. It is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as NQF level 6.

At this level students will extend their knowledge of communications and networks and gain up-to-date experience in languages such as Java and in database query languages.

Course Subjects

• Advanced Database Management Systems
• Management Information Systems
• Software Engineering 2
• Computer Services Management

BCS recommends a minimum of 250 hours study per module and the course culminates in a 3 hour written exam focusing on four of the above modules of your choice. Please be aware that practical experience is required to answer some parts of the exam.

Professional Project

In order to finish the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT level candidates must complete a project, which will be the academic equivalent of a UK university honours degree project and has a recommended minimum study time of 300 hours. 

Successful completion of the project and examination enables you to apply for selected postgraduate courses at university and means you are eligible to apply for BCS professional membership (MBCS).

Entry Requirements:

BCS Diploma in IT or an equivalent NQF level 5 qualification for which you have received an exemption.