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.   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 a ‘Degree level route’ where students will undertake a 3 year programme at Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) levels 4 and 5,  leading to study for a professional qualification from the ‘British Computer Society’(BCS) at QCF 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 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.

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 QCF 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 to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and must be able to show evidence of having gained qualifications at level 3 of the Qualifications and Credit  Framework, GCE ‘A’ level 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 QCF 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
• IT Project Management
• 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/QCF 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 QCF 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
• Network Information Systems

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/QCF level 5 qualification for which you have received an exemption.