This course is accredited by the British Computer Society and offers world class academic qualifications to those who are seeking a career in IT or to recognize their IT skills. These courses cover a wide range of IT topics acknowledging your practical experience and academic ability.

Entry requirements

For all three levels there are no formal academic entry requirements. However, before beginning any level of Professional Examinations, BCS recommends that you are educated to UK GCE A-Level standard.

Certificate Level 4

Course content
The Certificate in IT is the academic equivalent to Year 1 of a UK university honours degree

You will study the following 3 core modules:

Module 1: Information Systems Module 2: Software Development Module 3: Computer & Network Technology

Course description

Module 1: Information Systems 
The aim of this unit is to:

Develop an awareness of the nature and use of information and information systems in an organisational context. Introduce the various techniques used within systems analysis and design; to foster an appreciation of the different types of methodologies used in the system development process. Provide an introduction to database management systems.

The following topics are covered: Systems analysis and design; Database systems; Data analysis and management; Systems and organisations.

Module 2: Software Development
The aim of this unit is to:

Stress the importance of good design, documentation and usability. Emphasise skills in problem solving and algorithm specification rather than just writing syntactically correct code. Introduce a systematic approach to algorithm development which will assist in subsequent programming and system design modules. Introduce candidates to the environment in which software is developed and to the tools that assist in this process.

The following topics are covered: Fundamental concepts of the programming process; Phase-specific issues of software development; Introduction to programming concepts; Files; Introduction to concept of user-interface design; Role and need for system software; Case studies in problem solving/algorithms.

Module 3: Computer and Network Technology
The aim of this unit is to:

Develop an understanding of the principles underlying the construction of computer systems.   Introduce the fundamental building blocks of all digital computers and the operating principles of computer peripherals.  Evaluate critically the performance data quoted for computer systems

The following topics are covered: Fundamentals; Processor architecture; Introduction to operating systems and system software; Networks.

How the course is assessed

The course is assessed through a 2 hour written exam for each module.

Length of course

A minimum of 200 hours study per module is required.
Completing of the Certificate in IT level means you are eligible to apply for BCS Associate Membership (AMBCS).

Certificate Level 4    Diploma Level 5    Diploma Level 6