Computing

Computing
Computing can be daunting, no matter how experienced you are. Whether youre a beginner or an expert, we have a course that can help. Become a network specialist, learn to dismantle a computer or just demystify the subject. We provide a wide range of full-time courses which can be studied in new state-of-the-art facilities at our recently refurbished St Margarets Campus. As a member of the MSDN Academic Alliance we constantly review and update the software we use. Our tutors are in step with the latest developments and utilise up-to-date equipment.

Courses in this Section

Entry Level: IT with Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 BTEC Introductory Certificate: IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 BTEC Introductory Diploma: IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 BTEC First Certificate: IT Practitioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 BTEC First Diploma: IT Practitioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 City & Guilds: 726 IT Users Levels 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Access to Higher Education: Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 BTEC National Certificate: IT Practitioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 BTEC National Diploma: IT Practitioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Foundation Degree: Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Apprenticeship: IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Joanne Jenny
Since starting the course in 2006, Joanne has excelled and is going on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study forensic computing. She found that the tutors at College were really supportive and encouraged her to carry on with the course when she was finding it difficult. After university she hopes to find work in IT security for the Police Force. Doing the course has helped me both in College and out. Since starting I am more confident, I was quite shy and didnt like talking to people I didnt know, now Ive finished, Ive really progressed and feel like I can get out there and do things.



Read our new Guide to Diplomas.

Entry Level: IT with Business

BTEC Introductory Certificate: IT

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A104 One Year Entry Level

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

St Margarets Campus A127 One Year Level 1

Learning how to be a computer wizard using Microsoft Office, how a business works, how to manage money and to improve English and maths skills. What does it involve? BTEC six units: Health and Safety, managing money, information technology, word processing, spreadsheets, internet/email. OCR learning skills - find and use sources of information, complete tasks independently and review the results, work with a group to complete a task, organise your own work. Are there exams? Yes, assessment will be through a combination of exams and continuous assessment. What do I need to start? Edexcel (or equivalent) entry level 2 in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy. Completion of Years 1 and 2 BTEC Certificate entry 2 is essential for students progressing from the Continuing Studies area of the College. What can I do afterwards? BTEC Introductory Certificate in IT at Work What days and times will I be in College? 16 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? The course is part practical and part theory and will include visits and group work as well as individual study/research. You will not spend all your time working on a computer. Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues.

Whats it all about? To develop knowledge, skills and understanding in a wide variety of work situations related to computing as well as developing your communication and numeracy skills. What does it involve? The course is modular which means a number of individual units must be completed to gain the qualification. To complete the course you must pass four units altogether as well as complete communication and numeracy portfolios. The core units are: Starting work in IT Finding out about different types of jobs that are available. Developing IT skills Identifying computer settings and setting up the computer. Personal effectiveness Explore who are you, what kind of job you could do? IT applications - Using various software packages: Word, Excel + Powerpoint At the end of the year, there is an option to continue your studies with an extra four units. This would convert your Certificate into a Diploma. These four units are: Working in the IT Industry What different types of jobs have to offer you. Financial Management Investigate personal finance, produce a personal budget. Using the Internet How to use the Internet responsibly. Digital Devices. Are there exams? Assessment is continuous for the core units, however there will be online tests for communications and numeracy. What do I need to start? To take this course you will need four GCSEs grade F or above including English and maths or Entry 3 certificates in maths, English and IT, and a commitment to complete course work within deadlines. What can I do afterwards? The course introduces a range of IT topics which could lead to employment in junior/trainee positions within IT retail environments, offices, PC maintenance and support. Successful students may choose to progress to a second year to achieve the BTEC Introductory Diploma IT at Work. What days and times will I be in College? 14 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues.

Computing

t e info@leicestercollege.ac.uk 0116 224 2240

7

Computing

BTEC Introductory Diploma: IT

BTEC First Certificate: IT Practitioners

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

St Margarets Campus A1277 One Year Level 1

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A172 One Year Level 2

Whats it all about? To develop knowledge, skills and understanding in a wide variety of work-related situations as a preparation for employment. The course also develops communications and numeracy skills. What does it involve? The course is modular which means a number of individual units must be completed to gain the qualification. To complete the course you must pass eight units altogether as well as complete communication and numeracy portfolios. The units are: Starting work in IT Finding out about different types of jobs that are available. Working in the IT industry What different types of jobs have to offer you. Developing IT skills Identifying computer settings and setting up the computer. Personal effectiveness Explore who are you, what kind of job you could do? Financial management Investigate personal finance, produce a personal budget. Using the internet How to use the Internet responsibly. IT applications Using various software packages - word, excel and access. Digital devices. Are there exams? Assessment is continuous for the core units, however there will be online tests in communications and numeracy. What do I need to start? Four GCSEs at Grade E or above including English and Maths. Also, a commitment to complete coursework within deadlines is needed. What can I do afterwards? Successful students may progress on to a level 2 Computing course - the BTEC First or the City and Guilds 7266 IT User course or the BTEC First in IT, Business or Leisure and Tourism. A number of students go into employment in trainee positions in IT retail or support or clerical environments. What days and times will I be in College? 14 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues.

The course covers a range of IT topics: looking at the components of computer systems and the software that computers use. The course also develops your skills of numeracy and communication to enable you to progress further with your studying. What does it involve? The course is a mixture of theory and practical work - you will not spend all your time in front of a computer. The subjects covered are: using IT to present information introduction to computer systems website development database software.

Along with Key Skills of application of number and communication. Are there exams? Assessment is continuous for the core units, however there will be online tests in communications and numeracy. What do I need to start? Two GCSEs at Grade D or above including English and 2 GCSEs at Grade E or above to include maths or a BTEC Introductory Diploma at merit level. What can I do afterwards? If you are successful on the course and do well in your numeracy and communications skills then you may continue for a second year to top up the qualification to the BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners What days and times will I be in College? 14 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as team-building and social events.



See page 174 for How to Apply.

BTEC First Diploma: IT Practitioners

Earn while you learn!

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

St Margarets Campus A127 One Year Level 2

Whats it all about? The course covers a range of IT topics: looking at the components of computer systems, the variety of software that todays computers use, the theory of how computers are networked together. It is a mixture of theory and practical sessions. What does it involve? Using IT to present information. Introduction to computer systems. You will also take specialist units: website development networking essentials spreadsheet software software design and development installing hardware components database software. Key Skills in communications and numeracy will also be studied as part of this course. Are there exams? Yes, assessment will be through a combination of exams and continuous assessment. What do I need to start? You will need either a BTEC Introductory Diploma at distinction grade, a GNVQ Foundation at distinction level or four GCSEs at grades D or above to include both English and maths. Other related level 1 or 2 qualifications will also be considered. What can I do afterwards? Successful students can progress onto a level 3 IT course such as the BTEC National Diploma: IT Practitioners. The course could also lead into trainee positions within an IT Support environment, offices, retail and web development. What days and times will I be in College? 15 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues.

If you are employed and looking to gain qualifications which will support your career, an Apprenticeship with Leicester College could be for you. An Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised training scheme for young people in employment which will enable you to achieve a work-based qualification. The Apprenticeship will support learning in your place of work by enabling you to spend one day a week at College.
Apprenticeships are available at two levels: Apprenticeship one to two year programme. Advanced Apprenticeship two to four year programme. Leicester College will work with you and your employer to ensure that you choose the right level. Your Apprenticeship will include: An NVQ relevant to your job Technical Certificates to support skill development Key Skills important for any job. If you are aged 16 to 18 you may be eligible for free training through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). If you are aged 19 or above your employer will be expected to make a contribution.

Leicester College offers Apprenticeships in:

Business Administration Computing Construction Customer Service Dental Nursing Engineering Floristry Hair and Beauty Hospitality Management Oral Healthcare Pharmacy Print Retail Sports and Leisure.

Computing

For more information call 011 224 2240

t e info@leicestercollege.ac.uk 0116 224 2240

9

Computing

City & Guilds: 72 IT Users Levels 1 and 2

Access to Higher Education: Computing

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A0774 One Year Level 2

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A071 One Year Level 

The course is for people who have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in IT, and want employment in an office environment using PCs. It covers a range of software skills required in office situations. What does it involve? You will have group and individual tutorials and study Key Skill qualifications in communication and numeracy. You will study: IT principles word processing databases spreadsheets presentation graphics. You should aim to achieve level 1 by the end of the first term and level 2 during the remaining two terms. Are there exams? No, assessment is continuous. What do I need to start? Two GCSEs at grade D or above including English, and a further two GCSEs at grade E or above including maths. This course also requires a basic understanding of how to use a computer and an interest in using office applications effectively. What can I do afterwards? Progression to BTEC First Diploma IT Practitioners if you want to broaden your computing knowledge or business administration courses if you want to ultimately look for employment in an office or administration environment.

This is an intensive course for mature students who do not have formal qualifications (GCSEs or A levels etc) but wish to progress onto studying computing at university level. What does it involve? Subjects studied include: networking, computer hardware, programming, systems analysis and design, website design, software skills, research skills, maths and English. The course will consist of lectures (theory): 70%, computing labs (Practical): 15%, assessments: 15%. A tutorial system helps you with your work and planning. Access to a computer outside of your class times with broadband internet connection is essential. Are there exams? No, assessment is continuous. What do I need to start? Each applicant will be interviewed to assess whether the course is appropriate. It is an intensive year of study designed to prepare students for a university course and requires students to have a mature attitude to time management and hard work. What can I do afterwards? Successful students progress to university to study computing at Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or Degree level/Foundation Degree level. The course gives skills appropriate for work within an IT department as a trainee programmer, technician, web page creator. What days and times will I be in College?

What days and times will I be in College? 15 hours per week.

15 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know?

Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues. Work experience is optional as part of this course.

Work experience is optional as part of this course.

40

Join our Student Union. Run by students, for students.

BTEC National Certificate: IT Practitioners

Bus Passes for 0*

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A00 Two Years Level 

The course is for those wanting to gain employment in the IT industry as a trainee programmer, network/IT Support, or want to go into Higher Education to continue their computing studies. What does it involve? The National Certificate consists of 12 units taken over two years: system analysis and design, website management, communications technology, computer systems etc. You will have the opportunity to specialise in the second year when you choose the next six units to study. These specialisations may be: programming, systems support, networking or business aspects of computing. You will also continue studying maths and English. Are there exams? Yes, assessment will be through a combination of exams and continuous assessment. What do I need to start? Four GCSEs grade C or above, to include maths or English. If maths is at grade C then English must be at least a grade D and vice versa, or a BTEC First Diploma at merit level is needed. What can I do afterwards? Successful students may progress to a Higher Education course e.g. a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or BSc. The National Certificate is equivalent to two A levels. Alternatively you could look for employment using computers in commerce /IT/ networking/programming/web design/database development etc. What days and times will I be in College? 15 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues. Work experience is optional as part of this course.

YEAR CADEMIC 0000/00 A

No: 0000

000

ADEMIC YE AR

STUDENT

TR AVEL PA

SS

No: 0000 000

STUDENT TR AVEL PA SS

0000/00 AC

L000
See revers e of pass for condit ions of use

See revers

e of pass

C000
for condit ions of use

Leicester College is now providing subsidised bus passes to all 1 to 1 year olds on a full-time course, who live over three miles from their main base campus.
The cost is 0 per academic year (currently a County Pass is 10 and a City Pass is ). For citybased applicants, whose parent/ guardian receives Income Support or Income-based Job Seekers Allowance the 0 fee will be waived on production of a benefit letter no more than 40 days old. *This is the price for 200/2009, please note there may be changes to the conditions for 2009/2010.
Computing

t e info@leicestercollege.ac.uk 0116 224 2240

41

Computing

BTEC National Diploma: IT Practitioners

Foundation Degree: Computing

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A10 Two Years Level 

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

Whats it all about?

St Margarets Campus A221 Two Years Level 

The course is for those wanting to gain employment in the IT industry as a trainee programmer, network/IT support, or want to go into Higher Education to continue their computing studies. What does it involve? The National Diploma consists of 18 units taken over two years: system analysis and design, website management, communications technology, computer systems, programming etc. You will have the opportunity to specialise in the second year when you choose the next nine units to study. These specialisations may be: programming, systems support, networking or business aspects of computing. You will also continue studying maths and English. Are there exams? Yes, assessment will be through a combination of exams and continuous assessment. What do I need to start? Four GCSEs grade C or above, to include maths and English or Key Skills Application of Number and Communications at level 2 or a BTEC First Diploma at distinction level. What can I do afterwards? Successful students may progress to a Higher Education course e.g. a Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or BSc. The National Diploma is equivalent to three A levels. Alternatively you could look for employment using computers in commerce/IT/networking/ programming/web design/database development etc.

The course builds understanding and skills in a range of computing subjects. It includes a period of work experience where there is the opportunity to put those skills into practice. What does it involve? Modules are updated and revised each year to reflect the fastchanging pace of IT. Current modules are: Year 1 Four modules: computer technology, database design, programming (VB.net), systems analysis and design. Year 2 Four modules: networks fundamentals and advanced, A+ and Network +, programming, work placement project working in a real work situation you will complete an IT/network-based project. Are there exams? Yes, assessment will be through a combination of exams and continuous assessment. What do I need to start? Four GCSEs grade C or above to include maths and English or key skills application of number and communications at level 2 and a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points from: Two A levels at grade D. BTEC National Diploma or Certificate for IT Practitioner with overall merit grade. AVCE IT Double Award.

Mature applicants with an Access to HE Certificate or relevant experience will be considered. What can I do afterwards?

What days and times will I be in College? 15 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Visits to IT-related exhibitions and events are organised during the year as well as trips to social venues. Work experience is optional as part of this course.

The course covers a range of technical IT and practical networking skills suitable for employment as a trainee IT technician, network administrator, systems analyst etc. Successful students may progress to the BSc (Hons) in Computing at De Montfort University. What days and times will I be in College? 17 hours per week. Are there any other things I need to know? Course costs are set by De Montfort University but Leicester College may have bursaries available to reduce the cost. Call and ask for more details. Work experience is compulsory as part of this course.

42

Find out about possible financial support. See page 172.

Apprenticeship: IT

Location: Course Code: Course Length: Qualification Level:

St. Margarets Campus Various Variable Level 2

IT is a growing industry, and offers many diverse employment opportunities. The IT Apprenticeship will allow you to tailor the qualification to your specific needs, as it covers a range of options including PC support, PC security, PC maintenance, word-processing, spreadsheets, database, internet and e-mail. This is the perfect introduction for new entrants to the IT industry, as well as those who want to build on their current skills and knowledge.

Find out about IT Apprenticeships. Call 011 224 2240

I am very pleased that I chose this course, it has opened up many opportunities for me.
Anwar Badrie Advanced Diploma for IT Users

Computing

t e info@leicestercollege.ac.uk 0116 224 2240

4