National Certificate in Digital Media Computing at SCQF level 5 with English

Course Description

This full time course is suitable for school leavers or other young people looking to improve their skills in computing, multimedia, networking, computer gaming, imaging and business IT. It may also be attractive if you are a mature student wishing to change career direction or return to full-time study.

This is a group award which provides students with a solid grounding in how computer hardware, operating systems and applications software interrelate and present a range of solutions for common problems in education, the work place and social contexts.

This SCQF level 5 course contains the following units:

  • PC Passport: Internet and On-line Communications and other units
  • Computing: Office and Personal Productivity Systems
  • Computing: Computer Hardware and Systems
  • Computing: Digital Media Elements for Applications
  • Computing: Web Design Fundamentals
  • Computing: Web Design and Development
  • Weblogs
  • Numeracy and Communications

 

Enterprise Activity (In some areas, the student may have the option to undertake a work placement with a suitable employer)

In addition, students will be choosing units from the following subject areas:
English up to Higher level
Further Mathematics

The practical nature of all units, combined with the use of modern technology, makes this an engaging and hands on course. Students will develop competences in the use of computer systems and applications software that are consistent with the tenor of the National Occupational Standards. As a result, students completing the National Certificate in Digital Media Computing award will be well placed to demonstrate good levels of IT user skills on entering the workplace.

A number of the units are already offered on a standalone basis which might attract students who only wish to study on a part-time basis.

Entry requirements

Entry to this course is by application. Download our Application Form, get one from your nearest college learning centre or telephone Admissions on 01599 566770. 

3 standard grades 3 Standard Grades at General Level, ideally including Intermediate 1 English and Mathematics/Numeracy. All applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong desire to study or work in the area of information technology. Whether this would be aiming to work in a small business, an office environment or self employed or aiming to progress onto higher SCQF level courses in the fields of computing, Web Technologies, IT, Multimedia or Computer Networking.

Qualifications

Following successful completion of the required number of units you will be awarded the SQA Scottish Group Award NC in Digital Media Computing SCQF level 5 and an English qualification at the level achieved.

Attendance

This full time course requires minimum attendance of 21 hours per week for the full year. Timetable details are given at the beginning of the course. Classes are generally scheduled between the hours of 9am and 6pm but some classes may finish after this time.

Start Date and Venue

The course begins in August 2008 and will run subject to viable numbers.  Call your nearest college learning centre for further details - Portree Learning Centre (01478 614833), Auchtertyre Learning Centre (01599 566775), Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Learning Centre (01471 888430)

Progression

This course also provides well articulated progression routes. Digital Media Computing Level 6 (under development) and other National Progression Awards at higher levels. The suite of Digital media Computing awards provide an entry point to qualifications in computing and IT and a pathway towards Higher National units and courses, such as HNC/D Computing.

Cost

Each unit costs £64.  You may be eligible for a bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance. We can find this out for you on application.

Fee waivers may apply and all units within this course are approved by ILA Scotland. Ask your college learning centre for more information on how to apply for this funding or call ILA Scotland free on 0808 100 1090.

How to Apply 

You can pick up an Application Form and get some help to complete it at your nearest college learning centre, or download a Form here.  Once completed, you should return your Application to our Admissions Department, the address is on the Form.