Higher Education Qualifi cationsFor a rewarding career in IT

The global IT industry is growing at an unparalleled rate. As technology continues to show its potential in all aspects of our lives, the demand for qualified IT professionals increases every day. Organisations worldwide need individuals with the knowledge and capabilities to deliver real results within their business.

Choosing which qualification to study is an important, and sometimes difficult, decision. It’s a big commitment and you need to be sure your chosen course will give you the skills to go far in today’s fast-paced industry.

British qualifications are recognised around the world as representing the highest standards in education. IT qualifications from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, are no exception.

• Developed by leading UK universityacademics; in collaboration withindustry, our qualifications delivercore knowledge about IT and its manydisciplines, together with practical,relevant skills.

Education for a rewarding career

As the global IT skills shortage grows, there has never been a better time to consider a rewarding career in technology, whether you are starting out in your career, already have experience or are looking to change your profession. Higher Education Qualifications from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

• A flexible, modular programme;allows you to tailor your study toyour chosen career path and youcan progress at your own pace, withthe opportunity to achieve a degree-equivalent accredited qualification.

• BCS membership; supports youon your learning journey – you canupgrade your membership status asyou complete the levels of study.

• Approved centres located aroundthe world; there’s a global network ofplaces for you to study.

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Why you should choose qualifications from BCS

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, sets the standards of education and best practice in the global IT industry. We have over 75,000 members worldwide. People come to us to validate their knowledge, develop their capability and progress their careers.

Higher Education Qualifications have been taught through BCS since 1969 and are established as one of the leading sets of technical qualifications in their class.

They are built on a track record of British academic excellence and, at their highest level, offer you a route to postgraduate study at selected universities – with the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT being the academic equivalent of a university Honours degree in England.

Our prestigious qualifications are reviewed annually to ensure the validity of the subject matter, the delivery of core skills and knowledge of new technologies. They emphasise practical application and theory equally, equipping you for the world of work.

Thousands of students across the world have benefited from these benchmark qualifications. Many are now IT leaders and continue to inform, influence and professionalise the industry.

We will support you throughout your lifelong journey as an IT professional. Our qualifications, professional membership and career development tools will help you to succeed at every level and be the best that you can be.

At a glance we offer:

• Flexible and affordable study options

• Internationally recognised UK degreeequivalent qualifications

• Pathway to Chartered Status, theglobal benchmark for IT excellence

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Our qualifications

Our Certificate in IT delivers essential learning across core subjects. It is made up of three mandatory modules and is the academic equivalent to year one of a university Honours degree in England.

Core modules• Information systems• Software development• Computer and network technology

Certificate in IT (UK RQF level 4)BCS Level 4/100/6190/2

Diploma in IT (UK RQF level 5)BCS Level 5/100/6190/3

The Diploma in IT comprises a core module and three modules selected by you to suit your chosen career path. The Diploma in IT is the academic equivalent to year two of a university Honours degree in England.

Core module• Professional issues in information

systems practice

Select three modules• Computer networks• Database systems• IT project management• Object oriented programming• Systems analysis and design• Principles of internet technologies• IT service management• Software engineering 1• Principles of user interface design

A minimum of 225 hours of study is recommended for each module. The course culminates in four two-hour written exams covering the core module and each of your three chosen modules.

Professional IT projectIf you are not going on to study the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT, you will also need to complete a 5,000-word professional IT project as part of your Diploma in IT. A minimum 200 hours of study is recommended for the project.

Completion of the Diploma in IT and Professional IT Project means you are eligible to upgrade free of charge under your current membership subscription, to BCS Professional (MBCS) membership if you have two years’ work experience as an IT professional.

A minimum of 200 hours of study is recommended for each module. The course culminates in three two-hour written exams covering each of the three modules.

Completion of the Certificate in IT means you are eligible to upgrade free of charge under your current student subscription to BCS Associate (AMBCS) membership.

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Professional Graduate Diploma in IT (UK RQF level 6)BCS Level 6/100/6191/5

The Professional Graduate Diploma in IT (PGD) comprises four modules and professional project. The PGD is the academic equivalent UK undergraduate degree programme at level 6 and is recognised by Ofqual as a level 6 qualification.

Select four modules*

• Management information systems• Software engineering 2• Computer services management• Knowledge-based systems• Network information systems• Programming paradigms• Realising the user interface• System design methods• Web engineering• IT and the environment• Advanced database

management systems

*Not all modules are offered by all centres

A minimum of 250 hours of study is recommended for each module. The course culminates in four three-hour written exams covering each of your chosen modules. Practical experience is required to answer parts of the exam.

Professional IT projectTo complete the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT, you will also need to complete professional IT project. The project has a recommended minimum study time of 300 hours. On completion, the full qualification including project meets the credit equivalency of a UK undergraduate degree.

Successful completion of the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT with project means you are eligible to apply for Professional (MBCS) membership of the Institute.

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BCS

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Certificate in ITDiploma in IT

Professional Graduate

Diploma in IT

RQF – Regulated Qualifications Framework

Qualification Levels

BCS qualifications equivalencies

Our IT qualifications are reviewed, recognised and monitored by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications in England and Wales – providing you with a guarantee that they meet the highest quality standards.

Ofqual-accredited qualifications are on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Our diagram shows you where our qualifications fit within the RQF.

For the most up-to-date information on qualification comparison i.e. (HNC, HND, NVQ, Diploma, Degree) please visit : www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/compare-different-qualification-levels

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How to study

There are many ways to study our IT qualifications, with full-time, part-time and distance learning options available.

We have BCS approved centres situated around the world. All work to a strict code of practice to ensure they provide a rewarding, hands-on learning experience for their students and the best possible chance of exam success.

Self-study is available, but we strongly recommend studying with an approved centre to support your exam success.

ExemptionIf you already hold qualifications that cover elements of the syllabus, you may qualify for exemption from a particular module(s) or an entire qualification. This means you won’t have to sit exams for those subjects. There are two routes to exemption:

Recognised qualificationsWe maintain a list of qualifications that are approved for exemption from our qualifications. If you hold one of these, you may apply for exemption.

Individual exemptionYour existing qualifications can be considered for an exemption from our qualifications on an individual basis if they are at the appropriate level and cover at least 80% of our syllabus.

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Your route to a BCS qualification

Decide on the qualificationlevel that’s right for you

Apply for exemption

where relevant

Downloadthe BCS

study guide

Complete your studies and register for your exams

Register with aBCS approved centre

Sign upfor BCSstudent

membership

Taking your exam

Once you have completed your studies you will need to register for your examinations during the designated registration period. You can register online, download an application form from the BCS website, or email customerservice@bcs.uk to request a form.

Some Approved Centres will collect registration forms and payment on behalf of their students.

We have a number of exam venues around the world. Depending on demand, we can also set up venues on an individual basis, for an additional fee.

Examination venuesUK venues• London• Manchester

International venues• Reduit (Mauritius)• Colombo (Sri Lanka)• Jaffna (Sri Lanka)• Kandy (Sri Lanka)• Lagos (Nigeria)• Abuja (Nigeria)• Enugu (Nigeria)• Port Harcourt (Nigeria)• Kano (Nigeria)• Lahore (Pakistan)• Karachi (Pakistan)• Accra (Ghana)• Kumasi (Ghana)

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BCS membership

Belonging to your professional body gives a clear sign to employers, colleagues and clients that you are serious about your career in IT.

BCS membership underlines your status as an IT practitioner of the highest integrity, setting you on the path to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

BCS Student membershipMembership is essential for students taking our IT qualifications. As a BCS student member, you can access the resources, tools and opportunities you need to support your studies and prepare you for the workplace. These include our online library of over 300 IT and business books, and more than 9000 IT research journals and databases.

When you’re starting out in your career, the right contacts can be invaluable. BCS membership connects you with a global community of over 75,000 like-minded IT professionals and students.

We recommend you apply for BCS Student membership as soon as you enrol for your course, to maximise the learning opportunities available. You must be a BCS member to sit the exam.

Chartered professional recognition

BCS Higher Education Qualifications provide a route to the Chartered IT Professional standard (CITP). CITP is developed in consultation with public and private sector employers and the academic community, and demonstrates integrity, professionalism and commitment.

CITP requires a minimum of 8-10 years’ IT work experience. Holding a BCS Higher Education Qualification can reduce this requirement by up to 5 years

CITP applicants must have spent 3 of the last 5 years working in an IT role using skills equivalent to *SFIA level 5.

For more information please visit www.bcs.org/citp

* The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).SFIA is the industry international skills and competency framework,BCS Higher Education Qualifications are mapped to SFIAplus v.6

BCS Higher Education Qualifications Qualification workexperience equivalence

PGD in IT

PGD Examinations

Diploma in IT

Diploma Examinations

Cerificate in IT

4 passed modules and Project

3 passed modules, core module and Project

4 passed modules

3 passed modules and core module

3 passed modules

5 years

3 years

3 years

2 years

1 year

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You’ve graduated – what now?

Postgraduate study Our IT qualifications offer an affordable alternative to a university course.

Successful completion of our Professional Graduate Diploma in IT (with project) offers you entry to postgraduate study in selected universities.

To be accepted onto a university course, you will need to satisfy the university’s own entry requirements.

EmploymentAs you enter the job market, support from BCS will strengthen your career prospects. Our IT qualifications prepare you for the workplace by developing practical, relevant skills.

BCS professional membership enhances your status and puts you in touch with a global community of IT practitioners. Build your network with other BCS members by getting involved and attending local events.

There are many IT qualifications in the market, but when you choose to study with the Chartered Institute for IT you form a relationship with your professional body that will support you throughout your career.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)You can use our CPD tools to record your academic achievements and position yourself for interview success. www.bcs.org/cpdrolebook

As an IT professional it is your responsibility to keep your IT skills and knowledge up-to-date with the pace of technology. BCS will continue to support your IT progression throughout your career, providing you access to the latest expertise, professional IT certification and industry tools such as SFIAplus and CPD.

BCS awards and graduation

Your graduation day is an important milestone in your career. It is the culmination of all your hard work and hours of study, and the most important date in our academic calendar. BCS staff and distinguished guests join you to celebrate your achievement.

BCS organises graduation ceremonies in Mauritius and Sri Lanka. We also recognise and reward top candidates for outstanding performance.

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About BCSBCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is committed to make IT good for society by giving IT professionals a voice on the important issues and empowering them to drive a positive change in the industry. BCS are a trusted, powerful and positive reference point for the IT sector within wider society. We will do this by promoting Excellence, Leadership and Communities.

Excellence – We equip IT practitioners for success through qualifications, certifications, CPD tools and so on – to drive excellence in the IT sector;

Leadership – We debate IT and the impact it has on society – tackling difficult issues, giving informed points of view, and being a truly independent voice in the field of IT;

Community – We galvanise our communities to create a positive impact in IT and the wider world.

For more information about BCS IT qualifications, visit bcs.org/heq or contact your local approved centre or BCS office.

UK and worldwide headquartersFirst Floor, Block DNorth Star HouseNorth Star Avenue, SwindonWiltshire, SN2 1FAUnited Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1793 417 424bcs.org/contactus

Mauritius14A, Ganachaud LaneCastel, Eau Coulée, 74109Mauritius

Tel: (+230) 686 7427(+230) 5252 5070mauritius@bcs.org

Sri Lanka3 Maitland CrescentColombo 7Sri Lanka

Tel: (+94) 11 2698 566,(+94) 11 4891081,Fax: (+94) 11 2691503customerservice@bcslk.org

BCS The Chartered Institute for ITFirst Floor Block D North Star House North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1FAT +44 (0) 1793 417 417 bcs.org/heq

© BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT is the business name of The British Computer Society (Registered charity no. 292786) 2015

If you require this document in accessible format please call +44 (0) 1793 417 600 L&D

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