MCAST/BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners
Entry Requirements | First Semster | Second Semester | Accreditation | Fees

Entry Requirements (03/05/02):

Applicants must have passed in at least 2 SEC/GCE O' level subjects at grade 5/C or better. Preference will be given to applicants having passes in one or more subjects from: English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject, OR students must have successfully completed the MCAST Foundation Certificate in Computing (Code 03/05/01).

Programme of Study (1 Year Full-Time):

Semester 1

Introduction to Computer Systems

This unit provides a foundation for students to enable them to get a basic understanding of computer systems focusing on hardware, software and peripheral resources. Students will build up any existing knowledge on how a computer works and how users interact with systems within a given environment.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of computer architecture
  2. Describe the function of software
  3. Describe the function of hardware
  4. Explain how users interact with systems

Information Systems

Students are provided with an insight into the way in which information is gathered, processed, stored and managed within organisations. The aim is to examine the way in which information flows within an organisation from source to destination on an individual, functional, department or organisation wide basis. Students are expected to gain an idea of how information is created and how it is used.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand the need for information in organisations
  2. Describe the way in which information is gathered, processed, stored and managed in organisations
  3. Identify the stages of development of an information system
  4. Identify information overload

Uses of IT

The aim of this unit is to provide students with an overview of information and communication technology, general and specialist software applications used in business organisations and the importance of legislation and maintaining security. Students will have the opportunity to understand the significance of information technology and the benefits of using computers.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Describe the development of information and communication technology
  2. Use a range of general and specialist software applications
  3. Present information on legislation and security
  4. Evaluate the uses of software applications

Introduction to Databases

This unit aims to provide students with an introduction to databases, what they are, how they work and their importance in business organisations. Students will have the opportunity to work from examples to see how a database is developed from which they can undertake their own database design. Information on the need for databases and their function within organisations will also be addressed. Finally, issues such as data protection and the ethics of data storage will be discussed.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Describe the function and importance of databases
  2. Design a suitable database to satisfy user needs
  3. Provide suitable documentation to support the database design
  4. Evaluate the database

Semester 2

e-Commerce

This unit examines the development and uses of electronic commerce. The unit looks at the benefits that e-commerce offers to business organizations as well as to the economy as a whole. This unit addresses some of the hurdles and obstacles that businesses face and examines how these obstacles can be overcome. It also examines security issues.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Describe with examples what is meant by e-commerce
  2. Identify the benefits of e-commerce
  3. Identify legal and security issues in e-commerce
  4. Evaluate the importance of e-commerce as a business strategy

Web Development

The Internet is a major aspect of everyday computing. Website development is seen as a key activity in most organisations as a vehicle for internal and external communications. The impact of e-commerce has also accelerated the increase in the development of websites. The aim of this unit is to introduce the students to the internet and enable them to analyse a variety of different websites and create their own web pages. The unit presents Key Skills in Communication and Information Technology.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Identify the uses of websites and what they can be used for
  2. Compare a range of websites
  3. Create a suitable website
  4. Test and problem solve a website

English

This unit supplies the students with the basic tools for effective communication, a must in ICT development. At this level, the unit starts off with the actual ‘O’Level syllabus leading to an English content that is more business and technical-oriented.

Maths

This unit provides the basic foundations of mathematics at 'O' level standard, and encourages the student to think and use his/her mind to solve new classes of problems especially within the ICT sector.

Accreditation and Progression:

On successful completion of the course, students are awarded the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners. Students may then proceed to the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma in Computing (Code 03/05/03) that is currently being offered by the college.

Fees:

Students have to pay an Edexcel registration fee to follow this programme.

Entry Requirements | First Semster | Second Semester | Accreditation | Fees

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