Full Time Computing Higher National Certificate with Mcdst

COMPUTING Higher National Certificate with MCDST
Qualification Higher National Certificate Computing and Microsoft Certificate Desktop Support Technician

SCQF level : 7

Availability

• Thurso
• Alness
• Open learning

Start Annually in September

Duration One academic session full time; over a longer period part time.

Career Relevant HND at other colleges or universities

Curriculum areas
Information technology

Course summary A full time course, also available part time which includes the Microsoft Certified MCDST award

Course description
Who can join?
We would welcome an application from anyone who has 4 standard grades at level 3 or above AND 2 Highers (preferably English and Maths or Computing) or a grouping of suitable NQ units or mature students with relevant work experience.

How do I attend?
The course is available on a full time basis over one academic year, but is also available on a part time basis over a longer period. You can also choose to study individual units, which may include evening, twilight or flexible study.

A range of units is available on a blended learning basis, which may include evening, twilight, flexible or home study.

The course is offered at both The NHC-Thurso and the NHC-Alness.

What will I study?
The mix of units available has been designed to cover the needs of a modern computer professional, with the course content covering a range of computing subjects, and their application in the workplace.

The core units are in Computer Architecture, Computer Operating Systems, IT: Applications Software, Computing: Planning and Working within a project team and the Graded Unit (the examination).

The remainder of the units cover Software Development, Computer Hardware, and the two units "Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Desktop Operating System" and "Supporting Users and Trouble-shooting Desktop Applications

Candidates are required to pass the two associated Microsoft core exams to achieve the units and the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Certificate (MCDST) and become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

What could I do next?
Successful achievement will provide a broad range of knowledge and skills highly sought after by employers which can open up a wide range of careers. You could also choose to further your studies and progress to HND or Degree level Computing at other participating Colleges or Universities.

How do I join?
Course Fees for Part Time Students

The units which count towards this qualification are available on an individual basis, making it possible for part time students to gather sufficient units to achieve the award, albeit over a longer period.

You may not have to pay any fees for these units if you qualify for a fee waiver, for instance if you are eligible for certain benefits. See the college's Fee Waiver Policy in the resources area of the website.

It is possible to use a current Individual Learning Account (ILA200) to pay for these units as you come to study them.

Part time students may also possible qualify for the ILA500, which is a £500 grant for students studying HNC, HND, Degree and taught Postgraduate courses. You must study units totally 40 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) credits or more a year.