The Professional Graduate Diploma in IT level (incorporating PGD project) of BCS professional Examinations is the academic equivalent to a UK university honours degree and is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as Level 6.

This qualification meets the demands of companies in the IT industry such as the Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, Vodafone, Halifax, Royal Sun Alliance, Barclays, etc.

Entry Criteria

The Diploma is open to anyone who has Diploma in IT qualification from BCS or an equivalent level 5 qualification.

Units

The Professional Graduate Diploma in IT focuses on the following modules plus Professional Project:

• Advanced Database Management Systems
• Management Information Systems
• Software Engineering 2
• Computer Services Management

Assessment information

Each module assessed by a three hour written paper consists of Section A and Section B.

Progression opportunities

Completion of the Professional Graduate Diploma examination level means you are eligible to apply for MBCS if you have two years’ experience as an IT professional.

Students can also progress from this qualification to the final year of a selected Masters degree programme at UK Universities.

About the BCS

Established in 1957, the British Computer Society (BCS) is the leading body for those working in IT. BCS was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1984. Its objects are to promote the study and practice of computing and to advance knowledge of and education in IT for the benefit of the public.

The BCS Professional Examinations are a degree equivalent qualification for any individual looking to develop or advance their career in IT. There is the opportunity to take three levels of examination which cover a wide range of IT topics acknowledging practical experience and academic ability

This level is the academic equivalent to Year 2 of a UK university honours degree and is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as Level 5.

This qualification meets the demands of companies in the IT industry such as the Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, Vodafone, Halifax, Royal Sun Alliance, Barclays, etc.

Entry Criteria

The Diploma is open to anyone who has Certificate in IT qualification from BCS or an equivalent level 4 qualification.

Units

The Diploma in IT focuses on one core module and three optional modules.

Core Module

• Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice

Optional Modules

• Computer Networks
• Database Systems
• IT Project Management
• Object Orientated Programming
• Software Engineering
• Project (not for those who advancing to the next BCS level)

Assessment information

Each module assessed by a two hour written paper consists of Section A and Section B; Section A comprising of a choice of 2 questions from 4, Section B comprising of a choice of 5 questions from 8

Exception

Database Systems and Professional Issues modules are assessed by two hour written exams, each paper comprising of a choice of 4 questions from 6.

Progression opportunities

Completion of the Diploma leads to the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT. Successful completion of the Diploma entitles students to apply for BCS Membership (MBCS), if they have 3 years’ experience as an IT professional.

Students can also progress from this qualification to the final year of a selected degree programme at UK Universities.

About the BCS

Established in 1957, the British Computer Society (BCS) is the leading body for those working in IT. BCS was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1984. Its objects are to promote the study and practice of computing and to advance knowledge of and education in IT for the benefit of the public.

The BCS Professional Examinations are a degree equivalent qualification for any individual looking to develop or advance their career in IT. There is the opportunity to take three levels of examination which cover a wide range of IT topics acknowledging practical experience and academic ability

This is the foundation level of BCS Professional Examinations and is the academic equivalent to Year 1 of a UK university honours degree. It is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as NQF Level 4.

This qualification meets the demands of companies in the IT industry such as the Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, Vodafone, Halifax, Royal Sun Alliance, Barclays, etc

Entry Criteria

The Certificate is open to everyone, irrespective of qualifications; however BCS recommends candidates will generally be at least 19 years of age and have completed the equivalent of 12 years of schooling before they attempt the BCS Professional Examinations. Candidates must have adequate ability to communicate in English.

Units

The Certificate in IT focuses on the following core modules:

• Information Systems
• Software Development
• Computer & Network Technology

Assessment information

Each module assessed by a two hour written paper consists of Section A and Section B; Section A comprising of a choice of 2 questions from 4, Section B comprising of a choice of 5 questions from 8.

Progression opportunities

Completion of the Certificate leads to the Diploma in IT. Successful completion of the Certificate entitles students to BCS Associate Membership (AMBCS).

About the BCS

Established in 1957, the British Computer Society (BCS) is the leading body for those working in IT. BCS was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1984. Its objects are to promote the study and practice of computing and to advance knowledge of and education in IT for the benefit of the public.

The BCS Professional Examinations are a degree equivalent qualification for any individual looking to develop or advance their career in IT. There is the opportunity to take three levels of examination which cover a wide range of IT topics acknowledging practical experience and academic ability.