Awarding body: Edexcel

Edexcel is the leading provider of internationally recognised qualifications. It is a QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) and UK government recognised awarding body. Whitechapel College is an accredited centre for the Edexcel in respect of this course.

About the course:
The course is a UK Government’s Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Level 5 and 240-credit qualification.  This course has been designed to meet both students’ needs and those of employers in all sectors and specialisms, ensuring that the students acquire transferable professional skills and achieve tangible recognition of their studies.
This course will give students the opportunity to develop skills in various aspects of Information Systems including programming and database management systems.

 Who is it for ?
This course is for those who wish to develop their skills and/or wish to progress to the final year of a three-year university degree in computing.

Duration:
Two years by distance learning (a full time student may be able to finish the course earlier)

Entrance requirements:
Either BTEC Certificate in Computing  
Or relevant work experience at an appropriate level
Or GCE A Levels / NVQ Level 4
Or equivalent international qualifications

 Course Structure:
Students are required to complete four compulsory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total of 240 Credits.
Compulsory Units:

Unit No	Unit Name	Credit
1	Business Skills for e-Commerce	15
2	Computer Systems	15
3	Employability and Professional Development	15
4	Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation	20

Optional Units (choose a minimum of 175 Credits)
(The College may select the units due to availability of lecturer)

Unit No	Unit Name	Credit
8	Management of Projects	15
9	Systems Analysis and Design	15
14	Website Design	15
28	IT Supports for End Users	15
29	e-Commerce Strategy	15
30	Information Systems in Organisations	15
31	Knowledge-based Systems	15
32	Quality Systems in IT	15
33	Data Analysis and Design	15
34	Data Structure and Algoriths	15
41	Programming in Java	15
42	Programming in NET	15
43	Networking Infrastructure	15
44	Local Area Networking Technologies	15
48	IT Security Management	15
50	Work-based Experience	15

For the complete specification of the units, please click here.

Commencement date:
Distance Learning students may start the course at any time. However, a full-time or a part-time course starts in January, May and September every year.

Tuition and study
Distance learning students are supported by means of email, video conference and / or sometimes by tutorial on appointment .

Full time course is taught by formal lectures, directed study and tutorials. Classes are provided for 15 hours a week on three days between 10.00am and 5.00pm.
Part-time classes take place on Monday and / or Tuesday between 6.00pm and 9.00pm. Part time weekend classes are available only on Saturday between 2.00pm and 5.00pm. Part-time student must mention on the application form their preference of attendance .

Assessment / Examination
Portfolio of evidence. There is no formal examination on this course. Students have to submit assignments of their work liaising with the course co-ordinator.