COMPUTING & IT

In order to function effectively in a technical role you will have to develop a solid foundation in various computer technologies. This module will take a high-level, business oriented perspective of hardware, software and data communications to ensure that you apply good computing practice on any popular computer desktop environment.

To ensure that you have a thorough understanding of how IT Systems Development teams operate, you will explore the methods, disciplines, techniques and skills used in such teams.

Systems Development will require you to build up a good understanding of the mathematical techniques needed in the design and implementation of computer systems. In this module you will also look at system life cycle models, programming languages, documentation standards and software testing.

Electronic Commerce is becoming increasingly important in today’s business and IT environments. This dynamic and changing topic contains a combination of business management and technology issues that you as a junior professional will have to master successfully

The aim is to provide you with a thorough understanding of the major issues associated with the development of e-Commerce solutions and applications as they relate to both the business and technological environments.

Business Communication is a general introduction to personal communication skills for professionals.

As a junior computing professional, you will need to have good communication skills with your fellow practitioners as well as the users of information technology. This course will give you a genuine understanding of the information needs of these users.

In addition, you will learn to relate good interpersonal communication skills to the broader information needs of the organisation.

Over the past couple of years, programming has evolved into a process with increasingly formalised approaches. The purpose of this unit is to give you a thorough grounding in the key concepts, techniques and methods that have emerged over time.

The skills and understanding you will develop during this course is flexible enough so that you can easily adapt it to different software production situations.

With the increasing popularity of Internet, networks are now a core requirement of every area of computing in any size organisation. As a junior computing professional, you will need to have a good understanding of how networks operate.

This module is designed to cover all the common aspects of networking.

Since its launch in 1995, Java has become the most preferred language for programming on the internet and in particular for website planning. As a student planning a career in IT, a good understanding of Java will be crucial.

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the core principles of Java, and to enable you to produce well-designed, effective applications using more of the advanced features of the language.

There is a growing need in all organisations for effective user support of their IT installations, particularly those based on workstations or networked PCs, and for the technical on-site maintenance. It is essential that the staff responsible for these activities can perform them confidently and safely.

This module is intended to provide you with a thorough understanding of the technical and practical skills involved in PC technical support.

It will be divided into two distinct parts: hardware and software support. It is based on the latest CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) A+ syllabus and thus enables you to take the CompTIA certification examinations which are recognised worldwide as the leading qualifications for PC support technicians.

As a business systems analyst, you will be responsible for the investigation, analyses and outline design stages of the system development life cycle.

This module will enable you to undertake the various phases of the system development cycle in a professional manner with the aid of common analysis techniques.

Skills you will acquire in this course will enable you to mix business, technical and interpersonal skills most effectively to become a successful business systems analyst.

As a business systems designer, you will be responsible for the development of an operational computer system, using the logical statement of requirements developed by the business systems analyst and translating it into a system that delivers the required functions.

Business Systems Design will provide you with an overview of the key stages required to move from the logical to the physical design, taking the hardware and software constraints into consideration. It will also introduce you to common controls used to protect the privacy and integrity of systems.

Effective communication, both internally and with external customers, business partners and associates, is vital to the modern business. The internet and other emerging network and telecommunication technologies are playing a critical role in addressing these communication needs.

Enterprise Networking will provide you with the necessary skills to understand the networking options that are available to a business, evaluate their requirements, and determine the most appropriate networking solution to meet their data and voice requirements.

This module will give you a basic understanding of database concepts and an appreciation of the key issues in successful database developments.

You will develop an awareness of the architecture of a database management system (DBMS) and the associated issues of physical design and database administration.

The primary goal of this module is for you to learn “real world” JAVA through a large range of programming problems. It will focus on object-oriented programming concepts which are supported by JAVA.

The practical approach adopted by this module will allow you to develop your problem-solving skills, supported by a sound foundation in Software Engineering Principles.

The task of programming cannot be separated from the Software Development Life Cycle concepts, so it will also be examined in the context of this module.

Internet Systems Administration is all about looking after and maintaining complex Internet-based computer systems. The aim is to show you how Internet enabled systems are developed and to train you how to design and build them.

Some topics you will cover as part of the course include web hosting, electronic publishing, internet client infrastructure, internet application development and web-related servers.

The growth of the internet and the rise in the use of computers worldwide has increased the need to conduct computer investigations. The result is that computer investigations are increasingly used to investigate situations where computers have been used to commit crimes, or to identify where computer usage is not meeting corporate acceptable use policies.

Computer Forensics will provide you with an appreciation of current and past operating systems such as Windows 9x, Mac OS and Linux, together with a range of computer hardware, from basic PC workstations to high-end network servers.

Some emphasis is placed on the operation of PCs in a networked environment and the use of a computer from the command line.

The Practical Project will give you the opportunity to demonstrate how well you are able to implement the skills and knowledge you have gained so far.

The aim is for you to gain valuable practical experience in the planning, analysis, design, documentation and when possible, the development, testing, implementation and project management of a computer-based system.

After successfully completing this project, you should be able to play a significant role in a systems development project.

As a software engineer, there are several legal responsibilities you will have to consider such as the Data Protection act. This module reviews relevant codes of conduct and legislation plus ISO standards as applied to software engineering and development.

You will be introduced to generic concepts of risk, and review risk assessment modules for systems development (such as RISKIT) and independent systems change (such as RAMESES) through case studies.

Examples and case studies will be used to develop your software measurement skills as it relates to project management, development processes and product characteristics.

Finally, you will explore various development methods (such as data oriented and object oriented, XP and Formal) and processes, software development tools and techniques that can be used to increase the productivity and quality of the software development process.

The aim of this module is to enable you to lead an Information Systems project by using systematic approaches in a well understood and appropriate way.

In this module, you will look at various systemic project management methodologies and analyse the relationship between an organisation’s information systems strategy and individual projects.

After successfully completing Information Systems Project Management, you should be able to contribute to the development of an organisation’s IS strategy and effectively identify and control elements of risk in project planning and management.

Advanced Object-Oriented Development is designed to help you achieve fluency at the level of advanced beginner in a programming language suitable for object-oriented development.

During the course of this module, you will develop an awareness of the development processes that underlie object oriented development, learn the principles of designing and constructing Engineered Interactive Interfaces and develop a critical awareness of the concepts of event driven and client server application development.

Skills and abilities you will develop during this course will enable you to choose and implement appropriate object oriented solutions from problem descriptions by using a toolkit and critically appraise and implement designs using JAVA.

Interactive web pages linked to a database are at the heart of most commercial web systems. The ability to create such web pages is very important in terms of your future employment. In order to complete this module successfully, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the background to these systems and that you have the additional knowledge and abilities to continue your own professional development.

There are two elements to this module:
The first part is largely practically oriented and you will be taught to program in PHP and to create interactive web pages linked to MySQL

The second part is more theoretical and is concerned with issues such as accessibility, network systems and mobile agents.

Your Project is a very important part of your course, making up one third of the work you will be completing during your final year. You will get the opportunity to engage in a piece of work of your own choice, so this project can be very exciting and a lot of fun, provided that you attempt it with an enthusiastic attitude.

We recommend that you choose a topic that is exciting and challenging. While your teacher will be there to assist you and give you some ideas, it will be your responsibility to find a suitable project.

Your project should apply some of the skills and techniques you have gained from your studies so far, but it should also expand on this and may even take you into an entirely new area of computing.

You must research at least one area in computing and produce a literature review, with recommendations for your project based on the research you have done.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How can I enrol?

You will have to fill out the School of Management & Computing Application Form, which can be downloaded from our website at: (http://www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk/info/management/SMC_CourseApplicationForm.pdf )
We will also require your CV and copies of all your relevant educational qualifications.

The next step is to return your completed form to us through one of the following methods:
• Post:

Director of Management & Computer Studies
Oxford House College
28 Market Place
London, W1W 8AW
United Kingdom

• Email:admission@oxfordhousegroup.com
• Fax: +44 (0) 20 7323 4582

We aim to process your application within 48 hours but please remember to allow more time if you sent your application form to us by post.

Once we have processed your application form we will send you a “Conditional Acceptance Letter” to confirm your enrolment.

If you are applying for a student visa you have to pay the minimum deposit (see question 2) we require before we can send you an “Unconditional Acceptance Letter” which is suitable for visa applications.

2. How much do I have to pay as a minimum deposit?

This will depend on your nationality:
• If you are an EU National, you must pay at least 1/3 of the total course fees before your course starts.
• If you are a Non EU National, you must pay at least ½ of the total course fees before your course starts.

3. How can I pay?

You can pay by cheque, credit card, bank transfer or in cash.
Our bank details are:
Barclays Bank Marble Arch Corporate Banking
PO Box 32012
London
NW1 2ZH

Bank Sort Code: 20-65-63
Account Number: 60112127
Account Name: Oxford House College
SWEFT code: BARC GB22
IBAN Code: GB09BARC 206563 60112127

4. Can I apply for a scholarship?

We do offer scholarships to selected students in the form of a fee reduction of up to £3000 per year over a 2 year period. To apply for a scholarship you must write an essay of about 500 words entitled: “Why should I receive a grant and what can I bring to enhance the Oxford House College Community?”

Please submit this essay together with your application form and other documents to the Director Of Management & Computer Studies. Your specific situation and financial circumstances (as outlined in your letter) will be considered when we make our decision.

5. How long do I need to study for?

You can complete the full BSc (Hons) programme in only 2 years if you want to study full-time. Part-time students take fewer modules at a time to reduce the workload but just remember that this means you will take longer to complete your course.

The course is divided into different stages so you can start at a level that suits your current academic qualifications. You can finish your studies after the Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Work Placement or BSc (Hons) depending on what you feel your education and employment needs are.
You will receive a globally recognised qualification after each stage.

6. What is the attendance policy at Oxford House College?

In order to comply with various regulations, we expect our students to attend a minimum of 85% of their classes throughout their course. Teachers will keep a record of each student’s attendance throughout the term.

You will be marked absent if you arrive more than 20 minutes late for class or leave the class more than 20 minutes early. You are only allowed to be absent for a maximum of 4 classes per module each term and will be sent a warning letter after each class that you miss. You will get 3 warning letters, after which you face expulsion from the school.

If you are ill or have an emergency, you need to inform your teacher who will excuse you from the class.

7. Can Oxford House College give me a place to stay while I study?

If you need accommodation while you study we offer a choice of Hostel accommodation or Homestay with a host family at affordable prices. We want your stay to be special so our Accommodation Officers are trained to find you a place that suits your lifestyle.

8. What qualifies as a full-time student?

In order to qualify as a full-term student you need to take at least 3 modules per term. Because our courses are fast-track some students find 4 or 5 modules per term a bit demanding. It is possible to reduce the number of modules you take but it is important to understand that you will then spread your study period over a longer time.

A large proportion of our students come from other countries and are applying for a student visa at the time they enrol with us, so we are fully aware of the UK Home Office’s requirements.

Oxford House College and all its partners are fully accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), Education UK, The British Council, UCAS (registration number 40445) the Department for Educational Skills (DfES): registration number 23306.

Please note that we are not authorised to offer any advice on visa requirements and apart from issuing your “Unconditional Acceptance Letter” which you will need for your visa application, we do not offer any further visa assistance.

Please consult immigration solicitors who can give you expert advice on visa applications or you can contact the UK Home Office or your local UK Embassy for advice on visa requirements.

- You can find more information on UK visas and entry clearance at www.ukvisas.gov.uk

- Visit the Home Office website on Immigration and Nationality for more information about extending your student visas & other visa categories at
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/visas/

- You can find out information on visa processing times and procedures from the Foreign & Commonwealth office at http://www.fco.gov.uk and a list of British Consulates worldwide can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029395231

10. Who is Sunderland University?

The University of Sunderland is a modern, dynamic university with high standards of teaching and research and a growing reputation as the university for enterprise, employment and opportunity. The city itself is a great place to live and work-right in the hearty of the buzzing North East of England.
The University of Sunderland has an international outlook and students from across the globe choose to study on its accredited programmes in partner institutions or on campus.

Website: www.sunderland.ac.uk
Email: student-helpline@sunderland.ac.uk
Course Helpline: +44 (0)191 515 3000

Oxford House College is accredited to run University of Sunderland degree
programmes.

11. Who is NCC Education?

Originally part of the National Computing Centre, NCC Education started offering IT qualifications in 1976 and from 1997 developed its Higher Education portfolio to include foundation and Business programmes. With Accredited Partners in over 45 countries, five International Offices and Academic Managers worldwide, NCC Education employs the latest technologies for learning, assessment and support.

NCC Education qualifications include the International Degree Pathway in Business or IT. Its programmes are recognised by universities, professional bodies and employers and its students benefit from unrivalled support and enhanced academic and career opportunities, from examination advice and direct contact with UK university professors to scholarships and careers guidance.

That’s why over one million graduates chose NCC Education as their route to a quality British education.

Website: www.nccedu.com
Email: Customer.Service@nccedu.com

Oxford House College is accredited to offer NCC professional qualifications.

12. What kind of job can I look for after the course?

After successfully completing this programme, you will be professionally qualified to work as a manager in various computing and IT related areas including programming, network administration, database development, web development and intelligence.

You will find that investing in your education has given you a head-start in a rapidly developing industry.

13. What happens if I fail a module?

If you fail a module at Diploma level, you may resit the examination in the next session for a £25 fee. At Advanced Diploma level the resit fee is £30 and £110 per module in your final year. You are welcome to attend the class for a module that you have failed or you can just resit the exam.

14. What do the course fees include?

Course fees include lectures, your study guide, access to modern computer facilities and internet access plus wireless connectivity if you have your own laptop. Some textbooks are included in the course fees but others will have to be purchased from NCC for about £10

It does not include resit and exemption fees, maintenance costs or additional study materials.