Contents
PRE-MASTERS for students of COMPUTING
PROGRESS CHART
STAGE 1: ENGLISH LANGUAGE
STAGE 2: PgD IN STRATEGIC BUSINESS IT
STAGE 3: WORK PLACEMENT
2008 COURSE FEES & DATES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRE-MASTERS for students of COMPUTING
In today’s fast-moving technological world,
IT professionals with work-related skills to match the current needs
of business are in high demand.
At Oxford House College we believe that non-native English students
should not be held back by their linguistic shortcomings, so we
have designed this unique Pre-Masters course to
give you the opportunity to sharpen your English skills
before you start your Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Business IT
so that you can perform on an equal level to native
speakers both academically and professionally.
The Pre-Masters acts as an access course to the MSc Top Up. It
will build your confidence to communicate in English and at the
same time update and extend your knowledge of information
technology so that you will have a better understanding of the
latest IT issues affecting businesses as well to equip
you with management skills required in the role of an IT
business manager.
This Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) programme acts
as an access course to the MSc Top Up. It will prepare you for studying
on Masters-level in the UK and at the same time update and
extend your existing knowledge of information technology
so that you will have a better understanding of the latest
IT issues affecting businesses as well to equip you with
management skills required in the role of an IT business
manager.
Whether you decide to take the PgD in Strategic Business as a stand-alone
programme or as an access course to the
MSc Top Up, you will significantly enhance your management expertise
in key computing areas either way.
Is this course for me?
Introduced for recent graduates with one to two years’ relevant
work experience who intend to study on an MBA programme, this unique
Pre-Masters course combines extensive English language training
with essential postgraduate education.
So, if you speak English as a foreign language and are seeking to
attain a Postgraduate qualification in Computing, this is the course
for you.
Entry Requirements:
• An Undergraduate University Degree in IT
• Any University degree with 1-2 years relevant
IT experience
• Please send a CV with your application.
(Recognised international equivalents of these qualifications are
acceptable.)
Start Dates:
• Any Monday
Course Location:
• London
• Oxford
• Stratford-upon-Avon
Study Method:
• Full Time
• Part Time
• Flexible
Awarding Bodies:
• NCC Education
• Oxford House College
• Cambridge ESOL for IELTS
PROGRESS CHART
STAGE 1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
(3/6 months)
COURSE MODULES:
1. IELTS English Language
You will be required to complete an IELTS test to
determine your level of English before you start
the course. This should give us a basic idea of
where you should start the course. The main objective of this course
is to develop your ability to communicate in English
on a professional academic level with a balance
of communicative skills including reading and writing, listening
and speaking.
The course activities are designed to increase your English
confidence, linguistic accuracy and oral competence.
Role-play, presentations, summaries, debates and discussions are
some examples of the course activities you will perform.
Language skills can only be developed and improved through practice,
so this course is geared towards group, pair and project
work to ensure student involvement.
OR
English for Business Success
Our English for Business Success course is for people who either
plan to work or are already working in the field of business
and commerce.
The course covers a wide range of business language skills,
including the language of presentations, the language of seminars,
conferences and meetings, and describing tables and graphs. You
will be introduced to structures, expressions and
vocabulary in specific business situations. Your
teacher will show you how to speak clearly and
effectively in English about complex ideas.
Some of the topics covered by the English for Business Success syllabus
include speaking naturally in social situations, welcoming and showing
visitors around factories or offices, making appointments, corresponding
in e-mail, and understanding commercial documents and letters.
STAGE 2 POST-GRADUATE DIPLOMA (PgD) IN
STRATEGIC BUSINESS IT
(6/9 months)
Course Modules:
Considering the fast changing environment within which IT managers
operate, this module helps you identify both current and
prospective issues which cause uncertainty within the
Information Systems design process.
On the practical side you will be shown how to apply and critically
evaluate the approaches to problem investigation and also examine
key assumptions and your own prejudices.
This module provides an introduction to systemic enquiry
methods, in particular Soft Systems Methodology
(SSM), with some suggestions on how to deploy SSM as
an enquiry tool in the early stages of the development life cycle.
Other topics you will cover in this module includes the application
of consequence analyses techniques, the impact
of socio-cultural and political issues on the
IS field and finally the integration of real world pressures
and constraints into IS planning and development.
In today’s completive dynamic environment, the only thing
that an organisation can be certain of is uncertainty. The aim
of this module is to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary
to handle the uncertainty of task management,
with specific emphasis on the features of information systems
projects.
To achieve this, Task Management will demonstrate how to apply
resource and time management techniques in order
to plan and deliver achievable objectives, meeting the established
requirements within the stated constrains.
One of the major aims of this module is to assess the impact
of human behaviour and communication
on task management and evaluate the approaches used to
facilitate management activities such as mentoring and coaching.
This will be achieved by integrating appropriate leadership
styles and human behaviour into the task management process.
The aim of this unit is to explore the issues surrounding the
application of IT and to define and implement strategic objectives.
This will enable you to facilitate the strategic planning
process and develop effective strategic plans that will
help reach the organisation’s goals.
In order to develop and maintain a competitive advantage
over rival firms, organisations must analyse their own strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats while taking note of their
competition’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
You will learn how conduct competitor and industry analysis
and take appropriate action by using defensive
and offensive strategies as well as SWOT
analysis.
As set out by the syllabus, you will also cover topics such as
the strategic management process, establishing
company direction, evaluating company
resources and competitive capabilities, strategies for
competing in a global environment, business models
and strategies in the internet era and much more.
With the increasing popularity of Internet, networks are now
a core requirement of every area of computing
in any size organisation. This module therefore aims to equip
you with knowledge and skills in the underlying principles of
networking with a special focus on internet working,
while at the same time emphasising internet protocols
and network applications.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the application
layer, which has been a high growth area of computer
networking, including the Web, audio and video streaming,
and content distribution. You will need to master
the top down approach, which begins at the application
layer and works its way down to the physical layer.
In addition, a number of fundamentally important issues in transport
layer and network layer will be introduced.
Finally, you will learn how to integrate principles
and practice drawn from the internet architecture.
Sample Timetable:
The PgD is made up of 4 modules that
you need to complete in either 6 or 9 months if
you are studying full time.
It is really up to you to decide how you want to spread the modules
over the course of your programme. Students can normally judge within
the first week or two after their course have started how many modules
they will be able to manage at a time and you can always drop modules
if you feel you have taken on too many.
The flexibility of this course allows part-time
students to take fewer modules at a time and extend
the length of their studies.
Please note:
This sample timetable serves as an example only
to give you a rough idea of how classes will be organised and scheduled
during this course. Modules, lecturers and course days are
subject to change from term to term.
STAGE 2 WORK PLACEMENT/INTERNSHIP
(3/6 MONTHS)
You have the option to undertake work placement for up to 6 months
as part of your sandwich degree programme.
This is the perfect opportunity to practice what you have learnt
so far in real life situations, plus you will gain
the invaluable experience employers prefer when they choose between
job applicants.
Work placement is a great way to enhance your CV
and can be a foot in the door to your dream job.
Many Oxford House College students have impressed their employers
so much that they have been offered permanent jobs after
they have graduated.
Put simply, companies want people who can start working from
day one, so the more you know before you start, the better
your chances of being considered for a full time job after you graduate.
Oxford House Collage will arrange placement for you in a travel
or tourism related area such as a travel agency, airline
or holiday company. You will be assigned a placement officer
who will be your first point of contact with your new employer.
Your placement officer will give you advice on how to prepare a
professional-standard CV and interview
techniques.
Types of tasks you will do vary between employers but will range
from shadowing (literally following someone around
to learn how they do their job) to more general roles
such as office management activities or even a specific
role on a particular project.
We cannot guarantee payment for work placements but employers usually
pay the minimum wage to cover the student’s
living expenses. Please remember that the main objective is for
you to gain valuable experience. You will receive
support from Oxford House College throughout your work placement.
Please note that work placement can only be taken in between
Stage 1 and Stage 3 of this programme.
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 a “Conditional
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/award?
We do offer a limited number of scholarships/awards to selected
students in the form of a fee reduction of up to
£2,000 per annum. 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 MBA programme in only 12 months
without the work placement or in 18 months with
the work placement if you want to study full-time.
Part-time students can take fewer modules at a
time to reduce the workload but just remember that this means you
will take longer to complete your course. This will give you the
flexibility you need to balance your educational, employment and
financial needs.
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 DMS or you can continue to
the Top Up depending on what you feel your education and employment
needs are. You will receive a globally recognised diploma
after each programme.
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 a place to stay 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.
9. Is this college accredited to support me if I am on a student
visa?
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.
You can consult immigration solicitors who will
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.
Useful Links:
- 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 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. Who is Cambridge ESOL?
Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) is the
part of the University of Cambridge that provides qualifications
for learners of English. The exams are well known for their high
quality assessment of real English, as used in everyday
work, study and leisure situations by students around the world.
People take the exams for many reasons. They can help you to:
• improve your English
• follow a course taught in English at university or college
• get a good job
• travel or live abroad.
Cambridge ESOL certificates are recognised by thousands
of educational organisations and employers throughout the world
for study and work purposes.
Website: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/index.htm
Oxford House College is authorised by Cambridge ESOL to
offer IELTS language courses. 
13. What kind of job can I look for after the course?
Having reached such a prestigious level of education and training,
previous students of this course have gone on to take up managerial
positions in both the commercial and non-commercial
sector. With a specialisation in the Travel & Tourism
Industry, this particular MBA programme will also make candidates
highly versatile when considering how they would
like their careers to develop.
Some of our recent graduates have taken up posts as Customer Service
Managers, Marketing and Operations Managers and Finance Managers
either in the Travel Industry or in the general business world.
14. 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.
15. What do the course fees include?
Course fees include exam registration, lecturers and your study
guide, access to modern computer facilities and internet access
plus wireless connectivity if you have your own laptop.
Course fees do not include resit and exemption
fees, maintenance costs or additional study materials.
16. Do I need to pay a registration fee?
We do charge a registration fee which is included in your
course fee. However, if you request a refund because your
visa was refused or any other valid reason, we will refund the fees
you have paid to date less a £65 registration fee.
Please note that this registration fee will be increased
to £95 if you have enrolled for a course that includes
the final degree year, for example the BA (Hons)
top up or the MBA top up. This is due to the extra administration
required when we process degree-course applications.
For further details please contact |
Oxford House College
28 Market Place,
London, W1W 8AW
|
Tel: +44 (0)20 7436 4872
Fax : +44 (0)20 7323 4582
info@oxfordhouse.co.uk |
|
