Computing and IT

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

This introductory course is designed to help you to develop a wide range of skills including problem solving, team work, communication and research, to prepare you for the next level of study.

You will develop your understanding of digital communication technologies, website design and spreadsheets while researching a relevant topic and exploring how to develop computer programs.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This course starts in September and will take one year to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

During this course you will cover the following units:

• Being Organised
• Developing a Personal Progression Plan
• Working with Others
• Researching a Topic
• Developing Digital Information using IT
• Creating a Storyboard
• Creating a Spreadsheet to Solve Problems
• Creating a Website
• Organise a Meeting
• Contribute to Running an Event

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed using a range of practical assignments, coursework and a portfolio of evidence.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You do not need any formal qualifications, just passion and a commitment to your studies.

What are the course fees?

The total cost of this course is £994. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Upon successful completion of this course, you may wish to progress on to the next level of study.

Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

During this course, you will build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to enable you to successfully enter a career in a digital environment.

You will explore systems infrastructure, application development, web development, social media and network security. You will also develop your understanding of business analysis including providing digital content for organisations.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take one year to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

During this course, you will cover:

• Set up and Configure Technology Systems
• Exploring Current and Emerging Technologies
• Security Protection and Risk Management
• IT Service Solutions
• Database Tools & Techniques
• Organisational Data Systems

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed throughout the year based on a range of practical and written work and externally assessed units.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or maths.

Achieving a good standard of English and maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses you may wish to progress on to. If you achieve below grade 4 in your English and/or maths GCSEs at school, you will study it alongside your chosen course when you join us.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated Financial Support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will have an exciting opportunity to progress on to university, choosing from a range of degrees such as computing forensics and security, computer game development or computer science.

Alternatively, you may decide to gain employment in the industry. With extensive advancements in technology, and with data breaches becoming increasingly more common and sophisticated, professionals working in this industry have never been in higher demand. There are so many opportunities!

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

Throughout this advanced course, you will explore the practice of IT project management and how to provide effective IT technical support and service delivery. You will also gain advanced knowledge of cyber security, event driven programming and website customisation.

As this course is hands-on and practical, you will have the opportunity to work on your own project such as developing a website and creating systems to manage information.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

During this course, you will cover the following units:

Year 1:

• Unit 01 - Information Technology Systems
• Unit 02 - Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Unit 03 - Using Social Media in Business
• Unit 04 - Programming
• Unit 05 - Data Modelling
• Unit 06 - Website Development

Year 2:

• Unit 09 - IT Project Management
• Unit 11 - Cyber Security and Incident Management
• Unit 12 - IT Technical Support & Management
• Unit 14 - IT Service Delivery
• Unit 19 - The Internet of Things
• Unit 20 - Enterprise in IT
• Unit 21 - Business Process Modelling Tools

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed throughout the year based on a range of practical and written work and four externally assessed units.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths.

What are the course fees?

The total cost of this course is £8,583. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated Advanced Learner Loan page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will have an exciting opportunity to progress on to university, choosing from a range of degrees such as computing forensics and security, computer game development or computer science. Alternatively, you may decide to gain employment in the industry.

Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.