Course Spotlight - NQ Computer Technologies (SCQF level 5)
There is an increasingly strong demand for computing professionals and job opportunities are growing each year. Perth College UHI is supporting this growth by helping students gain the right qualification, skills and expertise to succeed in this ever-changing field. On the blog this week, our Computing department talk you through our NQ Computer Technologies (SCQF level 5) course.
“This introductory course is suitable for all types of people - regardless of qualifications, age or work experience. It will allow you to gain practical skills, and a formal qualification in Computer Technologies. Many of our students leave school with little or no qualifications - or are older and want to change career, but have no computing experience. This course is an ideal introduction to computing and - on completion of the course - students can progress onto HNC Computing, HND Computer Science, and ultimately to the Degree programme if they wish.
“With a growing economy in digital technologies, and a requirement for a workforce to be skilled in technical roles, the NQ Computer technologies programme provides an opportunity to develop those critical technical computing skills. This course will provide you with practical and theoretical skills in a range of key subject areas, and prepares you for progression to a higher-level study. The impact of the global pandemic and COVID-19 has highlighted even further the need for organisations to be able to work digitally while customers engage far more with online shopping, communicate using online platforms, the workforce being based at home and working remotely – all of this requires people with the computing skills required to support this huge shift. While the pandemic has been very challenging for everyone, it is an exciting time in the digital world where the possibilities are now far more than they were before COVID-19 and some would say have become limitless!
“The course covers a range of computer applications - which will ensure that you are proficient in multimedia creation, basic games design, software development/programming and hardware installation and maintenance, as well as ethical hacking and cyber security. These are all key areas that we hear about every single day and this course allows you to get a taste of each of these elements so you can find out what is of particular interest to you.
“You will also gain industrial experience by working in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Centre. The centre repairs, reuses and recycles IT and office equipment and mobile phones. This placement will allow you to improve and develop your hardware skills in a realistic environment. It is so valuable to gain this hands-on experience and adds to your CV for sure.
“We work really closely with local employers to ensure our NQ Computer technology programme is current and develops the right knowledge and skills that organisations require. We constantly review this to ensure we are providing you with what you will need to progress into employment.
“The NQ Computer technology teaching team is very experienced and knowledgeable but also and importantly supportive and friendly. The class size is usually around 20-24 and so you have plenty of time to get to know your tutors and get the vital support that you need. We use a Virtual learning Environment called Brightspace and your tutors provide learning and teaching materials within this space for you along with key communications. You will have a college email account which means you can keep in close contact with the team. You are also allocated a Personal Academic Tutor from day 1 and they are a vital source of advice and support in relation to your studies. You will meet them as a group but also on an individual basis and they will help you set your goals for the year and beyond.
“In addition to the support of your Personal Academic Tutor, Perth College UHI has a wide range of services available to support you within Student Services – If you need advice on funding, learning and teaching, career advice or actually anything at all – the list is endless so get in touch.
“We are currently planning to welcome our NQ Computing technologies into campus in September 2020 but are following Government guidance very closely to ensure all is safe. We are really experienced at delivering what we call a blended way – some online and some face to face and its likely this is how the course will be delivered in the coming year. This means that along with face to face practical sessions in small groups, you would also have online classes as well. We could say – the best of both worlds!!
“If you have any questions before you apply then drop the department an email at bmcl.perth@uhi.ac.uk and one of the team will get back to you. We will also be available at the next Perth College UHI Open Day which will be on Wednesday 5th August – keep an eye on our social media for details on that too.”
““I really didn’t know what I was going with my life, but always had an interest in technology. With few qualifications from school, I decided to apply for the NQ Computer Technologies as I knew from friends that the staff were always friendly and enthusiastic. After completing my NQ, I decided to stay - and four years later, I’ve completed my BSc (Hons). I’m very excited about the future, and grateful to Perth College UHI for giving me this opportunity.””
