Professional Computing & Information Processing - Certificate & Diploma & Advanced Diploma

Awarding Body: The Institute of Commercial Management (ICM)

Course Structure

The Certificate in Professional Computing & Information Processing - Part 1

1.Information Processing
2.Programming
3.General Purpose Software
4.Interpreting & Analysing Information (Numeracy & Statistics)

(The ICM Certificate in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)

The Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing - Part 2

1. Number & Logic
2. Systems Analysis
3. Applications
4. Programming Project

(The ICM Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

The Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing - Part 3

1. Managing Computer Systems
2. Hardware & Operating Systems
3. Networks
4. Feasibility Study

(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1, 2 & 3 subjects)

Programme Objectives
Part 1 provides an introduction to the subject, and is structured for those with no previous knowledge or experience of computing. Successful candidates will have attained a standard of computer literacy and numeracy which will enable them to either proceed to more advanced studies or take up careers as data entry clerks, trainee operators or junior trainee programmers.

Part 2 is structured for those with sound data entry and applications experience, providing they also have numeracy and accounting skills. Successful candidates will have a firm basis for seeking positions as computer operators or trainee programmers. Candidates who do not wish to make computing a career will have attained a high level of computer literacy and awareness which will enhance their job prospects in other areas.

The final examinations, in Part 3 take the student to an HND level and provide an opportunity for entry onto computing degree or post graduate programmes. Successful candidates should expect to be able to enter a professional computing environment with an academic and vocational background of sufficient strength to enable them to quickly move up the career ladder from programmer to analyst to manager. Alternatively the qualification can be offered as an entry qualification for post-graduate studies.

Recommended Course Duration
Nine months of full-time study for each.

Examination Grades

Grade A - Distinction 75% and above
Grade B - Credit 60% to 74%
Grade C - Pass 43% to 59%
Grade D - Marginal Pass 40% to 42%
Grade E - Marginal Fail 37% to 39%
Grade F - Fail 36% and under

Status of Qualifications
Professional Vocational Diploma.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the ICM. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the ICM at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Entry Requirements

The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of many of its vocational programmes but prospective students should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:

1.The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
2.One GCE A-level plus Three GCSEs (or equivalents)
3.Any qualification equivalent to one of the above

Certification
On successful completion of Level 1 examinations students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Professional Computing & Information Processing. On successful completion of Level 2 examinations students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing. On successful completion of Level 3 examinations students are awarded the ICM Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing and may apply for Associate Membership of the Institute

Continuing Education
The Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is recognised by other professional examining bodies for subject and level exemption purposes. It may also be offered as an entrance qualification for degree studies (subject to examination grades obtained).