Overview

Graduate Certificate in Computing and Technology is designed to build your knowledge and skills to bridge the gap between your current qualifications and masters level study. On successful completion with an average of 50% across all modules, you will have guaranteed access to most postgraduate computing programmes at Northumbria University London Campus, MSc Cyber Security programme or specialist MSc provision dependent upon their entry requirements.

Key facts

  • Build your skills, knowledge and the confidence needed to study successfully at a postgraduate level
  • Designed for students who require additional support before joining a masters programme
  • Upon successful completion with a 50% pass rate, you will be ready to join one of our Computing Masters programmes

What will I study?

During the programme, you will study the following modules:

  • Implementing and managing IT Projects (20 credits): you will develop knowledge and skills in managing and delivering IT projects.
  • Academic Development for Postgraduate Studies (20 credits): you will improve your academic skills in areas such as enhancing your academic writing, identifying your learning style, developing your critical thinking skills and enabling you to understand research and make effective use of journal articles which will greatly support your future Master’s study.
  • Computer Information Systems (20 credits): you will improve your knowledge and understanding of the use of information systems in organisations and the related cultural, ethical and sustainability contexts in which information systems and wider computing systems operate.

All three modules are considered in the specific context of computer and information science to allow you to enhance your knowledge in this area. It will allow you to develop your academic and computing vocabulary and understand how to apply methods, frameworks, tools and theories into practice.

How will I be taught and assessed?

For this 60 credit programme, all modules will be assessed through written coursework. You will demonstrate your research, critical thinking and writing skills within the context of computing and information science. All work is individual and formative assessment will take place regularly throughout the semester to enable you to reflect on your performance throughout the programme.

Each of the three modules on the programme is 20 credits and will be assessed through a written assignment. You will need to achieve a mark of 40% to pass each module and to achieve entry onto the MSc programme, you will need to achieve an overall average of 50% across the three modules.

The Teaching and Learning Plans for each module set out the assessment strategy adopted for each module. Typically, formative tasks will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning to date and obtain feedback in order to reflect on their knowledge and understanding and the acquisition of intellectual or transferable skills.

  • Teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops and tutorials totalling 11 hours per week
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 33 hours per week
  • Assessment includes written coursework including critical Literature Review, individual report and individual assignment
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner

Further study

On successful completion of this programme, you will be in a position to meet the subject content entry requirement of Northumbria London Campus Computing programmes, MSc Cyber Security programme or specialist MSc provision dependent upon their entry requirements. On completing this programme you will have achieved a number of the Northumbria Graduate attributes:

  • The ability to think independently
  • Understand and justify your own opinions,
  • Recognise the need to challenge your way of thinking, and the thinking of others.

The programme in design will also help you to develop the other Northumbria Graduate qualities by enabling access to a full MSc programme and thereby supporting your future employability and long-term career prospects.

Academic requirements

  • The normal entry requirement is a pass or third-class honours degree from any discipline unless you are seeking to progress to a postgraduate programme that has specific entry requirements such as a Computer Science degree.
  • Applicants who do not have such an academic qualification but do have at least two years of experience working in a technical Computing or IT related role will also be considered.  In these circumstances, applicants should submit a CV outlining specific experience.

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.0 with no single element below 5.5 or equivalent.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

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All modules are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

In this module, you will develop and enhance your academic skills in the context of computer and information science. This module will help you understand and enhance your academic writing skills, develop your critical thinking ability and enable you to understand research and how to use academic journal articles and wider academic and practitioner literature. These skills will prepare you for your master studies. In this module, you will also develop your ability to communicate, in both writing and orally, in a professional and academic manner and to demonstrate this through an investigation of a topic in the computer and information science subject area.

You will also develop your academic vocabulary and have a greater understanding of how to apply tools, methods and theories to practice within the specific context of computer and information science. The topics covered in this module will include:

  • Academic writing skills;
  • Understanding learning styles;
  • Working in teams;
  • Enhancing critical thinking and writing skills;
  • Types of literature review;
  • Developing a literature review;
  • Understanding research and the effective use of journal articles.

IT Project management and implementation skills are vital for any computer science student and graduate. This module will develop your knowledge and practical skills in implementing and managing IT projects. You will learn to apply tools and techniques to design and implement web-based systems and practical skills to build a front-end web-based solution. In addition to practical skills, you will also apply project management methodology to implement IT projects such as the creation of a web-based system.

Your learning in this module will equip you to develop transferrable skills such as leadership, teamwork and critical thinking.

The syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:

  • Overview and nature of IT projects
  • Front end web design using HTML, CSS, JavaScript in addition to the application of UX techniques.
  • IT Project management essentials: planning; scheduling; estimating; risk management; resource allocation; monitoring and control; closing projects;
  • Review of project management methodologies, frameworks and philosophies such as waterfall, Scrum and Agile

Such knowledge and skills will support your current studies at Level 6 and future studies at the postgraduate level. Successful completion of this module (along with the other two modules) will enable you to progress onto your MSC programme. Additionally, project management knowledge and skills are particularly beneficial for a career in IT such as software developer, IT team leader and IT project manager.

The module aims to provide you with a critical review of computer-based information systems and how their use creates value in organisational decision-making processes at operational, tactical and strategic levels. You will also learn computer-based information systems design and implementation techniques and methods and apply these to a given scenario. The module will also equip you to develop skills in creating and managing databases using Structured Query Language and Relational Database Management System. The module will further provide opportunities to appreciate the role that ethics, sustainability, privacy and security play within the context of the use of computerised information systems in organisations.

Typical topics covered in the module include;

  • Information systems and their types
  • Information Systems design and implementation using Relational Database Management System including use of SQL to create and manage databases
  • Ethics and sustainability (green computing)
  • Privacy and Security

 

The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2023/24. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fees 2023/24

  • UK/Home students: £3,495
  • International students: £6,750

Tuition fee 2024/25

  • UK/Home students: £3,495
  • International students: £6,750

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

If you choose to progress on to one of our Master’s programmes upon successful completion of your Graduate Certificate, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships, bursaries, or payment plans.

Scholarships and bursaries
Payment plans

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

Enquire now

How to apply

Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study for the Graduate Certificate. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number. Please note: when applying to study on the Graduate Certificate, you will need to indicate which course you intend to progress on to once you have completed the programme.

Apply for May 2024
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Apply for September 2024
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We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your course. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol onto your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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Course Information

Level of study:

Pre-Masters

2023/24 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £3,495
International Fee: £6,750

Entry requirements:

Minimum of a pass or third-class honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0 with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1 semester

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

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