Advanced Diploma in Computer Science

Program Overview

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Technical Support is a two-year program that prepares learners for IT technical support roles. It develops technical skills and knowledge in computer systems, including troubleshooting, client operating systems, computer networks, and security concepts. The program utilizes various learning activities and assessments, and graduates are prepared for careers as IT support technicians, network administrators, and IT engineers. It also provides a pathway to university and further study through articulation agreements with international institutions.

Program Outline

Advanced Diploma in Computer Science - AAS College Thessaloniki Art & Design

Degree Overview:

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Technical Support is a two-year program designed to prepare learners for employment in IT technical support roles. It covers a range of specialist technical skills and knowledge in using and supporting computer systems. The program aims to:

• Develop candidates' knowledge and skills in planning, developing, and evaluating.
• Develop employment skills, particularly relating to the IT industry.
• Enable progression within the SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework).
• Develop study and research skills.
• Develop learning and transferable skills (including Core Skills).
• Provide academic stimulus.
• Support candidates' continuing professional development.
• Update the contents of the award to reflect current professional practices and technologies.
• Update the contents of the award to incorporate best practice in assessment, including a reduction in time spent on assessment and maximizing the use of e-assessment.
• Maximize flexibility (while maintaining coherence) in qualification design to permit centers to customize the award to their local needs.
• Reduce the academic level of the award (in terms of SCQF levels).
• Produce Units that are able to embrace external changes without regular updates.
• Produce Units that are compatible with a wide range of vendors.
• Prepare learners for employment in an IT or Computing post at technician or professional level in a technical support role.
• Equip learners with a range of specialist technical support skills and knowledge in the use and support of computer systems.
• Prepare learners for progression to further study on HE Computing courses.
• Develop in learners an awareness of professional IT issues such as legal and ethical considerations.

Outline:

The program is structured over two years and consists of 240 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8.

Year 1:

• Developing Software: Introduction
• Professionalism and Ethics in Computing
• Computer Systems Fundamentals
• Troubleshooting Computer Problems
• Team Working in Computing
• SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Graded Unit 1 (Exam)
• Client Operating Systems
• Computer Networks: Building Local Area Networks
• Mathematics for Computing 1
• Cloud Computing
• Computing: Introduction to Project Management
• Technical Support: Supporting Users: Hardware
• Technical Support: Supporting Users: Software

Year 2:

• Software Development: Programming Foundations
• Security Concepts
• Network Server Operating Systems
• Network Technology and Data Communications
• Providing Technical Support to Users
• Open Source Operating Systems: Introduction to Command Line Administration
• Open Source Operating Systems: Basic Server Administration
• Managing a Web Server
• SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Technical Support Graded Unit 2 (Project)

Learning Activities:

The program utilizes a variety of learning activities, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Study packs
• Problem-based scenarios
• Case studies
• Group/team work
• Online materials
• IT based teaching materials
• Projects
• Quizzes
• Research and presentation of findings to fellow students
• Role play
• Short-response questions
• Multiple choice questions
• Create questions for other students (with answers), etc.

Assessment:

The program includes two graded units:

• Graded Unit 1: Exam

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared for a variety of roles within the Computing/IT industry, including:

• IT Support or operations technician
• Computer installation and maintenance engineer
• IT user support technicians
• Network Support administrator
SQA has articulation agreements with various international institutions, allowing graduates to progress to third-year undergraduate degree programs in countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.