Computing and IT

Open For Applications: Yes
Open For Applications: Yes
Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to progress to degree-level study, or into employment at lower/middle management roles. Refreshed content that is closely aligned with professional body, employer and higher education needs. Pathways have been aligned to IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education) occupational standards.

This Digital Technologies course will provide you with a sound understanding of the principles in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the area of digital technologies.

Entry Requirements:

There are several options for entry to this course:
•   48 UCAS points
•   One A Level or BTEC National Diploma / Certificate
•   Relevant work experience in a business department role

What does the course involve?:

Within Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Discuss the theoretical foundation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), types and areas of application.
- Analyse the approaches, techniques and tools to deploy Intelligent Systems.
- Modify an AI-based system to improve how exhibits intelligence in response to a real-world problem.
- Evaluate the technical and ethical challenges and opportunities of Intelligent Systems.

Course Content
•   Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
•   Innovation & Digital Transformation
•   Cyber Security
•   Programming
•   Big Data & Visualisation
•   Cloud Fundamentals
•   Software Development Lifecycles
•   Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
•   Digital Business in Practice

How is the course assessed?:

Your work will be continually assessed internally throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios and presentations.

Further Information:

The HNC and HND HTQ are widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualifications. These programmes are designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT. On achieving the HNC qualification, graduates may continue academic study to HND, or move directly into employment in a range of computing and IT roles. On achieving the HND 
qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

The Level 5 Higher National Diploma allows students to progress to degree-level study, or into employment at lower/middle management roles. Refreshed content that is closely aligned with professional body, employer and higher education needs. Pathways have been aligned to IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeship and Technical Education) occupational standards.

This Digital Technologies course will provide you with a sound understanding of the  principles in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the area of digital technologies.

Entry Requirements:

There are several options for entry to this course:
•   48 UCAS points
•   One A Level or BTEC National Diploma / Certificate
•   Relevant work experience in a business department role

What does the course involve?:

Within Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Discuss the theoretical foundation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), types and areas of application.
- Analyse the approaches, techniques and tools to deploy Intelligent Systems.
- Modify an AI-based system to improve how exhibits intelligence in response to a real-world problem.
- Evaluate the technical and ethical challenges and opportunities of Intelligent Systems.

Course Content

•   Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
•   Innovation & Digital Transformation
•   Cyber Security
•   Programming
•   Big Data & Visualisation
•   Cloud Fundamentals
•   Software Development Lifecycles
•   Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
•   Digital Business in Practice

How is the course assessed?:

Your work will be continually assessed internally throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the particular module being studied. Typical
assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios and presentations.

Additional Notes:

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college’s Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

Further Information:

The HNC and HND HTQ are widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualifications. These programmes are designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT. On achieving the HNC qualification, graduates may continue academic study to HND, or move directly into employment in a range of computing and IT roles. On achieving the HND qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This course introduces you to today’s Essential Digital Skills and four of the most popular Microsoft Applications used regularly in the workplace and at home.  Towards the end of the course, you take three assessments and on successful completion receive a certificate at Entry Level 3 or Level 1.

The course will enable you to recognise the usage and applications that influence essential digital skills in everyday life at home and at work. You will learn to create a range of complex and attractive documents, more detailed spreadsheets, and professional animated presentations, as well as professional emails and utilising an electronic calendar effectively.  On completion of the course, you may consider completing the next level in Essential Digital Skills or an alternative related course.

Entry Requirements:

 You must have a basic knowledge of IT and have experience of using a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen and using the internet. Some knowledge of the four Microsoft Applications Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel will be useful.

You must have an interest in enhancing your digital skills and developing your knowledge of the four Microsoft Applications Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

No additional qualifications are required, although learners should have basic skills in using their electronic devices, use of mouse and keyboard, and touch-screen, and connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi.

What does the course involve?:

The classes will focus on Essential Digital Skills such as Using Devices and Handling Information; Creating and Editing; Communicating; Transacting; Being Safe and Responsible Online; and familiar Microsoft applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

Lessons will be held in a computing lab where your tutor will demonstrate how to use a range of tools and applications.  Your tutor will provide support whilst you practice using the software effectively and create your own portfolio.

How is the course assessed?:

During the sessions your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback.  Additional tasks will be provided for you to practice at home.

To be certified at the end of the course, you will complete a task-based assessment, question paper and an observation.

Additional Notes:

A USB pen will be useful, as it will enable you to take electronic copies of your work home.

Please bring a notebook to make notes and invest in a folder to keep all your printouts and assessments.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Course Specification

Computing is consistently one of the popular university level courses that we offer. The career progression opportunities within computing are huge as this is a fast paced and constantly changing industry sector to work in. This fascinating course is delivered by qualified industry-experienced teachers in our suitably equipped labs and workshops at the London Road Campus. We’ll support and equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in the computing and IT industry or further continue your studies in Higher Education. There is a large practical based element and learning is mainly assessed through the production of technical artefacts and reports.

Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements include:

•   A Levels or a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma / GNVQ Advanced or relevant work experience in a responsible IT role.
•   GCSEs for English and Maths at grade C/4 or above however equivalent qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration.
•   Applicants without GCSEs will be required to complete initial assessments and may wish to consider the part-time GCSE courses that the college offers both during the evening and daytime.
•   Accreditation may be given for relevant work experience or prior learning for mature learners. 
•   To be able to study on this course you will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English – please refer to the Course Specification for the IELTS requirement for your individual course.

What does the course involve?:

The HNC and HND are widely recognised and highly valued qualifications that enable you to develop a range of skills and gain relevant experience necessary to progress a career in computing. The programme is run from September to June.

Modules in year 1:

•   Programming
•   Networking
•   Database Design & Development
•   Professional Practice
•   Security
•   Website Design & Development
•   Software Development Lifecycles
•   Planning a Computing Project

Modules in year 2:

•   Application Development
•   Data Structures & Algorithms
•   Cloud Computing
•   Architectures
•   Computer Games Development
•   Computing Research Project
•   Business Process Support

Units are subject to change.

How is the course assessed?:

Your work for both qualifications will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios, examinations, presentations, and a Pearson set project.

Additional Notes:

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college’s Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

The HND HTQ is a widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualification. This programmes is designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT. 

On achieving the HND qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

What do I do next?:

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In–Students–Undergraduate–Apply–Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events or ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Course Specification

Computing is consistently one of the popular university level courses that we offer. The career progression opportunities within computing are huge as this is a fast paced and constantly changing industry sector to work in. This fascinating course is delivered by qualified industry-experienced teachers in our suitably equipped labs and workshops at the London Road Campus. We’ll support and equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in the computing and IT industry or further continue your studies in Higher Education. There is a large practical based element and learning is mainly assessed through the production of technical artefacts and reports.

Entry Requirements:

Entry requirements include:

•   A Levels or a Level 3 BTEC National Diploma / GNVQ Advanced or relevant work experience in a responsible IT role.
•   GCSEs for English and Maths at grade C/4 or above however equivalent qualifications and/or work experience will be taken into consideration.
•   Applicants without GCSEs will be required to complete initial assessments and may wish to consider the part-time GCSE courses that the college offers both during the evening and daytime.
•   Accreditation may be given for relevant work experience or prior learning for mature learners.
•   To be able to study on this course you will need to have reached a certain standard of speaking English – please refer to the Course Specification for the IELTS requirement for your individual course.

What does the course involve?:

The HNC is widely recognised and highly valued qualifications that enable you to develop a range of skills and gain relevant experience necessary to progress a career in computing. The programme is run from September to June.

Course Content:

•   Programming
•   Networking
•   Database Design & Development
•   Professional Practice
•   Security
•   Website Design & Development
•   Software Development Lifecycles
•   Planning a Computing Project

How is the course assessed?:

Your work for both qualifications will be continually assessed throughout the course. The assessment will depend upon the module being studied. Typical assessment methods include assignments, developing portfolios, examinations, presentations, and a Pearson set project.

Additional Notes:

The HNC and HND HTQ are widely recognised and valued higher education university level qualifications. These programmes are designed to prepare and develop people for advancement in Computing and IT.

On achieving the HNC qualification, graduates may continue academic study to HND, or move directly into employment in a range of computing and IT roles.

On achieving the HND qualification, graduates may continue academic study to top-up to a BSc(Hons) degree, or move directly into employment in a range of Computing and IT roles.

What do I do next?:

To join this course you will first have to register with UCAS at www.ucas.com and then apply through UCAS. (Choose: Sign In–Students–Undergraduate–Apply–Register and follow the instructions.) You will then receive a confirmation email from UCAS and the College will be in contact with an interview date. Current Shrewsbury Colleges Group students should seek support from their tutor before applying.

If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the programme most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, or ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This course provides you with the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and  understanding of the information technology sector, preparing you for a role in IT. You will develop a wide-ranging understanding of hardware, cybersecurity, networking, and emerging technologies.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 3 or above, preferably including English or Maths.

What does the course involve?:

This course provides an opportunity to gain broad knowledge and understanding of the information technology sector. You will develop a wide-ranging understanding of hardware, cybersecurity, networking and emerging technologies. This hands-on course will introduce you to a variety of subjects that will allow you to understand how IT is used in industry. You will replicate an IT technician’s role in discovering how computer components work, installing them in systems, fault finding and configuring them in a network.

Topics that will be covered in the course:
• IT essentials
• Cyber security
• Building IT systems
• Computer networks
• Participate in an IT project
• Using emerging technologies
• IT hardware installation and upgrade
• Supporting IT functions.

How is the course assessed?:

Assessment methods include a mixture of written assignments, observation of practical activity, demonstrations, presentations, and external exams which are completed throughout the academic year.

How much does it cost?:

You are expected to provide a USB pen or hard drive to hold your data and the college also provide Microsoft 365 cloud software so you have Microsoft Office software at home and online storage to hold your lesson notes and portfolio materials.

Additional Notes:

At the college, there are the following facilities: An extensive range of modern computer equipment; dedicated teaching laboratories; a well-equipped Resource Centre, available to you outside normal class times; an online learning system you can get to from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Guest speakers are invited into college to speak to students on the course. 

There will be opportunities to engage in work experience over the duration of your course through The Agency. Our course will offer you the opportunity to visit places relevant to your studies.

On successful completion of the Level 2 course you could progress to Level 3, where you will be able to experience further specialisms and build on the subject knowledge gained.

We offer a Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT & Computing with Games Development at the London Road Campus which in turn can lead to studying IT or related subjects at higher education level. Some of our students go on to apprenticeships in the IT Industry, others go directly into employment.

Open For Applications: Yes
Parent Article: 925
Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Computing and Information Technology is the basis of modern society. This two year Extended Diploma offers a varied range of units that will suit students wanting to gain computing and IT experience in order to progress into employment or onto Higher Education. The practical subjects taught on this Extended Diploma will enable you to gain wide-ranging experience for a career in Computing and IT. Some of the potential careers include: Networking & Systems Support; Programmer; Project Manager; Games Developer; Website Designer; Software Developer; IT Consultant & Systems Analyst. The qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels, so you can progress onto a computing course in Higher Education (HE), either here at Shrewsbury College or at University or you can use your qualification to make the move into employment.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, preferably including Maths and English or a Level 2 Diploma at Merit grade.

What does the course involve?:

This course will put you at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies. On completion, you will be able to progress to a range of degrees or higher apprenticeships in computer science, games development, cyber security, web and software development, and much more.

  • Programming
  • Computer games development
  • Website development
  • Computer systems
  • Computer hardware
  • Networking
  • Cyber security
  • IT project management
  • Social media
  • Databases
  • IT service delivery
  • Internet of Things
  • 2D / 3D graphics.
How is the course assessed?:

Assessment methods include a mixture of written assignments, demonstrations,  presentations, external exams, and controlled assessments which are completed throughout the academic years.

How much does it cost?:

You are expected to provide a USB pen, hard drive/cloud software to hold your data; folders to hold your lesson notes and portfolio materials.

Additional Notes:

 Guest speakers are invited into college to speak to students on the course.

There will be opportunities to engage in work experience over the duration of your course through The Agency.

Our course will offer you the opportunity to visit places relevant to your studies.

On completion of the two-year Level 3 course, you can progress to a HNC/HND or Degree in Computing and related areas such as: digital technology solution, IT management for business, computer networks security, computer games or business computing and entrepreneurship.

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