Educational aims
The aim of this diploma is to equip you with the knowledge and skills you will need to underpin a broad-based career in the computing and IT sector. As an independent learner you will gain many transferable skills – such as communication, numeracy and organisational – that are valued by employers. You will also acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts, technologies and techniques applicable to both computing and IT and a second complementary discipline.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this diploma, you will have:
- a broad understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT
- ability to apply correctly, common techniques for the design and development of computing and IT systems
- an understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying your second subject area
- ability to apply the principal theories, methods, models and approaches that can be deployed in your second subject area
- an awareness of the range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used, particularly in your second subject area, the ways in which people interact with them, and the limitations of such systems
- an awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of computing and IT systems, including in the context of your second subject area
- an awareness of major trends in computing and IT and of the implications of these trends and of their impact on your second subject area.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- apply correctly key concepts from computing and IT and from your second subject area in a range of contexts
- apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems
- select and apply appropriate techniques and tools relevant to your second subject area
- compare and contrast a range of ideas, arguments or theories based on your second subject area.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- analyse, design, evaluate and/or test computing and IT systems
- recognise and record your skills and knowledge to support your personal and/or career goals
- demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning in order to keep up to date with computing and IT and your second subject area
- identify and explain the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise in your second subject area and during the development and use of computing and IT systems
- use ICT tools and numerical skills, as appropriate, to help you learn effectively.
Key skills
On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:
- communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues effectively using styles and language appropriate to your subject, purpose and audience
- work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
- work independently; planning, monitoring and reviewing your own learning
- find, assess and use information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
- use appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
- recognise and understand a range of technological problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You will learn independently, using the following types of material, provided by us:
- printed teaching texts
- multimedia packages on CD-ROM, DVD and online
- directed readings from textbooks and papers
- specialised software tools.
We will support your learning with:
- self-assessment questions and exercises, included in the teaching texts
- programming tasks, computer-based investigations and open-ended project work
- feedback and guidance from a tutor, tutorials and revision
- email and online moderated forums
- study and project guides.
We will assess your learning with:
- tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- multiple-choice computer-marked assignments (CMAs)
- formal examinations.
Cognitive skills are promoted in the teaching materials via a range of activities including self-assessment exercises, multi-media tasks and computer-based investigations. They are supported by tutor-led discussions and activities. Online discussion forums provide an environment for interaction bringing students, tutors and module team members together for critical discussion and guidance. Tutor feedback aids the development of these skills.