Introduction to the Award

This Professional Development Award (PDA) is one of a suite that was designed to incorporate the knowledge and understanding required by popular Vendors’ Neutral award into SQA’s Higher National frameworks.

Course Introduction

The PDA in Information Technology is a four-credit PDA that covers the knowledge and understanding associated with the Microsoft office specialist – core  Program and would be attractive to candidates who are looking for a position as an IT office Administrator, or candidates who needed to verify their existing skills in office administration for progression within an organisation.

This PDA will enable candidates to improve their professional practice and provides them with Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

SQA Framework:

The PDA Office Technology Microsoft program also offers a number of shorter curricula that are related to SQA HN Units at SCQF level 7 in Administration and Technology. These are also assessed by means of restricted response questions and practical labs and so can give credit transfer to complete units.

Course Objectives:

• Candidates will acquire 32 SCQF credits which can be utilised to get exemptions towards HNC Administration and Information Technology or HNC Information Technology.
• Candidates who successfully completed this PDA would have the knowledge and skills required to sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist Core exams (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access).
• Successful completion of this would allow candidates to join the following courses; HNC Administration and IT, HNC in IT, and PDA in administrative Management

Prerequisites:

• IT and Communication skills as SCQF level 5 or equivalent.
• Mature candidates with suitable work experience in an administration environment.
• It would be advisable for all candidates to have some prior knowledge of computing or information technology although formal qualifications may not be necessary if suitable experience had been gained informally or through work experience.
• NQ/SVQ in Administration

Why Get Certified:

With IT job openings being created faster than trained people can be found to fill them, IT certification is the best way to open the door to a higher salary, more opportunities and career fulfillment.

Trained and certified IT professionals are needed worldwide.

More IT professionals are getting certified than ever before because IT certifications:

• Validate your knowledge and skills
• Help you remain competitive and employable
• Give you job proficiency more quickly
• Show dedication to your career

Target Audiences:

The IT training classes which we are currently offering are suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

• School leavers
• Adult returnees to education
• Individuals who intend to leave school and further their career path in a college or equivalent
• Individuals who are in employment and wish to enhance their career prospects
• Individuals who wish to start a new career in IT
• Individuals who want to get a promotion at work
• Individuals who want to upgrade in their IT skills
• Individuals who intend to progress their career after the study of the PDA into further study at HN level

Learning Modes:

ITPT is currently providing different method of learning opportunities to students. Many people are looking for learning diversity to enhance their qualifications, but they don’t have the time to take on full-time instructor led study or attending courses regularly at their appropriate venues.

Career Opportunities/ Job Roles:

The student will be able to advance their career in the following job roles;

1. Office Administrator
2. Office Secretary
3. Office Assistance
4. Office Support
5. Librarian
6. Data Analyst
7. Staff Assistance
8. IT Admin
9. Medical Admin
10. Data Entry Operator
11. Data Modeller
12. Microdot Office Facilitator

Application Process:

You will be expected to attend an interview with a member of the course team. There will be a basic aptitude test to observe your understanding of this course. Course consultant will help you in filling forms and provide you further guidance if required.

Funding Available:

Course Funding: SAAS PTFG: Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland

This course is funded by SAAS part time funding which is available to eligible individuals only;
SAAS General funding eligibility requirement:

1. You have to be a resident of Scotland
2. Either employed or unemployed, if working then earning must be less/equals to 25k a year
3. Have not used the SAAS funding in this Academic Year.

Other criteria:

• Students do not need to pay it back as this is a grant not a loan.
• This funding is different from the full time funding which can be applied by someone who previously granted for a degree, postgrad or any other full time studies (HNC/HND) etc. but not in a same session
• Part time funding cannot be received on a same session if one is already receiving any part/full time funding for other courses.
• Part Time funding can only be used for one course per academic year
• SAAS part time funding academic year starts from Aug to July.

For more information please visit the below link 

www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/funding_guide.pdf

To check your eligibility:

Please follow the below link to check if you qualify for the course funding;

www.saas.gov.uk/part-time/undergraduate-funding

Self Funding

If you do not qualify for SAAS part-time funding, you have the option to self-fund the course.

Fees are payable in advance at the start of the course unless otherwise agreed.

We also provide flexible fee installments to help students in paying their fees.

There are a number of other funding opportunities available to UK and EU students to help them to pay for their studies. Contact the college for more details.