This is an intensive bridging course with 4 compulsory modules, designed for dynamic individuals who hold a diploma in a discipline other than IT and who are aiming for fast conversion onto the final year of the on-line BSc (Hons) in Computing from the University of Portsmouth (BCOL). Applicants will be considered from a wide range of non-IT Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications such as Business Studies, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, Tourism, Laboratory Management, Optometry, Nursing or Mass Communication etc.

Students can register for up to 3 modules at a time and can therefore accomplish the 4 bridging modules in as little as 6-8 months but they must be completed within 12 months. On successful completion of the 4 bridging modules, students are enrolled directly onto the final year of the on-line BSc (Hons) in Computing from the University of Portsmouth (BCOL).

This is a fully online integrated programme, delivered through the internet. The mode of learning involves self study and interaction between facilitators and students. All the modules are essentially taught through a combination of -

• Virtual Classroom (Online discussion, Chat, Private E-mail)

• Course Material (textbooks) sent to you by courier

• Supplementary Reading Material

• Case Studies

Course Structure :

Students must first complete the following 4 Compulsory Modules. These are mutually exclusive and can therefore be studied in any order.

C2001 Systems Analysis and Design

This module provides an in-depth study of the various analysis techniques to build a computer based information system. Practical techniques and appropriate documentation of system analysis will be taught. It emphasizes the importance of human aspects of information systems. This module also involves an examination of the process of system design. It introduces students to several important tools, techniques used and a practical approach to designing a system.

This module aims to build a broad based foundation of the software aspects of computing environments. It also provides an understanding of software engineering approaches.

• Principles of software engineering
• Software life cycle
• Formal methods
• Software Quality Assurance Techniques

C2005 Object Oriented Programming in Java

This module is design to give student an understanding of object oriented programming. It will show student an advance way at looking at programming and how with the introduction of objects programming is cut down tremendously. The main area of emphasis is introduction to the basic concepts, introduction to objects and classes, inheritance and polymorphism.

C2020 Computer Architecture and Data Communication

This unit gives an overview of computer hardware data communication and networking technology. It attempts to inculcate in students the ability to demonstrate an understanding of computer architecture and data communication.

• Characteristics and performance of contemporary computer equipment
• Principles and implementation of instruction codes
• Representation of storage and transmission data
• Concepts of data communication, networking and their applications

On successful completion of these 4 bridging modules, students will move directly onto the final year of the on-line BSc (Hons) in Computing from the University of Portsmouth (BCOL) and will be required to achieve a further 130 credit hours.  

Current Study Schedule:

2008 Course Schedules (Start of course dates)
Codes	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
C2001	7			28					15
C2002	7				26				15
C2005		11						29
C2020		11			26					6
IS352	14				12			29
IT350		11				16				6
IT363		11								6
IT353	14				12				15
IT354	14	11			12	16		29
IT355	14				12				15
IT357	14				12				15
IT359	14	11	24		12	16		29		6
PJ330			10			23				10
UOP_IND	7	4			5	9		24		1
Exams	Apr	Apr	Aug		Aug	Aug		Dec		Dec
** Injected Module C2001 on Monday, April 28, 2008 C2002 on Monday, May 26, 2008 C2020 on Monday, May 26, 2008

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Book-List:

* This textbook list is subject to change at any time.

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Assessment :

Examinations :

As with the BSc programme, PIP examinations are held three (3) times per year during the months of April, August and December at approved designated locations. These are usually at numerous authorised Centres. If you are not located near to an authorised examination centre, arrangements can be made through British Council Offices however the administration and invigilation costs (US$30 to 100 per examination) will be the responsibility of each student.

Exam Entry Cards are sent to each student through the website and your exam timetable will identify the time and place for each paper. For verification purposes, you will be required to bring the exam entry card and some form of identification, such as your CPR (Ikama), Driving Licence, Passport, ID etc for all your examinations.

On successful completion of the 4 PIP bridging modules, students will move directly onto the final year of the on-line BSc (Hons) in Computing from the University of Portsmouth (BCOL).

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Entry Requirements :

Applicants for the course will be considered from potential students holding a wide range of Advanced Diploma level qualifications including prior experience where appropriate. A student's level of ability at the start of the course is more important than specific subject knowledge. Applicants will normally be required to provide evidence that they have adequate language skills to cope with the programme material. Non-English speakers may be asked to provide an English language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS. Scores should be in the region of 550 or 6.0 respectively. If you are not sure whether your current qualifications will be accepted, contact MCG for advice. Email us with a copy of your detailed CV (Resume) and scanned certificates on cv@MCGglobal.org

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Some basic information about the course administration :

• Once you have been accepted and registered, you will be sent a study guide with specific information about your course together with personal Log-in and User ID passwords which are activated 24-48 hours after they are issued to you. With these passwords you will then have access to the study material and the virtual University eCampus through the Internet.

• Times are published on the cyber classroom for live on-line chat sessions with the course tutor / facilitator and fellow students. There are at least 3 chat sessions for each module, each session being approximately 90 minutes. Participation is not compulsory but highly recommended. If you miss one, you can catch up by reading the chat log which can be viewed at any time.

• The study material for each module is available through the eCampus web site for approximately six weeks from the start date published in the study schedule.

• For each module you should expect to spend an average of 25 hours on-line during which you can download the study material and participate in the live discussions. You can study the material off-line at your own pace and at times which are convenient to you. In addition to the time on-line, you should expect to spend around 20 to 40 hours per module offline working through the study material and exercises. The Study hours will depend on your background.

• If textbooks are being used for particular modules, they will be sent to you by courier.

How to apply :  

1. Access the application form here.

    
    
    

2. Complete the form and send it by email together with your CV, letter(s) of employment and certificates (in English) as attachments to NCC@MCGglobal.org.
   The scanned certificates, transcripts etc can be sent in Word, GIF, JPEG or pdf etc format. If the files are large (over 3MB), we recommend that you send the attachments in separate emails. Please note that NO fee is required until you are advised that you have been accepted to join the programme.

3. Your application will be assessed and you will be advised by email of the result. (This may take up to 30 days to process.)

4. If you choose to join the programme, you may be asked to re-confirm your preferred start date and the units / modules you wish to study.

5. The registration process can take up to one month therefore you will be asked to make your payment of the full fee (or first instalment) to MCG at least one month before your preferred programme start date.

6. MCG will register you and send the form for you to sign and return.

7. On completion of the registration process your Log-in and User ID passwords will be released giving you on-line access to the course and full access to the relevant sections of the eCampus. Text books, if applicable, will be sent to you by courier.

8. After 24 – 48 hours the course study guide and material will be available to you on-line. You may then start the programme.

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Course Fees:

The PIP Course Fee includes the fee for the final year of the BSc in Computing from the University of Portsmouth (BCOL) -

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Please Note : Additional costs may be incurred if you re-sit exams, re-sit modules, defer modules or default on instalment payments.