Entry requirements
ICDL is open to anyone – regardless of age, education, experience or background. You must have basic computer skills however, so the course is not suitable for complete beginners.
Why take this course?
The European Computer Driving Licence has recently rebranded and is known as the International Certification of Digital Literacy – ICDL for short.
It is the internationally recognised qualification for computer users, and is widely recognised by employers as proof of ability and competence when working with IT.
It is a benchmark qualification in computing, and the essential IT skills you will develop will help to boost your confidence and efficiency – they may even help you to get a new job. To gain the ICDL qualification, you must pass 7 tests, which may be taken in any order. The seven tests cover the seven modules of the ICDL Syllabus. These are administered throughout Europe by accredited Test Centres, and each test takes 45 minutes. North East College College has been approved by the BCS as an Accredited Test Centre.
The ICDL modules offer invaluable and transferable skills for individuals seeking employment, or advancement in posts where office IT skills are required. Over the last few yew years, ECDL has been the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries, and is renowned as one of the most cost effective ways for businesses to develop and accredit computer skills in their workforce. For more detailed information of the syllabus, including the aims and objectives of each module, please refer to the ICDL Website.
What you will experience
The ICDL is a Level 2 qualification (QCF) – roughly equivalent to Level 5 in Scotland (SCQF). With Office 2016 and Windows 7 training comes a whole new user interface and its appearance carries a sleek and modern look and feel, helping you to work more efficiently and effectively with a new set of powerful tools for creating, managing, analyzing, and sharing information. This course has been specifically designed to cover the key concepts of computing, as well as the practical use of the latest office PC applications. It will improve your understanding of computers whilst promoting efficient use of software, and is broken down into these seven modules:
- Using the Computer and Managing Files
- Word Processing (Using MS Word)
- Spreadsheets (Using MS Excel)
- Using Databases (Using MS Access)
- Presentation(Using MS PowerPoint)
- Web Browsing and Communication (Using e-mails and the Internet etc)
- IT Security
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
What you will need
All students are assigned a login to Microsoft Office 365 which includes online access to Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2016 at no extra cost. Microsoft Access is also available at the College Libraries and Digital Skills Spaces.
Additional costs
Find out more about costs for ICDL modules and qualifications
Assessment
This course requires some attendance at College for assessment purposes only. Attendance is usually at the Aberdeen City Campus or Fraserburgh Campus.
A test for each module must be passed to achieve the certificate. The course fees cover the cost of one attempt at each of the assessments, which must be taken at the College’s Assessment Centre.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
ECDL is a qualification in information and communication technology skills, which is recognised throughout Europe, and is supported and approved by the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS). After successful completion of all seven modules, your test centre will contact the BCS, who will then send you a certificate for the European Computer Driving Licence.
Student Stories
Rebecca Clements
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design and Development)
“I’ve had a passion for computing from a very young age. I decided when my son was starting school that it was the best time to go back and follow a dream I had put on hold.”
Read more about Rebecca's story
Ella-May Quinn
Computing
HND Web Development (including Digital Design & Development)
“I really enjoyed the course and the hands on nature of the learning. Being able to build websites was great and I got a real sense of achievement from the work we were asked to produce.”
Read more about Ella-May's story
Scott Duncan
Computing
HND Digital Development & Design (Games Development)
“I feel the course has prepared me well for my new role and I’m excited to put my new skills into practice and have the opportunity to do something I love every day! “
Read more about Scott's story
Martin Meszaros
Computing
HND Cyber Security
“I really have so much to thank NESCol for. I’m sure it is an experience that will have a positive impact throughout my life.”
Read more about Martin's story
Shay McGillivray
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
Shay’s HND has given him knowledge and skills that are vital for running a business today including cyber resilience, e-commerce solutions and social media and knows the course has given him a solid grounding in business operations, technology and project management which will serve him well for the continued success of their family business.
Read more about Shay's story
Beata Tetkowska
Computing
HND Technologies in Business
“I would definitely recommend NESCol to everyone who wants to study computing. No matter what age, or if this is their first course, or – if like me – you want to change your career. It’s a very friendly environment, well quipped when it comes to computing facilities and – most importantly – with very, very supportive and highly knowledgeable lecturers.”
Read more about Beata's story
Louise Findlay
Computing
HND Digital Design & Development (Web Development)
“I enjoy Computing because it’s such a broad field. There’s a variety of skills to learn and you can easily develop a niche. No two projects will be the same and since it’s such a fast-paced field, there are always new developments to keep abreast of.
“The computing courses give you lots of practical skills and a strong foundation to expand upon.”
Read more about Louise's story
Abby Grant
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“For anyone considering studying Accounting at NESCol, I would say it will definitely set you up and give you the right foundation for progressing on to a career in accountancy. I feel the skills I learned at college have been very beneficial in the work I am doing today. I use my knowledge gained at college of accounting principles and taxation every day.”
Read more about Abby's story
George Madgett
Computing
HNC Computing
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
Read more about George's story
Ami Batchelor
Business & Management
HND Advertising & PR
“This course will benefit you in more ways than one and the lecturers are some of the best people you’ll get to meet.”
Read more about Ami's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Online
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Starts Flexible start date
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Course Code YBNEU-O233A
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Fees £255.00
Distance Learning Application Form
Distance Learning courses have flexible start dates and applications will be considered at all points of the year.
For non-Scottish residents – the College will confirm fees payable for your chosen course on booking and these may differ from the advertised fee.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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