Today’s society is often described as the ‘Information Society’ – where information is expected to be timely and accurate, and presented professionally. Individuals in the workplace now have access to, and are responsible for, the management and secure storage of large amounts of information.
This Unit is designed to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills for further study or employment in an administrative or IT environment. It introduces the database as a tool to help store, process and produce information in such a way as to be relevant to a manager and thus assist with management decision-making. Initially, you will focus on the analysis of a business problem, then the design and use of a database to collate data and turn it into information. On completion of the Unit you will be able to:
Credit points and level: 1 HN credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7)
Initially this Unit will focus on the analysis of a business problem, then the design and use of a database to collate data and turn it in to information. There are three outcomes:
In Outcome 1 you will learn how to analyse a business problem, identify the data you need to process and how best to order that data. Then you will be introduced to the relevant terminology as well as the basic concepts of database design. You will create a database structure using a relational database.
In Outcome 2 you will also learn how to input data, using tables. You will also design forms and demonstrate how to use these forms for both managing data and searching for specific records. Finally having created a database you will be introduced to the importance of storing information securely.
In Outcome 3 you will use the database facilities to help you solve a range of business problems. You will also use the database facilities to help you present the results in a format that is clear to the reader. You will also look at the range of statistical functions available within the report object. Having produced the appropriate information you will then be able to recommend a course of action to a business problem.
In order to complete this Unit successfully, you will be required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance in all assessed work. There are three assessments for this course that are carried out under open book controlled conditions. Your Tutor will mark your certified assessments. Any re-submissions, known as remediation, will also be directed and remarked by your tutor. Your work will then be cross-marked by an in college subject expert, a process called moderation. It is only then that a result can be sent to the Awarding Body for certification. A pass is not final until all cross-checking procedures have been successfully completed. Your pass will be notified to the SQA for certification.
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
Pre-entry guidance is required prior to booking a place on this course. Please contact our Distance Learning Co-ordinators by email or call 01346 506014. Candidates would normally be expected to be competent in numeracy and communication at SCQF level 5 or have similar qualifications or experience.
Previous experience in using a computer and database software would be beneficial. It is essential that you have experience in using a computer, the Windows interface and Windows terminology.
This course involves an additional SQA fee. Further information is available here.
Your course may be free if you are not a full time student with NESCol and you are : in receipt of benefits; or care-experienced; or your household taxable income falls below defined levels.
This course is eligible for ITA funding which offers up to £200 towards the cost of training. Conditions apply.
“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.”
“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.”
“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! “
“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.”
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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“By sharing my experience I hope I can inspire anyone with autism.”
“This course will benefit you in more ways than one and the lecturers are some of the best people you’ll get to meet.”
This course requires some attendance at College, often for assessment purposes only. Please enquire about expectations for your specific course when booking.
Attendance is usually at the Aberdeen City Campus or Fraserburgh Campus.
Pre-entry guidance is required prior to booking a place on this course. Please contact Brenda Bryce, Distance Learning Co-ordinator by email or on 01346 506014 in the first instance for more information. When submitting your distance learning application form, please ensure you attach the additional information sheet listing qualifications and previous knowledge with your application. You may be required to attend College for assessment. Please check if this is a requirement for your course.
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 complete an enrolment form. In completing 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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