Along with word processing packages, the most widely used software application is the spreadsheet. This is a mandatory Unit within the HNC/HND Administration & Information Technology course, but is also included within other HN Group Awards and can be taken as a stand-alone Unit. It is designed to allow candidates to develop an understanding of spreadsheet design and how to use spreadsheet features and functions for practical and effective use. It is also relevant to those hoping to develop their knowledge of spreadsheets as a tool to help provide solutions to common business problems. On successful completion, candidates should be able to:
All students are assigned a login to Microsoft Office 365 which includes online access to Microsoft Excel 2016.
This Unit will introduce different uses of spreadsheets, ranging from creating financial reports to handling lists of data and preparing charts to provide solutions to common business problems. It will develop your critical thinking skills, meaning you will be able to judge the appropriate spreadsheet formulas and functions for the presentation and summary of data. There are three outcomes.
Outcome 1 concentrates on spreadsheet design and creation. You will create relevant single or multiple spreadsheet files and consolidate the data within related worksheets to provide summary information for a business problem.
Outcome 2 develops skills for the graphical representation of data. You will use charting and enhancement features to identify and describe patterns, direction of tendency and exceptions as you draw conclusions based on a common business problem.
Outcome 3 develops the use of spreadsheet statistical functions for the numerical summary of data to aid decision-making. You should use frequency distribution tables and statistical functions to summarise information and then draw conclusions based on a common business problem.
Evidence for this Unit is generated through 3 assessments undertaken using open book controlled conditions. Your Tutor will mark your all 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. Assessments are booked through the BCD team.
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.
It would be beneficial if you have numeracy skills and previous experience in using a computer/spreadsheet software. A relevant qualification or work experience would also be beneficial.
You may be required to attend College for assessment. Please check if this is a requirement for your course.
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.
“If you’re not too sure about what you want to do, then I would definitely recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship because it gives you an insight into working while you’re still studying.”
“I feel confident moving forward as the experience of a Modern Apprenticeship and the skills I have managed to develop stand as a strong base structure for the rest of my career.”
“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.”
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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