International Diploma in ICT

Course description

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of ICT principles and concepts.
• Demonstrate a solid foundation and a breath of knowledge in databases, programming and industry related topics
• Enhance your career opportunities in ICT or further studies.
• Improve research and lifelong learning skills

What you will study

You will study modules such as:

• Object Oriented Programming – 12 ECTS

This module develops your understanding of Object oriented programming is an industry proven method for developing reliable modular programs and is popular in software engineering.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Understand the characteristics of object orientation
2. Use simple object oriented design method
3. Use object oriented concepts to create and test an object oriented program.

• Advanced Databases – 12 ECTS

Many jobs involve the use of databases and for this reason employees with database skills are valued. The advantages of using a database are extensive, including significantly reduced data storage requirements, improved record manipulation and faster access to records.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Understand the purpose and features of relational databases
2. Create, populate and test a multiple database
3. Use advanced features of a database and test functionality.

• Logic and Linguistics (including Mathematics and English) – 6 ECTS

Here we will go through the basic notions of logic; arguments, truth-tables and logical properties of compound sentences and Identity; functions, translation to and from predicate logic.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

Logic

1. Basic notions of logic; arguments; the connectives
2. Truth-tables and logical properties of compound sentences
3. Identity; functions, translation to and from predicate logic

Linguistics

1. Foundation of Linguistics
2. Skills for the Linguistics of English
3. Computational linguistics

• Business and Entrepreneurship (including Creative Thinking and Presentation Skills) – 6 ECTS

This unit starts by exploring the range of new technologies that have impacted business and then considers why it is necessary for organisations to respond. It also looks at how developments in IT.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Understand information technology developments that have had an impact on organisations
2. Understand why organisations need to change in response to information technology developments
3. Understand how organisations adapt activities in response to information technology developments.

• ICT Systems in the Industry – 8 ECTS

In this unit you will understand how these industries are benefiting from these applications in terms of efficiency and effectiveness towards enhancing their performance and why these industries need to consider to change or update in order to remain cost effective and competitive.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Understand ICT applications that have an impact on industries.
2. Industries are mainly related to those which are active and economically viable in Malta – such as Tourist, manufacturing, Aircraft maintenance, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical Industries, Craft & Creative Industries, and Financial Services (inc Banking & Accountancy).
3. Understand how these industries are benefiting from these applications in terms of efficiency and effectiveness towards enhancing their performance.
4. Understand why these industries need to consider to change or update in order to remain cost effective and competitive.

• Computer Systems and Networks Fundamentals – 16 ECTS

Most IT practitioners will at some stage have to set up, use, customise and maintain a computer system or systems. In order to do so effectively they will need to understand the components that make up a computer system. The operating system interacts with the hardware components in order to make a functioning machine. Although the Microsoft operating system currently dominates the market, it is not the only operating system and learners should explore at least one other.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit you will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Understand the hardware components of computer systems
2. Understand the software components of computer systems
3. Understand the diverse types of network systems and devices in common use and how the different technologies operate and communicate
4. Understand the OSI and TCP/IP and their relationship to the operation of network systems

How you will learn

ICT is both an academic and a practical subject so you will be taught with a flexible classroom-based method, through different ways, such as lectures, discussions and hands-on activities. We provide you with key reading and research activities, and you will make the most of our learning portal.

Our classrooms are equipped with PCs running Windows 7 and/or Linux and a whole range of industry-standard and educational software from Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others.

Most of our students bring their own laptops, but this is not essential since you can use the school’s facilities. Our Learning Portal Moodle allows you to access electronic learning resources, as well as electronic discussions with lecturers and other students.

Method of Assessment

Assessment is carried out through home-based assignments, which means you will have plenty of time to dedicate to each criteria. By having small groups, you will have more time for discussions where you can share your experiences at your place of work.

Each successfully completed unit will be graded as a pass, merit or distinction. A pass is awarded for the achievement of all outcomes against the specified assessment criteria. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement.

Entry requirements

• School Leaving Certificate, ECDL Standard certificate, and 3 GCSE; OR
• Relevant qualification at MQF/EQF Level 3;
• If English is not your first language, you will need IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Exemptions from providing evidence of English language proficiency may arise if you have studied your previous qualification in English.

Students should produce copies of certificates, full CV preferably in EuroFormat and passport-size photo.

Fees & funding

Current Fees