This on-line programme builds onto your current qualifications to enable you to convert a Diploma or Advanced Diploma into a prestigious British Bachelors Degree. It is a collaborative programme between the University of Portsmouth and the National Computing Centre (NCC), the final Certificate being awarded by the University of Portsmouth. The degree parchment is identical to that awarded to a graduate who has studied full time on-campus at the University. The University uses Cybercampus to deliver their programmes.  

The University of Portsmouth has a record of 125 years in higher education. Since its foundation in 1869, the institution has grown considerably, linking with other educational establishments to build its reputation as a centre of academic excellence. Since the award of the first degree, over 100 years ago, the University of Portsmouth has maintained its commitment to promoting excellence in teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines.

Entry onto the final year of this BSc (Hons) in Computing (BCOL) can be achieved from different starting points. If your background is in IT and you already hold the equivalent of an Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (see BCOL (Final Year) Entry Requirements) you may be eligible to enter the programme directly onto the final year of study.

If you already hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a non-IT subject and wish to join the programme to graduate with a Degree in Computing, you may be able to do so through a bridging course known as the Professional Integration Programme or PIP. This programme provides you with computing and programming knowledge which then permits you to continue onto the final year of study on the BSc (Hons) in Computing (BCOL) from the University of Portsmouth. For details ---Click here---

If you are not sure whether you currently hold the relevant qualification for entry onto this BSc (Hons) programme, please contact MCG for advice with a copy of your detailed CV (Resume) at cv@nccedu.org

The BCOL and PIP courses are therefore aimed at students wishing to supplement their existing qualifications to qualify with an Honours Degree in Computing, the content of which is ideal for students interested in systems development. The degree is delivered and administered via the Web-based Cybercampus, enabling students to study from any location and at their own pace.

This final year is a 1-year fully online programme, delivered through the eCampus of Internet Virtual Learning University. This mode of learning involves interaction between facilitators (lecturers) and students via the specially created Cyber Campus. All the modules are essentially studied through a combination of: 

• Virtual Classroom (Online discussion, Chat, Private email)
• Course Materials (textbooks) sent to you by courier
• Supplementary Reading Materials
• Case Studies

In addition to the course material and textbooks, modules are studied through the virtual learning environment web site. Students are required to have an Internet account to access the World Wide Web for instructions, which will provide the detailed step-by-step approach in a virtual learning environment.

A qualified facilitator (lecturer) will be assigned for each module including the project. Interaction with students will be achieved via online chat, discussion room and private email.

The virtual classrooms will provide students with a lecture schedule to be followed for the duration of the course. Classroom discussions and assignments will be posted for students to interact with.

All study materials for the different modules will be supplied to students. Study materials will be used as the main source of learning and the facilitator will make references to it during the learning process. This will be supported by supplementary reading materials and / or linkage to other sources of information for further research. It is recommended that students log onto the programme for one hour per day while their registered module is running.  

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.

Flexibility and Duration :

It is possible to complete the BCOL within 12 months however you are permitted a maximum of 3 years from the date of your initial registration onto the programme. It is recommended that you review the study schedule which identifies when each module will run during the following 18 to 24 month period. By considering the schedule it is possible to select the timing of modules to suit your particular circumstances and thereby plan to complete the programme at your own pace. You can then request your preferred study schedule when you register to join the programme.

Sample Certificate :

To see a Sample Certificate of this BSc (Hons) programme ---click here---

Congratulations to Online Graduates - 1st August 2001: click --here-- for more details

Visit the Cybercampus  --here--