Professional Computing & Information Processing – Certificate & Diploma & Advanced Diploma
ICM Awards and Professional Qualifications
In its capacity as a course developer and an Examining and Awarding body, the Institute provides a wide range of professional and vocational awards in more than 200 Business and Management subjects and areas. ICM programmes are designed to address the wide variety of personal development and training needs of those wishing to enter the commercial sector, and to support the continued development and workplace flexibility of those already in employment.
In addition to providing Business and Management Awards and qualifications, the Institute also develops specialist courses for those involved in the fields of social care, health care and community development.
Over a thirty year period, ICM programmes and Awards have achieved international recognition.
Tuition leading to the Institute’s examinations is provided by teaching institutions in Europe, North, East, West and sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, ACP countries, the Levant, the Balkans, Central and South East Asia, the Far East, Australasia, Eastern Europe and more than forty other countries around the world.
As well as providing a comprehensive knowledge of each of the major business functions, the structure of ICM programmes ensures that students have the widest possible range of career, employment and higher education options open to them on successful completion of their studies.
The Institute is a fully accredited UK Awarding body.
Course Structure
The Certificate in Professional Computing & Information Processing – Part 1
- Information Processing
- Programming
- General Purpose Software
- Interpreting & Analysing Information (Numeracy & Statistics)
(The ICM Certificate in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1 subjects)
The Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing – Part 2
(The ICM Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)
The Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing – Part 3
(The ICM Advanced Diploma in Professional Computing & Information Processing is awarded on completion of all Part 1, 2 & 3 subjects)
Graduate Diploma in Computer Systems Management
Programme Objectives
Part 1 provides an introduction to the subject, and is structured for those with no previous knowledge or experience of computing. Successful candidates will have attained a standard of computer literacy and numeracy which will enable them to either proceed to more advanced studies or take up careers as data entry clerks, trainee operators or junior trainee programmers.
Part 2 is structured for those with sound data entry and applications experience, providing they also have numeracy and accounting skills. Successful candidates will have a firm basis for seeking positions as computer operators or trainee programmers. Candidates who do not wish to make computing a career will have attained a high level of computer literacy and awareness which will enhance their job prospects in other areas.
The final examinations, in Part 3 take the student to an HND level and provide an opportunity for entry onto computing degree. Successful candidates should expect to be able to enter a professional computing environment with an academic and vocational background of sufficient strength to enable them to quickly move up the career ladder from programmer to analyst to manager.
The Graduate Diploma is regarded as a degree level qualification and will provide additional career opportunities. Furthermore, this qualification may be used as an entry qualification for postgraduate studies.
Student Registration & Course/Level Entry Requirements
Student Registration
In order to undertake any ICM examination candidates must be Registered ICM Student Members.
Student Membership can be obtained by completing the appropriate Student Registration Application form and returning the form and the Student Registration Fee to the Institute. Details of Student Registration Fees can be found on the ICM website.
The Student Registration fee is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Important Note: All students wishing to register for any ICM professional programme other than a Certificate Level programme MUST complete and attach an Academic History form to their Student Registration form. Copies of all qualifications and Awards obtained by the student must also accompany the Academic History form.
The Academic History form is used to ensure that students are qualified to commence their studies at the Level they have selected.
Course/Level Entry Requirements
ICM professional programmes are structured in Levels. These Levels are designed to provide a structured and progressive level of knowledge.
All students are required to commence their studies at the Certificate Level of all programmes unless they are able to claim subject-for-subject or Level exemptions.
Subject-for-subject exemptions can be applied for if the student has (a) been examined, in the subject, by another recognised Awarding body and (b) has passed the examination/s set by the alternate body.
The Institute operates an ‘Open Entry’ policy in respect of most of its Certificate Level vocational programmes, subject to appropriate work experience, but prospective students should note that the following qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake ICM Certificate Level programmes:
Entry to an ICM Certificate Level Programme (NQF Level 4)
Entry to an ICM Certificate programme requires completion of secondary education or equivalent. For example:
- One GCE A-level plus three GCSEs (or equivalents) or 5 GCSEs
- A suitable BTEC National Award
- Any qualification equivalent to one or more of the above
The minimum age for registration for the majority of programmes is 18. Applicants over the age of 20 who do not hold one of the recommended entry qualifications may also register for some Certificate Level programmes providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years and can produce a letter from their employer to confirm this.
Entry to an ICM Diploma Level Programme (NQF Level 5)
Entry to an ICM Diploma Level programme requires completion of the relevant ICM Certificate Level of the programme.
Entry to an ICM Advanced Diploma Programme (NQF Level 6)
Entry to an ICM Advanced Diploma programme requires completion of the ICM Certificate and Diploma programme Levels of the selected programme.
Entry to an ICM Graduate Diploma Programme (NQF Level 6)
Entry to an ICM Graduate Diploma requires completion of the ICM Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in the selected programme.
Entry to an ICM Postgraduate Diploma Programme (NQF Level 7)
Registration for an ICM Postgraduate Diploma is accepted from those ICM Student Members who have completed an ICM Graduate Diploma and from holders of relevant and appropriate degree level qualifications.
Examinations
Examinations and assessments are externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held each year in March, June, September and December. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake their examinations.
Examination papers are securely distributed to ICM Approved Centres and scripts are assessed and moderated in the UK by ICM Appointed Examiners.
Full details of Examination dates can be found on the ICM website.
Examination Closing Dates
There is a Closing Date for receipt of Examination Entries and candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed Examination Entry forms and fees reach the Institute before the Closing Date for each Examination diet. Examination Timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting and this information also appears on the ICM website. Entries received after the Closing Date are automatically carried forward to the next Examination Series.
Examination Results
Results are distributed within twelve weeks from receipt of scripts. Candidates are advised not to telephone the Institute for results as this information is confidential and cannot be disclosed over the telephone.
Subject Exemptions for Professional Programmes
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies or recognised Higher Education institutions may apply for Subject Exemptions, on a subject-for-subject basis. It may also be possible, subject to qualifications held, to obtain exemption from a Level within a programme. Documentary evidence is required before any decision can be made in connection with the granting of Subject/Level Exemptions.
Single Subject Candidates
Registered ICM students who do not want to complete a full ICM programme may study individual subjects. Single Subject candidates receive a Single Subject Diploma on successful completion of the relevant subject examination. Single Subjects qualify, on a subject-for-subject basis, for subject exemptions from ICM professional programmes.
Note: 1. Case Studies, Assignments and Projects do not qualify for Single Subject Awards.
2. A student who undertakes, on a Single Subject basis, subjects within a Diploma, Advanced
Diploma, Graduate Diploma or Postgraduate ICM programme will not be entitled to a
professional Award unless they are exempted from or have completed all lower Levels of that
Award.
Study Methods
Teaching Centres are provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each Unit Syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each unit. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each unit syllabus from your Teaching Centre. Alternatively, this information can be obtained online at www.icm.ac.uk, in the Single Subject section.
Each unit syllabus is normally linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated core text.
The unit syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. It is advised that you should refer to the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to develop your skills and broaden your knowledge of the subject area.
