Introduction:
This Professional Development Award (PDA) is one of a suite which was designed to incorporate the knowledge and understanding required by popular Vendors’ Neutral award into SQA’s Higher National frameworks.
The PDA comprises two Higher National units which are mapped to the Cisco IT Essentials and CompTIA A+ qualification. PC Hardware and Operating System Support and PC Hardware and Operating System Essentials covers the fundamentals of installing and maintaining computer hardware, basic networking and supporting operating systems. This course results in the vendor qualification Cisco IT Essentials with an option to sit the CompTIA A+ Exam.
Entry Requirements:
No Prerequisite required. An interest in computer hardware. Industrial experience or other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
Course Objectives:
Candidates might also want to use this PDA to progress to further study in Computing or Computer Networking at Higher National level.
On achieving this PDA candidates would also have the knowledge and skills required to sit the CompTIA A+ examination.
Successful completion of this PDA would partially prepare Candidates partially for the CompTIA A+ examination and offers progression to higher levels of study.
What would you learn at the end course completion?
At the end of the award candidates will be able to:
Describe PC and laptop fundamentals.
Install, optimise and upgrade current operating systems.
Install and configure printers and scanners.
Implement basic networks and security.
Describe basic end user support.
Implement advanced features of PCs and laptops.
Operate advanced operating system features.
Implement advanced printing and scanning features.
Implement advanced networks and security
Identify safety and environmental issues and communicate with an end user.
SQA Framework:
The PDA Computer Support program also offers a number of shorter curricula which are related to SQA HN Units. These are also assessed by means of restricted response questions and practical labs and so can give credit transfer to complete units.
Modes of Learning: (for further details, please read the attached document)
You have the option of undertaking this course via following learning modes:
1.) Face to Face (Classroom based Learning): You will attend the class each week on its specified day and time at your designated centre (Edinburgh or Glasgow)
2.) Virtual Learning: Live traditional face to face class will broadcast remotely via our online settings through Microsoft Team
3.) Blended Learning: Mixture of Face to face and Virtual learning (must inform when joining the course).
4.) ELearning is available for this course.
Target Audiences:
The IT training classes which we are currently offering are suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
School leavers
Adult returnees to education
Individuals who intend to leave school and further their career path in a college or equivalent
Individuals who are in employment and wish to enhance their career prospects
Individuals who wish to start a new career in IT
Individuals who wants to get promotion at work
Individuals who wants to upgrade in their IT skills
Individuals who intend to progress their career after the study of either the NQ in Computing, the NQ in Information Systems.
Individuals who intend to progress their career after the study of the PDA into further study at HN level
Individuals who wish to study on a part-time (day or evening) or day-release mode
Career Opportunities:
Network Engineer
Computer Support Technician
IT Helpdesk Operator
Technical Support specialist
Help desk Technician
Network Support Technician
Field service technician
IT support technician
IT support administrator
IT support specialist
Course Funding: SAAS PTFG: Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland
This course is funded by SAAS part time funding which is available to eligible individuals only;
SAAS General funding eligibility requirement:
1. You have to be a resident of Scotland
2. Either employed or unemployed, if working then earning must be less/equals to 25k a year.
3. Have not used the SAAS funding in this Academic Year.
Other criteria:
Students do not need to pay it back as this is a grant not a loan.
This funding is different from the full time funding which can be applied by someone who previously granted for a degree, postgrad or any other full time studies (HNC/HND) etc. but not in a same session
Part time funding cannot be received on a same session if one is already receiving any part/full time funding for other courses.
Part Time funding can only be used for one course per academic year
SAAS part time funding academic year starts from Aug to July.
For more information please visit the below link
www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/funding_guide.pdf
To check your eligibility:
Please follow the below link to check if you qualify for the course funding;
www.saas.gov.uk/part-time/undergraduate-funding
If you do not qualify for SAAS part-time funding, you have the option to self-fund the course.
PDA Computer Support |
FEE |
| Full-time per year (can be paid in instalments) | £450 |
Fees are payable in advance at the start of the course unless otherwise agreed.
We also provide flexible fee installments to help students in paying their fees. There are a number of other funding opportunities available to UK and EU students to help them to pay for their studies. Contact the college for more details.
