Qualification requirements

Standard Entry requirements for Full Time Students The following admissions criteria will normally apply at level 4: Students applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of?48 UCAS points (A level, BTEC). Programmes will require 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above. Students are normally also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills). Non-Standard Entry Requirements for Full Time Mature students Non-traditional or mature students (aged at least 21 by 31st December of the year of admission) who do not meet the standard entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis as an ‘admissions decision’. The decision on admission will be based on assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the programme. Applicants will be judged using the following criteria: Evidence of ability for self-organisation. Evidence of ability to work independently. The motivation to learn. Interest in the subject area. Evidence of ability to work with others. Programme will prefer 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above, including maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills). Given the wide experience of potential applicants to this programme, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) are welcomed in accordance with the College Academic Regulations for the awards of Foundation Degree. However, these must be discussed as part of the admissions process as once a student is registered to a programme RPL/RPEL may not be considered for approval. This is normally evidenced through a personal statement and/or supporting references and an interview. Background knowledge and skills in relevant industry setting is also considered as evidence of non-certified learning. This is normally demonstrated by at least two years’ full-time work in a relevant organisation. International Applicants Applicants at level 4 who do not have English as their first language will be required to prove their English Language abilities by taking an IELTS for UKVI test taken at an approved UK Visa and Immigration test centre. Applicants will be required to have a minimum overall score of 5.5 with no component (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) less than 5.0. Widening Access and Participation At NCD we look beyond the grades that students achieve or are predicted to achieve. If students have experienced barriers that might make it more challenging for them to achieve the standard entry requirements, then this will be taken into consideration. Every effort is made to meet any additional support needs of students who have experienced barriers to learning. Part-time entry criteria: In addition to a student being required to satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements of the course, part-time students must be employed in a relevant computing related post which provides them with the opportunity to develop and complete the requirements of the following: • Personal Professional Development 1 • Innovation, Idea Generation and Enterprise • Work Related Learning; modules 1 and 2.