Information Technology

Wide range of full, part-time and professional qualifications in IT.

Information Technology is a key part of every-day life. Guernsey College's IT Department aim to provide a wide range of targeted, relevant qualifications to help you succeed in your chosen career.

Full Time Courses

Become an IT Practitioner – we offer courses up to Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology (3 A’ Level Equivalent) which give access to University or a range of job opportunities.

We also offer the Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Information Technology (4 GCSE Equivalent) which can give access to employment or be used as a progression pathway to secure a place on the Level 3 National Diploma.

Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology
(3 A’ Level equivalent) – 18 units Studied over 2 years full time – up to 420 UCAS points

Consisting of 18 Units from:

  • Communication and Employability Skills for IT
  • Computer Systems
  • Information Systems
  • Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems
  • Managing Networks
  • Software Design and Development
  • Organisational Systems Security
  • Computer Networks
  • Communication Technologies
  • IT Technical Support
  • IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair
  • Event Driven Programming
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Procedural Programming
  • Project Planning with IT
  • Database Design
  • Client Side Customisation of Web Pages
  • Web Server Scripting
  • Website Production
  • Digital Graphics
  • Networked Systems Security
  • Spreadsheet Modelling
  • Multimedia Design

Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Information Technology
(4 GCSE Equivalent) – 6 units over 1 year full time

Consisting of 6 units from:

  • Communicating in the IT Industry
  • Working in the IT Industry
  • Computer Systems
  • Mobile Communications Technology
  • Website Development
  • Setting up an IT Network
  • Spreadsheet Modelling
  • Computer Graphics
  • Presenting Information Using IT
  • Both the First Diploma and National Diploma give the students the opportunity to also achieve the ECDL qualification (European Computer Driving Licence)

Extra options available:

  • CeFS – Certificate in Financial Studies – 1 year part-time (60 UCAS points)
  • DipFS – Diploma in Financial Studies – 1 year part-time (60 UCAS points)

Part Time Courses

In addition to these fulltime courses we also offer part-time and evening classes to gain professional qualifications from Vendors such as CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco.

The following courses are available as an elearning option and require the student to have access to an Internet connection. Classes are delivered in an online classroom by our learning partner with either a daytime or evening attendance pattern. Classes run over a period of weeks and there is an opportunity to gain formal certification by sitting exams.

CompTIA A+

CompTIA Network +

CompTIA Linux +

CompTIA Security +- online computer based learning. Certification.

Microsoft MCP, MCSA, MCSE

Cisco CCNA

CompTIA A+

A+ is the ideal entry-level certification for those wishing to embark on a career in IT, or are already in an IT-support role and are looking for their first official certification. In conjunction with a Network+ certification, A+ can also be used as an elective towards a Microsoft MCSA certification.

A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job scenarios, A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that best fits their needs.

CompTIA Network+

Network+ validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that recognizes a technician's ability to describe the features and functions of networking components and to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or adequate academic training, along with an A+ certification.

The demand for skilled network support professionals continues to grow, and Network+ is a valuable credential to help start or enhance a networking career. In fact, many IT certifications integrate Network+ into their curricula. Microsoft added Network+ into their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco, HP, Lotus and 3Com also recognize Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

This course is intended for network support professionals looking to broaden their understanding of networking technologies - both hardware and software. The course provides preparation for CompTIA exam Network+ (N10-004). This course provides a general networking grounding to prepare for other certifications in the Microsoft, Novell and Cisco arena. To benefit fully from this course, students should ideally have attended (or have the equivalent knowledge) of CompTIA's A+ Certification.

CompTIA Linux+

Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification, generic across distributions, that validates the knowledge of individuals with a minimum of six to twelve months of practical Linux experience. Professionals holding the Linux+ credential can explain fundamental management of Linux systems from the command line, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions, software configurations, and management of Linux-based clients, server systems and security.

Because of the growing popularity of enterprise-ready platforms such as Linux, both employers and professionals realize the importance of skill validation. The industry recognizes that a Linux+ certification is a good indicator of foundational proficiency in everyday management of Linux-based clients and basic management of server systems

CompTIA Security+

Security+ validates knowledge of communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, operational security, and general security concepts. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that is taught at colleges, universities and commercial training centres around the world. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that Security+ candidates have at least two years on-the-job networking experience, with an emphasis on security. The Network+ certification is also recommended.

Because human error is the number one cause for a network security breach, Security+ is recognized by the technology community as a valuable credential that proves competency with information security. Major corporations such as Sun, IBM/Tivoli Software Group, Symantec, Motorola, Hitachi Electronics Services and Verisign value the Security+ certification and recommend or require it of their IT employees. This course is intended for IT professionals looking to broaden their understanding of security issues - hardware, software, social and environmental. The course provides preparation for CompTIA exam Security+ (SY0-201). This course provides a general security grounding to prepare for other certifications in the Microsoft, Novell, Checkpoint and Cisco arena.

To benefit fully from this course, students should ideally have two years experience with networking or the equivalent knowledge.

Microsoft MCP

The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential is for professionals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution in an organization. Hands-on experience with a product is necessary to successfully achieve certification.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft certification exam that provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.

MCP exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and Prometric, independent testing organizations with locations worldwide

Cisco CCNA

By qualifying as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) you have a foundation of network knowledge consistent with the ability to install, configure and operate Cisco routers and switches implementing Local and Wide Area Networks of up to 100 nodes.

The CCNA qualification is a highly regarded credential for IT support staff and network administrators. There is now an entry-level certification – Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) – of the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. The CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.