British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, with its aim to promote and advance the education and practice of computing through International Higher Education Qualifications (HEQ) have so far empowered over 10,000 students in Sri Lanka who are working for reputable companies both locally and globally. BCS has a Royal Charter which identifies BCS as an independent professional body, able to award examinations and certifications which identify the holder as upholding the highest standards of professional competence, conduct and ethical practices in the IT Industry. International HEQ in IT is regulated by the British Government’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, (Ofqual) to maintain the highest standards.
The whole world is moving towards digitization leaving behind age old philosophies and IT plays a key role in this transformation. Technology enabled pathways will drive growth across industry, feeding into healthcare, the informal economy, manufacturing global services industry, agriculture, fishing and sports. Young and old alike are embracing new technologies and recognising the value of IT for their prospects. A professional qualification in IT will open up many avenues such as Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, IT Consulting, Internet of Things, App/ Web Developing, Network Administrating, Data Science, Cloud Architecture and many more.
The International HEQ in IT is designed for students looking to study at the highest level for a qualification that gives them the strongest foundations for building a career in the IT industry. Its modular structure allows students to study full-time or even part-time. The International HEQ is divided in to 3 levels, Certificate in IT, Diploma in IT and Professional Graduate in IT. Each level covers in detail separate but related modules in IT, such as Software Development, Computer Networks, and Data Base Systems. There are core modules which must be completed but also a section of modules to choose from, which allow you to develop specialist skills in IT. More information can be found at bcs.org/heq alongside syllabi, practise papers, course guidance and guidelines on the number of study hours needed.
BCS has been closely monitoring the ongoing situation of the country along with the world pandemic situation and in order to provide an uninterrupted education, the accredited training providers, have opened registrations and will facilitate the students to sit for the May 2021 examination session, through online and e-learning platforms and continue to support those students who missed the November 2020 exam session by conducting revision classes in order to prepare them for the May 2021 sitting.
Alongside examinations and certifications, BCS is also a membership organisation with an extraordinary network of IT professionals connected by a single vision, to promote and advance education and practice in computing for the public good. A HEQ student automatically becomes a member of BCS community which connects to 70,000 members world-wide. MyBCS, the member portal, contains career advice, over 1000s e-learning activities and courses, mentoring, and the latest systems, news and information to support students’ search for the right opportunities, free e-books and much more. More information on this can be found at bcs.org/join.
