To provide an invaluable opportunity for anyone wishing to further their IT careers and get their first degree validated by a prestigious UK university, The Hong Kong Management Association cooperates with the NCC Education, UK and London Guildhall University (LGU) in offering a series of NCC Diplomas and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing & Information Systems in Hong Kong.

The programme, of some four-and-a half years' duration, allows Hong Kong executives to study part-time and locally. It is built on a modular base, which comprises three functionally independent but academically and structurally co-related parts. Students must complete all the three parts progressively in order to be eligible for the BSc Degree. However, flexibility will be accorded to students in recognition of their particular needs. The three parts of the programmes are: NCC International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS), NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IAD) and BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing & Information Systems (DCIS) respectively.

Part 1: NCC International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS)
It provides students with effective and practical business-orientated IT skills and foundation in Information Technology, enabling them to make a real contribution to the workplace. It aims at preparing students for the NCC International Diploma Examination leading to a stand-alone internationally recognized qualification in IT and the first step onto a degree programme. Graduates of this programme will be suitable for employment as programmer, end-user support, applications developer and network support.
Part 2: NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IAD)
It is a natural progression from the IDCS. It prepares students for a career in Information and Communication Technology and for further study. Graduates of the programme would be qualified to work as system analyst, technical trainer, systems developer and network administrator. The programme emphasizes the use of computing in a business context. Students will be able to participate in the analysis and development of computer-based system in an organization and/or to design and implement micro-based

systems. On successful completion, students will be awarded an NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies majoring in Business Management, which is recognized by universities in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand as having credit towards degree courses.

Both Part 1 and 2 programmes are 18-month fully modular courses. Each module contains 8 subjects and a practical project divided into 3 terms, approximately one-third lectures or tutorials, one-third practical and project time, and one-third private study. Students who have been successful in the NCC IDCS and NCC IAD may go directly on to the final part of the BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing & Information Systems (DCIS).

The Final part: BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing & Information Systems (DCIS)
The programme aims to equip graduates with the technical and personal skills necessary to take part in the design, implementation and management of modern computer systems. It is a 18-month programme consisting of 7 subjects divided into 3 terms. The BSc degree awarded by the London Guildhall University through part-time studies in Hong Kong is equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree conferred by the University to local full-time and part-time students in UK. All students are examined to the same standard and this leads to comparable standing qualifications receiving some recognition in the UK and countries all over the world. A holder of this BSc degree will be eligible to work as project manager, software engineer, technical consultant and technical manager.

Details of the 3 Programmes are as follows:

Programme	Part 1: NCC International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS)	Part 2: NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IAD)	Part 3: BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing & Information Systems (DCIS)
Subjects	First Term Computer Technology Structured Programming Methods Visual Basic Second Term Systems Development Business Communication Java Third Term Business Organization Networking Practical Project	First Term Business Systems Analysis Enterprise Networking Database Design and Development Second Term Business Systems Design Business Management C++ Programming Third Term Managing Business Projects Internet Security Practical Project	First Term Communication Systems Management Software Engineering Methods Second Term Advanced Database Management Systems Software Engineering Management Third Term Management Support Systems Object Oriented Analysis and Design Projec
Entry Requirements	A good working knowledge of English is vital HKCEE with 4 subjects attained at Grade E or above, including English language (syllabus B), or equivalent qualification; or Holders of other qualifications (e.g. certificates in computer studies), or Mature applicants beyond the age of 25 with at least three years' relevant working experience	A good working knowledge of English is vital Holders of diplomas and certificates in IT or computer studies; and Relevant working experience	Applicants should have NCC International Diploma in Computer Studies (IDCS) or equivalent qualification; and NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies (IAD); and Good command of English
Application Deadline	Friday, 14 June 2002		December 2002
Commencement Month	July 2002		January 2003
Course Fee	HK$10,320 per term (An examination fee of HK$2,800 is payable upon admission.)	HK$10,320 per term (An examination fee of HK$3,500 is payable upon admission.)	HK$11,600 per term (An examination fee of HK$6,000 is payable upon admission.)
Enquiry	Mr Michael Kwok (2774 8559) or Ms Yositta Wong (2774 8566)

Briefing Sessions
Two briefing sessions, which will give full details of the programmes and respond to any queries raised by prospective applicants, will be held

on:	Monday, 6 May 2002 & Tuesday, 28 May 2002
at:	6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
at:	The Hong Kong Management Association 14/F Fairmont House 8 Cotton Tree Drive Central HONG KONG

For registration, please contact Mr Michael Kwok on 2774 8559 or Ms Yositta Wong on 2774 8566.

London Guildhall University
This renowned university has a long tradition of teaching at both tertiary and continuous level by one of its original constituent colleges, the City of London, which was established in 1848. The University has a long tradition of welcoming students from many parts of the world, especially the Far East.

Course structure of the University is one of the most diverse and flexible in British higher education and offers the opportunity to study in many ways.

London Guildhall University offers a wide range of subjects. There are six main teaching sites within an area of approximately one square mile. The degree course (Part 3) of this programme is offered by the Department of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics.

NCC Education
The NCC (Nation Computing Centre) was formed by the UK Government in 1966, to support and promote the use of computing technology within industry. Today, NCC Education is one of the world's leading independent IT training organization, its missions is to be the world's leading provider of IT Accreditation and Certificate, through high quality training and education programmes. It operates with and through over 300 training organizations in 30 different countries. With over 150,000 students assessed to NCC standards each year, NCC Education is one of the world's largest providers of IT skills certification programmes.

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Issued by The Hong Kong Management Association on 16 April 2002.
For press enquiries, please contact Ms Titania Woo on 2826 0535 / 7383 5116 or
Miss Sunnie Ma on 2826 0532.