ACP, The Association of Computer Professionals.

The Association of Computer Professionals (ACP) is an independent, professional examining body, set up in 1984, its Council Members working in both the education and commercial sectors of the computer industry.

A variety of courses are available and student should contact a number of universities, requesting a copy of their prospectus.  Currently, the most popular Computer Science Degree courses chosen by successful ACP Advanced Diploma students are the 1-year Master’s Degree (MSc) in Software Systems Technology offered by University of Sheffield or the 1-year MSc (conversion) course in Computer Science, offered by the University of Kent.  Some students opt for direct entry to the final year of Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) programmes, particularly those under the age of 21, who may be ineligible for direct entry to some MSc courses.

Several Universities regularly accept graduates (with very good grades) of the ACP Advanced Diploma. (Others are also prepared to offer places).

The professional examination awards comprise:

Certificate in Information Technology & Programming( 3-6 Month)
{currently the Certificate in Computer Programming}.

Diploma in Information Systems Analysis & Design (6 Months- 1 YEAR)
{currently the Diploma in Computer System Design}.

Advanced Diploma in Computer Science (1 YEAR )
{currently the Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies}

 Certificate in Information Technology & Programming

Candidates are required to obtain a Pass grade in three written papers, each carrying 100 marks and of two and a half hours duration, and a practical programming project (100 marks). In the first two written papers, (Information Technology Fundamentals and Computer Applications and Operations) there is a free choice of five questions from eight. In the Applied Programming paper, one question should be chosen from the three available.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS (formerly Computer Fundamentals)

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS AND OPERATIONS (Formerly Computer Programming and Operating)

APPLIED PROGRAMMING (formerly Programming Problem)

PROGRAMMING PROJECT

An individual programming project, written in an approved procedural language, such as QBASIC, Java, Pascal,... will continue to be required. Languages such as Visual Basic or Access are not acceptable for projects at Certificate Level.

The subject for a Programming Project must be approved by in advance to ensure it is suitable in terms of language, syllabus coverage, difficulty and work content. Typically, at least 50 hours' work will be required to complete the project and its documentation.

Diploma in Information Systems Analysis & Design

Candidates are required to obtain a Pass grade in three written papers, each carrying 100 marks and of two and a half hours duration, and a practical component comprising six individual assignments (totalling 100 marks). In each written paper, there is a free choice of five questions from eight.

SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (formerly Software Methodology)

BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS (formerly Computer Systems for Small Businesses)

DIPLOMA ASSIGNMENTS

Each candidate must submit two assignments for each subject at Diploma Level (a total of six assignments).

Advance Diploma in Computer Science

Candidates are required to obtain a Pass grade in three written papers, carrying 100 marks and of two and a half hours duration, and a practical component (100 marks) comprising an individual project and a programming project. In each written paper there are two sections; five questions must be chosen from ten; at least two questions must be selected from each section.

 

INFORMATION SYSTEMS PRINCIPLES AND NETWORKING
(formerly Principles of Information Processing)

INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN; ADVANCED PROGRAMMING
(formerly Systems Analysis and Design; Programming)

Structured Systems Analysis and Design

ADVANCED PROGRAMMING

INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (formerly Computer Management)

Projects and Personnel

Operations Management

ADVANCED DIPLOMA PROJECT WORK

Students are required to submit a programming project in Java, Pascal or ‘C' and an individual project in an approved subject. Each project will carry 50 marks towards the total project component (100 marks). The subject for a project must be approved by in advance to ensure it is suitable in terms of language, syllabus coverage, difficulty and work content. Each project can be expected to demand 60 to 80 hours' work by the candidate.

Eligibility for Entry to ACP's Courses

The selection of students for entry to ACP's courses at Certificate level is made once the previous education or experience record is checked. Entry to courses at a higher level i.e. Diploma or Advanced Diploma is dependant on the entrant having previously attained or being granted exemption from subjects at the lower level(s).

The College staff will also be able to advise the student on whether he/she has relevant previous experience to qualify for exemption from one or more examination subjects. More information can be found at http://www.acpexamboard.com

Fees: Certificate 2500 GBP, Diploma 2500 GBP, Advance Diploma 2500 GBP