Hi Guys,

During one of my online adventures, I came across a professional exam that could be of help to those who could not get admitted into conventional university. The exam is recognized worldwide, and administered by the british computer society. The examinations is conduted twice in a year ( April and October), and it has a modular structure with three levels. There is one examination paper per module.

1. Certificate: Three compulsory modules, each paper of two hours' duration. The modules are, Information Systems, Software Development and Computer & Network Technology.

2. Diploma Examination: One compulsory core module and three modules chosen from a list of options, each paper of two hours' duration. The compulsory module is Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice, while the options include:

. Computer Architecture
. Computer Networks
. Database Systems
. Internet Technologies
. IT Project Management
. IT Service Management
. Object Oriented Programming
. Software Engineering 1
. Systems Analysis
. Systems Design
.The Internet and World Wide Web

3. Professional Graduate Diploma Examinations: Four modules chosen from a list of options, each paper of three hours' duration. Alternatively a dissertion may be offered. The options are:

. Advanced Database Management Systems
. Computer Services Management
. Distributed and Parallel Syetems
. Knowledge Based Systems
. Management Information Systems
. Programming Paradigms
. Software Engineering 2
. System Design Methods
. User Interface Design
. Web Engineering
. World Wide Web - Beyond the Basics

After the third stage each candidate are expected to submit their professional projects. The certificate stage is examined to the academic level of Year 1 of a UK university honours degree. The Diploma is examined to the academic level of Year 2 of a UK university honours degree.

The Professional Graduate Diploma is examined to the academic level of the final Year of a UK university honours degree, while the Professional Graduate Diploma Project is examined to the level expected of a final year UK university honours degree project.

Successful completion of of the BCS Professional Graduate Diploma Examination and Professional Project gives you a route to postgraduate study. Most UK universities reconizes the BCS PGD as an acceptable qualification for entry on to MSc course in an IT related discipline.

The BCS PGD is probably the best equivalent of BSc that you can get. Don't forget that when a job vacancy is been advertised in any newspaper, the normal requirement is either a BSc Degree, HND, or any equivalent qualifications. If you are interested or want to know more about the exams check out www.bcs.org or contact me through my email address idowuodupitan@yahoo.com or call 01-8769536.