Bournemouth Business School International (BBSI), our British Council accredited UK English school and business college, offers international students the opportunity to undertake a UK English course, while also learning science and technical English, computer skills and acquiring the basic knowledge required for careers related to science, technology, computers and IT. Our Higher-Certificate Course in Science, Technology, Computers & IT comprises 30 lessons weekly, and is aimed at young professionals and students who are seeking to prepare themselves for a career or further study in technical fields, and who require proficiency in technical English. The course is of 24 weeks duration and is carefully designed to enable students at an Intermediate level in English or above to gain English, technical and business qualifications, including a certificate award from the NCFE national awarding body. The course is available in 2 study options, one of which includes the full syllabus for the International Computer Driving Licence® (ICDL†) and students can elect to obtain this additional qualification.
Additional English and Business English Qualifications. Students will develop competent technical English and professional communication skills. Moreover, in the supplementary English-language elements of the course, depending upon the study option selected, students can study for different University of Cambridge ESOL‡ examinations: the First Certificate in English (FCE), the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), or the Business English Certificate (BEC). Alternatively, you can opt to join our ongoing weekly English Language Workshop+ (ELW) at a language level to suit your needs. The course is conducted around a busy social and activity programme, and the maximum class size is 12, which can extend to 15 during the summer months, July-September.
Study Options. There are 2 study options for this course. For those with a sound Intermediate level in English, we offer Study Option 1, which enables participants to develop their technical and professional communications skills to a more advanced level of proficiency, while studying a more extensive range of specialised topics related to science, technology, computers, computing and IT. However, for those students with a lower, Intermediate level in English who require more emphasis initially on developing their technical English and professional communication skills prior to the introduction of more advanced technical studies, we offer Study Option 2, which builds more gradually in professional intensity and specialisation.
Study Option 1
Designed for those students with a sound Upper-Intermediate level in English or above, Study Option 1 enables participants to develop their science, technical and professional skills to a more advanced level of proficiency.
Course Outline
Minimum English Entry Level: IELTS 5.0 (Intermediate)
Course Duration: 24 weeks (2 terms)
Course Code: CST 24
Course Entry Dates: October, January, April or July (term dates 2008)
Lessons Weekly: 30 (each of 45 minutes' duration)
Minimum Age: 17 years
Course Structure & Content:
20 lessons weekly in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
10 lessons weekly in English Language
(selected each term from one of the following options)
- preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
- preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
- preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
- English Language Workshop (ELW)
Awards:
BBSI Higher-Certificate in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
(continuous assessment)
NCFE Certificate in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
(continuous assessment)
Optional Examinations*:
University of Cambridge FCE
(examination dates)
University of Cambridge CAE
(examination dates)
University of Cambridge BEC
(examination dates)
Course Objectives. The course objectives are to:
- develop an understanding of current theory and practice in science, technology and engineering
- acquire a sound, professional understanding and knowledge of science, technology, computers, computer software, IT and engineering concepts
- develop effective technical English and professional communication skills
- build appropriate technical vocabulary related to science, technology and engineering
- acquire the necessary technical skills for a career related to science, technology or engineering
- develop confidence and fluency in the English language to Upper-Intermediate Level
- provide participants with the opportunity to acquire additional English and business English qualifications
Course Elements. In addition to providing students with a thorough and comprehensive grounding in technical English and professional skills, the Study Option 1 syllabus incorporates specialised elements selected from the following:
Applied Mathematics
- statistics
- number
- space & trigonometry
- probability theory
- algebra & equations
- scale & ratio
Applied Physics & Engineering
- materials & stresses
- force & effect
- light & radio waves
- nuclear physics
- engineering
- electrics, electromagnetism & electronics
Technology
- materials & systems
- applications
- security
- human factor/needs/values/aesthetics
General Science
- research methods
- reading & interpreting scientific information
- writing scientific reports
- problem solving
Computers & IT
- word processing
- spreadsheets
- database
- presentation
- Microsoft AccessTM
- database design
- forms & reports
- queries & SQL
- commands & macros
- business modelling
- computer configuration
- types of computers
- operating systems
- binary system
- programming & languages
- computer networks
- computer viruses
- internet viruses
- electronic communications
- using a computer effectively & managing files
- web-design theory
- website-building (Microsoft FrontpageTM)
- introduction to PhotoshopTM
- concepts of information & computing technology
- publishing in HTML
- information & effective communication
Study Option 2
Designed for those students with a lower, Intermediate level in English, who require more emphasis initially on developing their technical English and professional communication skills prior to the introduction of more advanced technical training, Study Option 2 builds more gradually in intensity and specialisation. Moreover, this study option places the emphasis on developing computer, computing and professional IT skills to a more advanced level of proficiency and participants can acquire the ICDL qualification.
Course Outline:
Minimum English Entry Level: IELTS 4.5 (Intermediate)
Course Duration: 24 weeks (2 terms)
Course Code: CST 24
Course Entry Dates: October, January, April or July (term dates 2008)
Lessons Weekly: 30 (each of 45 minutes' duration)
Minimum Age: 17 years
Course Structure & Content:
Term 1
20 lessons weekly in General English
10 lessons weekly in Computers, Computing & IT Skills
(includes the full ICDL syllabus)
Term 2
20 lessons weekly in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
10 lessons weekly in English Language
(selected from one of the following options)
- preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
- preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
- preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
- English Language Workshop (ELW)
Awards:
BBSI Higher-Certificate in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
(continuous assessment)
NCFE Certificate in Science, Technology, Computers & IT
(continuous assessment)
Optional Examinations*:
International Computer Driving License®
(examination dates)
University of Cambridge FCE
(examination dates)
University of Cambridge CAE
(examination dates)
University of Cambridge BEC
(examination dates)
Course Objectives. The course objectives are to:
- develop an understanding of current theory and practice in computer technology, computing and IT
- acquire a sound, professional understanding and knowledge of computer technology, computing, IT and computer software
- develop effective technical English and professional communication skills
- build appropriate technical vocabulary related to computer technology, computing and IT
- acquire the necessary technical skills for a career related to computer technology, computing, IT and computer software
- develop confidence and fluency in the English language to Upper-Intermediate Level
- prepare participants for the International Computer Driving License® award
- provide participants with the opportunity to acquire additional English and business English qualifications
Course Elements. In addition to providing students with a thorough and comprehensive grounding in technical English and professional communication skills, the Study Option 2 syllabus incorporates specialised elements selected from the following:
Applied Mathematics
- statistics
- number
- space & trigonometry
- Probability theory
- algebra & equations
- scale & ratio
Applied Physics & Engineering
- materials & stresses
- force & effect
- light & radio waves
- nuclear physics
- engineering
- electrics, electromagnetism & electronics
Technology
- materials & systems
- applications
- security
- human factor/needs/values/aesthetics
General Science
- research methods
- reading & interpreting scientific information
- writing scientific reports
- problem solving
Computers & IT (inclusive of the ICDL syllabus)
- word processing
- spreadsheets
- database
- presentation
- Microsoft AccessTM
- database design
- forms & reports
- queries & SQL
- commands & macros
- business modelling
- computer configuration
- types of computers
- operating systems
- binary system
- programming & languages
- computer networks
- computer viruses
- internet viruses
- electronic communications
- using a computer effectively & managing files
- web-design theory
- website-building (Microsoft FrontpageTM)
- introduction to PhotoshopTM
- concepts of information & computing technology
- publishing in HTML
- information & effective communication
Certificate, Diploma, University Foundation and
Pre-Masters' versions of the above course are also available.
† International Computer Driving License®
The International Computer Driving License® (ICDL) is an internationally-recognised qualification that verifies practical competence in computer skills in either a professional
or personal capacity and is the fastest growing international IT user-qualification. It is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed. The ICDL raises an individual’s level of competency in IT & computing skills; improves personal productivity, both at home & at work; requires no prior knowledge of IT or computer skills; and provides individual’s with an internationally -recognised qualification.
‡ University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
FCE (First Certificate in English)
FCE is an Upper-Intermediate level examination that indicates sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs for example, or in the tourist industry, where contact with English speakers is required. FCE is also useful preparation for students working towards higher-level examinations,
such as the CAE.
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
CAE is the second-highest level of Cambridge ESOL examination and is ideal for those who want to work or study abroad. A CAE certificate demonstrates language skills in a wide range of contexts. The examination is based on realistic tasks, and indicates the ability to use the language in practical situations, such as meetings and discussions.
BEC (Business English Certificate)
There are 3 levels of BEC examination: the BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher. All 3 examinations are ideal for students preparing for careers in the fields of international business and commerce, where a good knowledge of English is required to function effectively. BEC certificates are internationally recognised and
demonstrate that the holder has acquired an appropriate standard of English in a professional context.
+ English Language Workshop
The English Language Workshop is designed to provide general language support for those students who are studying a specialised course and who do not intend to prepare
for a specific English language examination. The content of the Workshop includes extensive skills practice in professional areas of the language, which is useful for those
who need to improve their ability to communicate effectively with others in a professional international environment, or who later decide to acquire a professional qualification.
Book this course on-Line.The following higher-certificate courses are also available at BBSI:
* Examination fees for those seeking to undertake external examinations are not included in the BBSI course fees. BBSI courses are carefully designed and structured at different language levels to enable international students to develop all 4 English language skills simultaneously, while developing their professional communication skills and professional knowledge in academic, vocational or professional context, in the specialised subject of their choice. Students therefore have the flexibility to focus on either academic or vocational progression, depending on their personal training needs and particular learning objectives.
Download a PDF of the BBSI Higher-Certificate course in Science, Technology, Computers & IT Skills.