Computing is an exciting and fast-moving field with excellent career opportunities. Industry bodies, such as the British Computer Society and eSkills UK, are concerned at the drop in the number of suitably qualified IT professionals in the UK; this skills gap is set to grow and is good news for those looking to enter the industry. IT professionals work in a range of roles from software developers to network engineers and database administrators. Stow College has courses to suit all of these career options.

Of course, computers are also used in the creative, artistic and entertainment fields. The Department is supporting this trend by offering courses in Computer Animation, Interactive Media and Computer Games Development.

Potential students with no formal qualifications may be accepted into the Pathways to Digital Media Computing and Access to Digital Media Computing courses.

People with Standard Grades should consider the NC Digital Media Computing programmes with their emphasis on fun and creatives uses of computers. Stow is unique in offering three different streams of this course to suit people aspiring to different roles in IT.

The extensive range if advanced level courses offered at Stow College includes: DipHE Computer Animation and Multimedia; HND Interactive Media; HNC Computer Games Development; HND Information Technology; HND Software Development; HND Technical Support; HND Networking and Internet Technologies; and BSc Computer Networking.

Several of our courses prepare candidates to sit industry-recognised exams offering certification by industry leaders such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Adobe and CompTIA. These qualifications are in high demand by employers.

All of our courses offer excellent progression opportunities with advanced entry through our excellent relationships with the University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde.

Please note that most of the courses listed in each subject area commenced in August 2009. Many of the courses will also be available from August 2010. Please contact Learner Services regarding the availability of courses for August 2010.