Introduction
Are you looking to study in the UK with your BCS qualification? If yes, this article is definitely for you. The BCS is a UK-based professional body for those working in the field of computing and IT. It offers a range of certification programs for IT professionals, including the BCS Certified Business Analysis Practice (CBAP) and the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis.
The BCS HEQ Exams are widely seen as a great option for attaining well-recognized qualifications in IT with the option to earn a degree.
How Do I Achieve This?
As a student who wishes to study in the UK with your BCS qualification, especially when you already have your levels 4 and 5 and also completed your project, it’s possible to proceed to the UK and earn a bachelor’s degree.
To study in the UK with your BCS (British Computer Society) qualification, you will need to apply to a university or other higher education institution that offers programs in the field of study that you are interested in. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications, as well as proof of your English language proficiency. You may also need to provide transcripts and other documents, depending on the institution and program. It’s also important to consider if you also need a student visa to study in the UK.
You can find information about universities and their specific entry requirements on the universities websites.
Additionally, you may find it helpful to reach out to universities’ international offices or consult with an education agent in your home country who can guide you through the application process, help you prepare your application materials, and answer any questions you may have about studying in the UK.
Implications of Studying in the UK with BCS Qualification
In terms of continuing education, the BCS degree would typically be the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from other countries and thus would allow the holder to pursue graduate-level studies in the field, such as a Master’s degree or Ph.D.
Having a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) qualification from a university in the United Kingdom can open up a variety of career opportunities in the tech industry, as the UK has a strong and well-established technology sector. The BCS is a well-respected degree that is recognized by employers both in the UK and internationally, so holders of the degree are likely to be competitive in the job market.
Also, with your BCS qualification, you can study in the UK for a much lower cost instead of paying several thousand pounds. You can study for both levels 4 and 5 and pay just a fraction of the fees and later, go to the UK for your final year of studies.
It’s worth noting that UK tuition fees and living costs can be quite high, and international students may face additional expenses and administrative requirements.
Accredited BCS Training Centres in the World
BCS accredits training providers around the world to deliver BCS-approved courses and qualifications.
To find a list of BCS-accredited training providers, you can visit the BCS website and use the “Find a training provider” tool. Just select your location and the type, of course, you are interested in, and the tool will display a list of accredited training providers in your area.
Alternatively, you can contact BCS directly and they will be able to provide you with more information about accredited training providers in your area.
If you are in Nigeria, the following are some of the accredited BCS training centers:
- Twim Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria (they run both online and offline classes)
- Techops
- BACS International
- Jobskills Training Institute
Some universities in the UK that offer BCS HEQs
In the UK, several universities offer BCS Higher Education Qualifications (HEQs). These include:
- University of Bristol
- University of Cambridge
- University of Greenwich
- Imperial College London
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Newcastle
- University of Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
- University of Westminster
This is not an exhaustive list, as other universities may also offer BCS EQs. It is important to check with the specific university or department to confirm that they offer the program.
Can I Stay Back in the UK After Completing my BCS program and Earning a Bachelor’s Degree?
Absolutely! A lot of students forge ahead in their studies by applying for a master’s degree.
The rules for staying in the UK after studying depend on the type of visa you have and the specific circumstances of your case.
If you are an international student studying a course at the undergraduate level or above, you may be eligible to stay in the UK for a period after your course has ended through the Tier 4 (General) student visa route. This is commonly known as the “Post-Study Work” (PSW) visa.
The rules for the PSW visa have changed over time, so it is important to check the most up-to-date information from the UK government. Generally speaking, under the PSW visa you are allowed to work or look for work in the UK for two years after completion of your course.
It is important to note that the ability to stay back and work in the UK is subject to change depending on the immigration policies and it’s recommended to check the most recent and accurate information from the UK Government.
Conclusion
In this era of “Japa” especially amongst Nigerians, this study route can be further looked into. As explained in the article, all you need to do is study and pass levels 4 and 5, complete your project, and voila! You can proceed to the United Kingdom to top up the qualifications you presently own and earn a bachelor’s degree in the UK.
Also, you can extend your stay in the UK and ultimately increase your chances of being a permanent resident by enrolling for your master’s degree immediately after your bachelor’s degree.
I also mentioned and listed several accredited BCS training centers in Nigeria where you can get trained, one of such training centers is the Twim Institute in Ibadan, amongst others. Why not make this decision and take the bull by the horns today?
