The Additional Teaching Qualification (ATQ) in Computing Studies aims to develop the skills and knowledge required to enable qualified secondary teachers to deliver the Computing curriculum in addition to their main subject.

The course comprises four modules*, designed to build competency in delivering the school computing curriculum from National 4 to Advanced Higher:

• Website design and development;

• Database design and development;

• Software design and development;

• Computer systems.

Each module will be delivered and assessed at SCQF level 8, and carry 20 SCQF credit points.

Working, learning and collaborating with a group of fellow teaching professionals provides a great opportunity to share experience and develop an ongoing support network. You will also be mentored by current computer studies teachers. Although the focus of the course will be on computing skills, you will be encouraged to explore teaching methodologies and to develop and share learning activities, resources and ideas to put these into practice.

On completion of the award, you will be required to undertake some supervised teaching in a school before full dual qualification will be recognised by GTCS. Support from your local Council and your school will need to be in place to ensure your GTCS recognition.

* To complete registration for computing studies as a second subject you will be required to apply to the GTCS. You will then be asked to complete a specified number of days of teaching Computing Studies in school to complete full registration.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be a GTCS registered secondary teacher. You will require the support of your school, particularly in relation to teaching time allocated to this subject to allow you to meet GTCS requirements for registration as a dual qualified teacher.

Fee: £215 per module

The programme leader, Gordon Macpherson, can be contacted on email with this link: gordon.macpherson.ic@uhi.ac.uk

Course Structure

Each of the four modules will focus on a specific area of the Computing Studies curriculum, introducing the skills, knowledge and understanding assessed at National 5 and Higher:

• Website design and development will develop knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills related to modern web design and development. You will learn best practice techniques when building websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript and explore how web development projects are planned, implemented and distributed.
• Database design and development will develop knowledge and understanding of the design and implementation of relational database management systems. Databases underpin most modern software products and systems, along with recent developments like machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence. You will learn how to create, modify and interact with common databases found in industry.
• Software design and development will develop knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills related to modern software development. You will learn best practice techniques when building software using a relevant programming language. The Agile development process will be explored, looking at how projects are planned, implemented and delivered. You will be able to describe the appropriate use of common data structures and implement algorithms to search and sort data.
• Computer systems will cover the fundamentals of computer systems and how hardware and software elements interact. Subjects covered will include data representation and number systems, computer structure, environmental impact of such things as intelligent systems, robotics, cyber security and professional issues.

* To complete registration for computing studies as a second subject you will be required to apply to the GTCS. You will then be asked to complete a specified number of days of teaching Computing Studies in school to complete full registration.

Course Delivery

The course will be delivered online, via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), over 4 semesters, commencing January 2023.

The VLE allows you to access course materials and take part in online discussion at a time to suit your individual circumstances. You will also participate in scheduled tutor-led activities and discussions, facilitated synchronously through virtual classroom technology. You will need admin rights access to a computer in order to install software and carry out coursework, together with broadband to access the VLE.

Note: you may not be able to rely on resources provided by or within your school.