AAS College Thessaloniki
School of Art & Design
ADVANCED DIPLOMA | SQA
Advanced Diploma in Computer Science
Gain full understanding of computing tools, techniques and practices across a wide range of application areas.
Advanced Diploma in Computer Science
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computer Science and AAS College provide learners with a progression route into employment. This SQA Advanced Diploma covers a range of specialist technical skills and knowledge in using and supporting computer systems. It will give learners vocational and technical computing skills that will enable them to work in an IT-related role.
The course covers all the fundamental aspects of technical support, including in-depth knowledge of operating systems, networks, hardware, and software development — as well as professionalism, ethics and team working in computing.
Aims:
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computer Science: Technical Support award has a range of aims relating to academic and vocational progression. The principal aim of the award is to prepare the candidates for employment in IT technical support. The general aims of this award are to:
- Develop candidates’ knowledge and skills in planning, developing and evaluating.
- Develop employment skills, particularly relating to the IT industry.
- Enable progression within the SCQF.
- Develop study and research skills.
- Develop learning and transferable skills (including Core Skills).
- Provide academic stimulus.
- Support candidates’ continuing professional development.
- Update the contents of the award to reflect current professional practices and technologies.
- Update the contents of the award to incorporate best practice in assessment, including a reduction in time spent on assessment and maximizing the use of e-assessment.
- Maximize flexibility (while maintaining coherence) in qualification design to permit centers to customize the award to their local needs.
- Reduce the academic level of the award (in terms of SCQF levels).
- Produce Units that are able to embrace external changes without regular updates.
More specific aims of the award are:
- Produce Units that are compatible with a wide range of vendors.
- Prepare learners for employment in an IT or Computing post at technician or professional level in a technical support role.
- Equip learners with a range of specialist technical support skills and knowledge in the use and support of computer systems.
- Prepare learners for progression to further study on HE Computing courses.
- Develop in learners an awareness of professional IT issues such as legal and ethical considerations.
Duration:
2 years
Educational form:
Taught
Education Variants:
Fulltime
Language:
English
February’s Intake:
9th February 2026
October’s Intake:
5th October 2026
British Degree:
SQA Advanced Diploma in Computer Science
COURSE (Advanced Diploma in Computing) STRUCTURE
Programme at a glance
SQA Advanced Diplomas are made up of 240 SCQF credit points, at SCQF level 8, and usually take two years to complete
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
In Year 1 of the Advanced Diploma in Computer Science, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts, skills, and professional practices that underpin modern computing. The year provides a broad and structured foundation in software development, computer systems, data, and professional awareness, ensuring students develop both technical competence and an understanding of the wider computing environment.
Students begin by learning the basics of software development, programming logic, and application development, alongside an introduction to computer systems, hardware, and operating environments. Practical problem-solving is emphasised through modules focused on troubleshooting, applications, and team working, helping students build confidence in diagnosing and resolving real-world computing issues.
The year also introduces key data-driven disciplines, including databases, SQL, big data, data science, and cloud computing, allowing students to understand how information is stored, managed, and analysed in contemporary digital systems. Alongside technical learning, students explore professionalism and ethics in computing, gaining insight into responsible practice, legal considerations, and workplace expectations.
Project management principles are introduced to support structured and organised working practices, while assessment through a graded unit exam allows students to demonstrate their theoretical understanding and applied knowledge.
By the end of Year 1, students will have developed a solid grounding in core computing concepts, essential technical skills, and professional behaviours, preparing them for more advanced study and applied project work in Year 2.
YEAR 2
Year 2 builds on the foundational knowledge acquired in the first year, focusing on advanced technical skills, system development, networking, security, and applied project work. The emphasis is on real-world application, integration of technologies, and preparing students for employment or progression to higher education.
Students develop advanced expertise in database management systems, software development for multi-platform environments, web and e-commerce technologies, and mobile web application development. These modules strengthen students’ ability to design, build, and deploy digital solutions that meet modern user and business needs.
Networking forms a key component of the year, with both theoretical and practical modules in computer networking enabling students to understand infrastructure design, configuration, and maintenance. This is complemented by the study of data security, where students learn about protecting systems, managing risk, and addressing cybersecurity challenges.
The year also introduces systems development methodologies and agile development, encouraging students to work flexibly, collaboratively, and iteratively — mirroring contemporary industry practices. These skills are brought together in the Graded Unit Project, where students independently plan, develop, and evaluate a substantial computing solution.
By the end of Year 2, students will have gained strong technical competence, problem-solving ability, and professional readiness. Graduates of the programme are well prepared for roles in the computing and IT sector or for progression to degree-level study in computer science or related disciplines.
Learning activities
Lectures, Tutorials, Study packs, Problem-based scenarios, Case studies, Group/team work, Online materials, IT based teaching materials, Projects, Quizzes, Research and presentation, of findings to fellow students, Role play, Short-response questions, multiple choice questions, Create questions for other students (with answers), etc.
Employability (Advanced Diploma in Computer Science)
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are able to move into a wide variety of areas within the Computing/IT industry. The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computer Science is designed to lead to employment as:
- IT Support or operations technician
- Computer installation and maintenance engineer
- IT user support technicians
- Network Support administrator
- IT and Telecoms engineer/IT and Telecoms technician
DIPLOMA TO DEGREE - A Pathway to University and Further Study
SQA Advanced Qualifications do not just qualify for career development they can also enable advanced entry into many undergraduate degree programmes in universities and Higher Education Institutions across the world.
Learners can study in their own country before progressing onto universities in their own country, region or abroad to complete a degree, entering directly into third year. This option can be a cost effective route to studying abroad and achieving a degree at an international Higher Education Institution.
We make this journey as smooth as possible through our Diploma to Degree programme. SQA has collaborated and set up articulation agreements with a number of highly regarded international institutions in countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand covering various progression models including online delivery.
These institutions recognise the SQA Advanced Diploma for advanced entry and provide students with a quality learning experience.
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply direct to the AAS College. We accept applications throughout the year, but advise you to apply early. We would like to receive application forms before 30th of August.
All candidates are required to submit the following documents:
1. A Fully Completed Application
AAS Application Form completed
A scanned copy of your passport
2. English language certificate
Certified Photocopy of English Language qualification(s).
Undergraduate applicants must have a fluent command of the English language which can be proven via the following examinations:
TOEFL: paper based 550 / computer based 213 / Internet based 79-80 or
IELTS: 6,0 or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates who have not acquired an English language qualification at the time of the submission of their application form are required to submit it at least one month before the commencement of the course.
3. Diploma of previous education
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or six IB Subject Certificates, or A Levels obtained locally.
Certified Photocopy of the Diploma of Secondary Education (High School Diploma), along with the final year’s academic transcript.
Candidates who have not yet graduated from high school at the time of application, should submit the available academic transcripts from their current year of study, as well as a full transcript from the previous year of study.
If the High School Diploma is produced in another language it should be translated and verified in English.
4. Interview
Submit your documents via email to: admissions@aas.gr
Our response:
A member of our staff will contact you in 48 hours.
AAS offer to you
Deciding to start study is an exciting time but the process to actually get there can seem daunting. That’s where we can help. Here’s what you need to be finding out about now.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be sending you lots of important information, so if any of your contact details change, we need to know as soon as possible. Please let us know if you change your:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Passport number.
At AAS we pride ourselves on the tailored support we offer to all our students and we want your application and enrolment to go as smoothly as possible. If you have any problems at all, we are here to help.
You will receive an unconditional offer: An Admission Letter by college’s Admissions Office, or a conditional offer: that means that before the commencing of your course you have to submit some documents, or a rejection letter: that means that you don’t cover the requirements of the interested course.
Visa Process
The following documents to be submitted by all non-EU students to the Greek Embassy or Consulate Office closer to you:
- Application form for a visa for a long stay in Greece, fully filled in and signed by the applicant
- One recent passport-size photograph in colour
- Passport that should be of a validity exceeding by three months the ending date of the visa length, include at least two blank pages and have been issued within the previous ten years
- Police Clearance Certificate (Criminal record)
- Medical Certificate
- Travel insurance
- Admission letter by AAS
- A confirmation document by AAS that you are a college’s student
- Document by the Ministry of Education that the AAS College holds a valid license and is registered in the relevant records
- English language Certificate
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and AAS tuition fees in Greece
- Visa fee
You should also have in mind the following:
- Original documents and passports submitted must be accompanied along with a copy.
- All documents submitted must be in English or Greek
- You may be asked for additional documents and will be called to a personal interview at the Embassy or Consulate Office (the requirements of Greek Embassies or Consulate Offices aren’t the same from country to country)
- The visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused