BTEC: Nationals in Information Technology

BTEC: Nationals in Information Technology Level: 3 Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma

Awarding body: Edexcel

Head of Department: Mrs H Legomski _______________________________________________________________________________ What will I learn on this course? Information Technology is the powerhouse driving the modern world to new ways of doing things. Sometimes it is obvious. You may be used to the idea of computers at home and work, to enjoy games and the internet or to develop documents, music and video. Other IT is less obvious – mobile phones, video recorders, mp3 players and the massive databases behind websites – all of these require IT experts to develop applications and support users. As IT develops so does the jobs market to support it. This course gives you the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain a valuable qualification. You will be able to develop your IT skills in order to communicate effectively in an organisation, through modules in communications and employability. You will also learn about the components of computer systems and develop the skills needed to recommend appropriate systems for business purposes and set up and maintain computer systems. There are several optional units which include graphics, computer animation, advanced website design and computer games design as well as computer hardware and software. Students will gain a good overview of how organisations use IT, including information systems. How will I be assessed? You will build a portfolio of assignments that are relevant to the IT industry. These assignments require you to evidence your practical skills and knowledge. Evidence could be provided through observation, video recordings, photographs, written work and other documentation. The work will be assessed by your teacher, internally moderated and then externally verified by EDEXCEL to ensure national standards are met. What are the entry requirements? For the BTEC Level 3 Certificate (which is equivalent to one GCE AS level) you will normally be expected to have a 4 GCSE passes at grade A* to C which includes GCSE ICT or a level 2 Pass or above in AiDA. For the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (which is equivalent to one GCE A level) you should have successfully completed the BTEC level 3 Certificate. When does this course start? September 2014. How long does this course last? BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT: One year study, completion in year 12 (180 guided learning hours). BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT: Two year study, completion in year 13 (360 guided learning hours).

How many hours of self-study will be required? Approximately 5 hours per week. How is this course delivered? The course makes use of a wide range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and computer-based learning. There is a bias towards practical work throughout the course. What are the units of study? BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT/ BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT (Mandatory Units). Both these qualifications share the same mandatory units: 

Unit 1: Communication and Employability Skills for IT

The aim of this unit is to ensure that you understand both the personal attributes valued by employers and the principles of communicating effectively whist developing effective communication skills and addressing your own personal development needs. 

Unit 2: Computer Systems

The aim of this unit is to enable you to understand the components of computer systems and develop the skills needed to recommend appropriate systems for business purposes and set up and maintain computer systems. For the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT you will also choose a further optional unit to study. Your teachers will guide you in your choice of units according to your strengths. For the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT, you will also choose a further four optional units to study. Two of these units could be taken from the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT studied in Year 12. The qualification has been structured to allow you maximum flexibility in selecting optional units, so that particular interests and career aspirations within the IT sector can be reflected in your choice of unit combinations. What materials will I have to provide? None, although access to ICT is essential for research and work you will be required to do at home. What can I do after this course? After completing the BTEC Level 3 Certificate IT students continue to study at BTEC Level 3 subsidiary Diploma level prior to following higher educational and vocational routes in IT. On completion of the BTEC Level 3 subsidiary Diploma students could enter employment or may wish to go onto to an ICT degree or other level 4 qualifications. What careers would this course be useful for? Careers relating to both ICT and business are relevant.