Computing and IT Advanced Technician

Course summary

These qualifications are for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning. The qualifications prepare learners for a range of higher education courses and job roles related to a particular sector. They provide progression either by meeting entry requirements in their own right or by being accepted alongside other qualifications at the same level and adding value to them. 720 GLH (935 TQT) Equivalent in size to two A Levels. 8 units of which 6 are mandatory and 3 are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (46%). The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification covering 720 GLH and is equivalent in size to two A Levels. It typically makes up two-thirds of a 16–19 study programme and is taken alongside other qualifications. The additional qualification(s) studied allow learners either to give breadth to their study by choosing a contrasting subject, or to give their studies more focus by choosing a complementary subject. It is an ideal qualification to take where IT is the main interest of learners, but allows time in a study programme for another Level 3 qualification, which will support progression to a range of higher education courses. The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors. Learners will study 6 mandatory units: Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (synoptic) Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business. Unit 4: Programming Unit 9: Project Management Unit 11: Cyber Security &Incident Management (Synoptic) This qualification includes a choice of 2 optional units: Unit 5: Data Modelling Unit 6: Website Development Unit 7: Mobile Apps Development Unit 8: Computer Games Development. Progression The study of IT particularly encourages development of research and analysis skills, project management and prioritizing, effective communications, the synthesis skills of adapting and integrating, and the evaluation skills of assessing, interpreting and validating. This qualification is equivalent in size to two A Levels and meets the requirements for progression to some degree programmed in IT or related study such as an HNC or HND in Computing, IT, Engineering and Business Management. For progression to a degree course, learners should study this qualification alongside other qualifications, such as an A Level or BTEC Extended Certificate in a different or complementary subject area, which will give access to a range of courses such as: •BSc (Hons) in Computer Animation •BSc (Hons) in Digital Media •BSc (Hons) in Web Technologies •BSc (Hons) in Information Systems.