The BTEC Extended Certificate in Information Technology is a two year course which is equivalent to one A Level. It is designed for students with an interest in studying paths in the IT and the Computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses.
The objective of this qualification is to develop your knowledge and skills in IT and Computing. You will study a holistic view of Technology through learning how to plan, develop and implement social media campaigns within business, as well as learn how databases can be used to manage information. You will be able to practice your problem-solving skills through creation of data modelling techniques for clients, all whilst gaining a solid understanding of the relationships between hardware and software, as well as how to manage and communicate information.
You will study your two core units in your first year:
In your second year your units of study are:
The BTEC Extended Certificate in Information Technology is an advanced level vocational qualification which involves the theoretical and practical study of both computer hardware and software related topics. The course provides specialist knowledge, transferable skills and hands on practical experience in core topics within the IT and Computing sectors. The course has a unit based structure and you will be able to apply the knowledge you gain over a mixture of exams and project-based assessments.
The Extended Certificate will be assessed using a mixture of internal and external assessment.The course is made up of internally assessed mandatory content (58%) and external assessment (42%). 2 units are externally assessed by the examination board and 2 units are assessed internally at the college via coursework assignments.
The BTEC Extended Certificate in Information Technology is recognised by both higher education establishments and industry. The course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in following a career in the wide field of IT and Computing and who may wish to go directly into employment after completing the qualification, as well as those who wish to embark on a degree course at university.
When taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels, it provides an opportunity to progress to a degree in a computing discipline or a degree where computing-related skills and knowledge may be advantageous, such as Computer Science Business Studies or Graphic Communication.
This qualification carries A Level equivalent UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.
The course is predominately taught via the College Intranet and Moodle. There may be some costs for printing but this will be minimal. Course booklets can be purchased through the college online shop. There are two core books published as course companions which students are advised to purchase once you have started your course.
There are likely to be trips and visits to industry which may incur some expense but we will endeavour to cover costs where possible.
The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English.