Why should I study BTEC Extended Diploma in IT?

This two year, triple award course will provide you with a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills for Advanced ICT Practitioners. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is broadly equivalent to three A Levels and attracts similar UCAS Points. It is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* (with combinations). The work-based nature of the qualification also ensures that if you choose to leave college without going to university you are provided with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to obtain work in the ICT and business sector.

This course can either be chosen alone, or with one AS level in your first year.

What will I study?

The 2 year course comprises 18 units covering a wide range of topics; 3 are mandatory units(*) and the rest are specialist units.

Units

Communication and Employability Skills for IT (*)

2. Computer Systems (*)
3. Information Systems (*)
8. e-Commerce
9. Computer Networks
22. Developing Computer Games
28. Website Production
29. Installing and Upgrading Software
30. Digital Graphics
40. Computer Game Design
42. Spreadsheet Modelling
43. Multimedia Design

Plus 6 to be chosen from the following:
4. Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems
6. Software Design and Development
7 . Organisational System Security

10. Communication Technologies
12. IT Technical Support
15. Object Oriented Programming
16. Programming
18. Database Design

What are the entry requirements?

Normal entry requirements. GCSE English grade C desirable.

What skills do I need?

• Be able to work on your own to solve problems and undertake research assignments to given timescales
• Good organisational skills and an ability to recognise and meet deadlines.
• An ability to analyse a problem and carry out evaluations.
• An interest and enthusiasm for computers is a must, together with the awareness of the range of contexts in which computers are used.

How will I be taught?

The units are taught over two years by individual specialist teachers.

The teaching is practically-based, using high specification hardware and the latest versions of industry standard software including MS Office 2010 Professional and Adobe CS4. The College VLE Moodle is used extensively for the delivery and management of the course.

How is the course assessed?

The course consists of 18 units and you will be assessed on the basis of a portfolio of work for each unit, made up of a set of assignments. The number of assignments may vary between modules. These assignments are assessed internally and may then be used in external moderation by the examination board.

What will this course prepare me for?

This qualification is welcomed by the majority of universities and higher education colleges for entry toHND and degree courses. Advice on opportunities for further study will be provided during your time at NEWCollege. The course is also excellent preparation for a career in the IT Industry.

Private study

As an approximate guideline, the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT requires 10 hours per week ofindependent study.

What materials will I need to purchase?

You will benefit greatly from having Microsoft Office at home.
Student licences can be purchased privately at a cost of approximately £45 from www.software4students.co.uk

Examining Board

EDEXCEL

BTEC IT is for you if

You don’t like exams, but prefer the hand’s on approach to studying IT.

BTEC IT is not for you if

Yyou are not well organised, or you don’t have a keen interest in IT.