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Where will this course lead?

This is a two year course which leads on to, higher education, a level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or into employment. 

What will I study?

This is a two year IT course that will give you a solid starting point for any field you may want to pursue.  

In the first year of this two year course where you will learn about computing fundamentals, big data, emerging technologies, networking, web development using client side languages like HTML5 and CSS3 and programming in languages such as Python and C#.  

Following on from this, in the second year you will move on to learning about CyberSecurity, project management, IT service delivery, along with a number of other optional units.

During the fist year you will study: 

Unit 1- Information technology systems (This is a mandatory unit and is assessed by a 2 hour externally assessed written examination)

Unit 2- Creating systems to manage information (This is a mandatory unit and is assessed by a 5 hour externally assessed set of tasks that take place over 2 days. The first will require completing tasks within three hours and the following day, a set of tasks to be completed within two hours. The assessment is completed on computer and submitted electronically.) 

The below units are coursework only and assessed internally: 

Unit 4- Programming 

Unit 5- Data modelling 

Unit 6- Website development 

Unit 3- Using social media in business. 

During the second year you will study (subject to change): 

Unit?9 - IT Project Management (This is a mandatory unit that is assessed internally by coursework) 

Unit?11 - Cyber Security and Incident Management (This is a mandatory unit and is assessed by the completion of a set of tasks completed under supervised conditions that are submitted electronically and marked externally.)

Unit 14 IT Service Delivery (This is a mandatory unit and is assessed by the completion of a set of tasks completed under supervised conditions that are submitted electronically and marked externally.) 

The below units are coursework only and assessed internally.

Unit 12 IT Technical Support and Management 
Unit 20 Enterprise in IT 
Unit 21 Business Process Modelling Tools 

How will this course be delivered?

This is a two year course. A total of 13 units need to be completed; 6 in the first year and 7 in the second year. There is a combination of mandatory and optional units, 4 units are assessed by exams and the remainder by coursework.  

What qualifications will I get?

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology. (3 A-Level equivalent).

How will I be assessed?

Combination of external examinations and coursework. 

How do I get a place on the course?

You can get a place on the course by completing an application form or applying on line for an interview. Applicants are invited for an interview with a member of the School of Computing. 

What are the entry requirements?

A Merit or higher at Level 2 OCR Diploma or BTEC extended certificate and English GCSE at grade C/4 or higher and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/4 or higher or 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (or grade C) or higher including English and Mathematics. 

What else do I need to know?

You will need a data stick, pens, pencils, lined A4 paper and an A4 lever arch file for your work for the examined units. 

The course is recognised by industry and higher education and carries UCAS points. 

For most students there is no fee for this course. However for students aged 19 or over at the start of the course or who have already completed a Level 3 course previously there is a charge. 

During the first year there are no additional costs apart from supplying a data stick, pens, pencils and lined A4 paper. 

What can I do after this course?

This is a two year course which leads on to higher education, a level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or into employment. 

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

IPDDA061BCF1

Study Mode

Full Time

IT Specialist Manager

IT specialist managers plan, organise, manage and coordinate the provision of specialist IT services and functions in an organisation.

What’s Involved?

IT Specialist Managers plan, coordinate and manage the organisation's IT provision or a specialist area of IT activity. They liaise with users, senior staff and internal/external clients to clarify IT requirements and development needs. They also take responsibility for managing the development of a specialist aspect of IT provision such as user support, network operations, service delivery or quality control. They supervise the technical team and coordinate training. They plan and monitor work and maintenance schedules to ensure agreed service levels are achieved. They report on IT activities to senior management.

Systems Analyst

Workers in this unit group provide advice on the effective utilisation of IT and design IT systems in order to meet the business objectives or to enhance the business effectiveness of the organisation.

What’s Involved?

Systems Analysts liaise with internal/external clients in order to analyse business procedure, clarify clients' requirements and to define the scope of existing software, hardware and network provision. They undertake feasibility studies for major IT developments incorporating costs and benefits, and present proposals to clients. They communicate the impact of emerging technologies to clients and advise upon the potential introduction of such technology. They also provide advice and assistance in the procurement, provision, delivery, installation, maintenance and use of IT systems and their environments. They examine existing business models and flows of data and design functional specifications and test plans for new systems in order to meet clients' needs. They research, analyse, evaluate and monitor network infrastructure and performance. They work closely with clients to implement new systems.

Website Developer

Jobholders in this unit group design, develop and maintain websites to meet a client's specified requirements.

What’s Involved?

Website Developers liaise with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website. They present design options to the client. They also design web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access. They develop the website and applications. They design and develop web interfaces for relational database systems. They establish methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery. They write and publish content for the website. They test website interaction and performance prior to going 'live', and monitor and maintain functionality of the website. They also activate the 'live' website.

Computer Programmer

Programmers and software development professionals design, develop, test, implement and maintain software systems in order to meet the specifications and business objectives of the information system; they also design and develop specialist software e.g. for computer games.

What’s Involved?

Computer Programmers examine existing software and determine requirements for new/modified systems in the light of business needs. They undertake feasibility study to design software solutions. They also write and code individual programs according to specifications. They develop user interfaces. They test and correct software programs. They write code for specialist programming for computer games, (for example, artificial intelligence, 3D engine development). They implement and evaluate the software. They also plan and maintain database structures. They write operational documentation and provide subsequent support and training for users.

Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications engineers install, maintain and repair public and private telephone systems and maintain, test and repair telecommunications cables.

What’s Involved?

Telecommunications Engineers install internal cabling and wiring for telephone systems and fit and wire junctions and distribution boxes. They fix connecting wires from underground and aerial lines to premises and connect cable terminals to inside wiring. They also install telephones, switchboards and coin operated phone boxes. They use testing equipment to locate defective components of circuitry and make any necessary repairs. They also test installations and make any further necessary adjustments. They assist with the erection of wooden poles or steel towers to carry overhead lines. They connect cables and test for any defects. They also locate and repair faults to lines and ancillary equipment. They erect and maintain mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

IT Engineer

IT engineers install, maintain and repair the physical components of computer systems and equipment.

What’s Involved?

IT Engineers install, test and maintain computer-related hardware (processors, memory chips, circuit boards, displays, sensors, data storage devices, printers, etc.) according to given specifications. They diagnose hardware related faults. They also repair or replace defective components. They advise on and install operating soft/firm ware and may carry out upgrades. They also maintain documentation to track and log work in progress and completed.

IT Support Technician

IT user support technicians are responsible for providing technical support, advice and guidance for internal/external users of IT systems and applications, either directly or by telephone, e-mail or other network interaction.

What’s Involved?

IT Support Technicians provide technical support to IT users. They advise users on how to resolve hardware and software problems. They install and upgrade hardware, cables, operating systems and/or appropriate software. They also facilitate user access to systems. They refer more complex or intractable problems to appropriate IT professionals. They research possible solutions in user guides, technical manuals and other documents. They maintain a log of work in progress, calls received, actions taken and problems detected. They also report on commonly occurring queries to detect underlying problems.

Network Technician

IT operations technicians are responsible for the day-to-day running of IT systems and networks including the preparation of back-up systems, and for performing regular checks to ensure the smooth functioning of such systems.

What’s Involved?

Network Technicians administer, monitor and support internal/external networks, servers, emails, databases and security systems. They configure and set up new server systems. They also schedule and perform system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data. They analyse systems and make recommendations to improve performance. They identify problems, agree remedial action and undertake emergency maintenance if required. They perform server backups and recovery operations and restart systems following outages. They also act as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams.

IT Project Manager

Jobholders in this unit group manage, coordinate and technically supervise specific IT projects and programmes of a specific duration and/or budget.

What’s Involved?

An IT Project Manager works with clients or senior management to establish and clarify the aims, objectives and requirements of the IT project or programme; plans the stages of the project or programme, reviews actions and amends plans as necessary; coordinates and supervises the activities of the project/programme team; manages third party contributions to the programme or project; monitors progress including project/programme budget, timescale and quality; coordinates and oversees implementation of the project or programme; reports on project or programme to senior management and/or client.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.