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.