IT BTEC extended certificate

This course is equivalent to 1 A level.

Why study IT?

In today’s society, information and information technology are ubiquitous and influence all forms of human activity. IT professionals support the goals and cultures of the people and organizations they serve; More than ever, organizations rely on IT to help them be more productive; The number of IT jobs continues to grow; IT jobs generally pay well; IT jobs provide leadership challenges and opportunities, contributing to a satisfying career that lets you combine IT with your other interests. Information technology (IT) have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. With a track record built over 30 years of learner success, BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at a higher level. Proof comes from YouGov research, which shows that 62% of large companies have recruited employees with BTEC qualifications. What’s more, well over 100,000 BTEC students apply to UK universities every year and their BTEC Nationals are accepted by over 150 UK universities and higher education institutes for relevant degree programmes either on their own or in combination with A Levels.

 

The course

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification covering 360 GLH and equivalent in size to one A Level.

 

It is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT. Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information.

 

Today’s BTEC Nationals are demanding, as you would expect of the most respected applied learning qualification in the UK. You will have to choose and complete a range of units, be organised, take assessments that we will set and mark, and keep a portfolio of your assignments.

 

Course overview

  • 360 GLH
  • Equivalent in size to one A Level.
  • 4 units of study
  • 3 are mandatory and 1 Optional Unit
  • 2 Externally assessed Units. 
  • 2 Course Work Units (Internally assessed, externally moderated)
  • Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%)

YEAR 1

  • Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems – use of computer hardware and software; use of data and information; choosing an IT system; emerging technologies; the use of online systems; data protection and security. 2 HOUR WRITTEN EXAM.
  • Unit 2 – Creating systems to manage information – database systems to manage information; relational database systems; manipulation of data; normalisation; database design; SQL language and creation of a system. 10 HOUR CONTROLLED ASSIGNMENT.

YEAR 2

  • Unit 3 – Using Social Media in Business – social media website and their impact / advantages; risks and issues; review of current social media platforms in business; creating a social media account and website. Coursework assignment.
  • Unit 5 – Data Modelling – Learners study how data modelling can be used to solve problems, and they will design and implement a data model to meet client requirements. Coursework assignment.

UCAS Points

Grade UCAS points
Pass 16
Merit 32
Distinction 48
Distinction* 56

 

Entry requirements

Maths – (B recommended) English – (B recommended)

 Resources required

  • Laptop with internet access
  • Folders to organise work
  • Revise BTEC National Information Technology Revision Guide
  • Revise BTEC National Information Technology Revision Workbook
  • BTEC Nationals Information Technology Student Book 1 + Activebook

Extension activities to get involved in

  • Digital Graphics
  • Programming
  • Networking

Industry links

We will visit trade shows including the BETT show in London.

This course will prepare me for…

  • Professional qualifications
  • Employability skills
  • Practical knowledge
  • World of work
  • Progressing through careers
  • Entering University

 

Industry quotes

Software innovation, like almost every other kind of innovation, requires the ability to collaborate and share ideas with other people, and to sit down and talk with customers and get their feedback and understand their needs.

Bill Gates

 

Computer technology is so built into our lives that it’s part of the surround of every Artist

Steven Levy

 

Most times your computer is not responding as you expected – first try to find out if the “ERROR” is not sitting right next to the computer.

Thomas Baehr