Courses

Information Technology Triple Vocational A Level (BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Course Description

This course concentrates on creating links between theory and practice. It covers a wide variety of software and hardware technologies and their applications. You will gain practical problem-solving and program design skills. The majority of subjects within the course are linked with practical work and based on real-life scenarios. Studying this course, you will develop expertise, become an independent learner and critical thinker. These transferable skills will make you highly employable and provide you with a wade range of options at degree level and higher apprenticeships.

This course is specifically designed for students who wish to progress into higher education or a career in the IT and computing industry. We will build upon your existing IT and computing skills, helping you to increase your practical and theoretical understanding of how computers are used everyday. This is a vocational course which will provide plenty of professional ‘hands on’ learning and experience. You will be taught by experienced professionals in our state of the art dedicated, industry standard computer rooms, with up-to-date software which is also accessible from home. Whether for a simple spreadsheet formula or a space rocket launch, you will learn the basic functions behind it all. You will enjoy learning some computer code and who knows where that will lead you to in the future? This course caters for many career paths as you will cover a range of units catering for your needs, enabling you to succeed in the world of Computing and IT.

Entry Requirements

Students will be expected to have five GCSEs at grade 9-4, or a Merit in a relevant vocational Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent). In addition, students will need grade 4 GCSE English Language and a minimum grade 3 in Mathematics. GCSE Computer Science or BTEC Level 2 in ICT/Computing at grade 3 or equivalent would be advantageous.

Course Content

Over the two year course you will:
• Design and develop software solutions to meet client requirements
• Develop web content including code creation and editing
• Design and develop 2D and 3D graphic products
• Create digital animations and effects products
• Analyse forensic data evidence and information to identify security breaches on systems
• Plan a secure computer network and manage security incidents
• Understand how different information has a significant role in the world around us and plays a part in almost everything we do
• Produce information to support many business processes as well as our social lives – relational databases are widely used to manage and process data
• Create accounts for social media sites for online community building
• Carry out the planning, execution, monitoring and controlling of an IT project, using an appropriate methodology.

Assessment

Assessment is through portfolio work and practical applications. You will study 18 units over two years. Grades are classed as \’Pass\’, \’Merit\’ or \’Distinction\’.

Enrichment and Work Experience

There is the opportunity to undertake work experience in the second year of the course. Some selected students will do a substantive placement of 350 hours or 50 days of work experience and all other students will undertake a minimum of one week of work placement as part of the course.

Building on our links with industry, you will go on trips to well-known ICT/ Computing companies and you will be invited to attend various technology trade exhibitions.

Additional Information

All BTEC IT students will be required to do additional reading to develop an awareness of emerging technologies. This can be achieved through internet research and reviewing technology broadcasts such as the BBC\’s ”Click” programme and different websites such as Extreme Tech and Google\’s \’Wired\’.

Future Career Opportunities

This qualification will open many doors. If you want to become a professional IT project manager, data analyst or even a business analyst – there are opportunities in the UK and around the world. Further career pathways include programmer, designer or tester.

Why Study at BSFC?

You will be taught by experienced teachers who have worked professionally in the ICT and computing industry. You will use industry standard software and be given time and individual support to develop your skills and expertise. You will work on assignments and tasks individually and you will also be encouraged to develop themes with like-minded individuals on group projects.