Web and Software Development

What will I study?

You will be able to study the following qualifications and pathways in this subject:

Pearson BTEC Introductory in Vocational Studies- Level 1 (All Pathways
Pearson BTEC Extended Certificate Information and Creative Technology - Level 2 (Software Pathway)
Pearson BTEC Diploma Computing - Computer Science and Developer Pathway - Level 3
Pearson BTEC Diploma Computing - Creative Computing Pathway - Level 3

Our courses prepare you for an exciting career in the Digital, IT and Creative industry. BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recognises that these qualifications are fit for purpose with regard to progression towards a professional career in IT or towards continuing education in Computing and Information Technology. We aim for our students to progress to our IT and Design apprenticeships or to University; preparing you to enter this lucrative and rewarding industry. During your course, you will learn a variety of skills that will give you a broad base of knowledge whilst developing specialist skills in the pathway of your choice.

Programming, developing software, creating applications and websites, and games development are just some of the elements you will cover.

On our Level 3 Computer Science Developer and Creative Computing pathways, you will carry out work in our programming labs, studios and workshops. You will learn how to programme using specialist software, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, IDLE, Python, C#, Java and Notepad++.

On our Creative Computing pathway you will also get to work in our animation and design studios. In addition to your diploma, you will have the opportunity to complete CISCO Certificates, core maths and an Extended Project Qualification.

Level 1 Units

Being Organised
Developing a Personal Progression Plan
Creating a Spreadsheet to Solve Problems
Branding a Product
Shooting a Short Film

Level 2 Units

The Online World
Technology Systems
A Digital Portfolio
Spreadsheet Development
Software Development
Website Development
Installing and Maintaining Computer Hardware
Installing and Maintaining Computer Software

Level 3 Units

Web and Software Development

Principles of Computer Science
Planning and Management of Computing Projects
IT Systems Security
Software Development
Building Computer Systems
Systems Analysis and Design
Human-computer Interaction
Website Development
Relational Database Development
Programmable Devices and Controllers

We will support you with Work Experience and our tutors have industry links with many relevant employers. We also invite employers and organisations into College to offer projects and tasks. Industry masterclasses are on offer, and guest speakers from your industry specialism will come in to offer work projects, which will broaden your understanding of different career routes within Digital.

How will I be assessed?

Level 1 assessment is based on assignment and digital portfolio evidence.

Levels 2 & 3 assessment includes externally set unit examinations, a project and College set assignments.

What will this lead to?

Our Levels 1 & 2 courses are designed as a pathway onto our Level 3 courses.

Progression options from Level 3 include University, an Apprenticeship or full-time employment. Possible employment routes include Junior Developer, Junior Analyst, Software Engineer and Test Analyst.

Students who choose University generally choose courses such as Computing, Computer Science and Software Engineering. Students wishing to progress to University with a high UCAS entry requirement need to complete an Extended Project and core maths to maximise their UCAS point achievement.

Entry requirements

Entry Level Courses :
Skills for Life & Work
No formal qualifications are required for this course, although evidence of personal progression from previous education establishments would be beneficial.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a special educational need (SEND).

Skills & Employability
English & maths GCSE Grades G-U / 1 or English & maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3

Full Time ESOL
No formal qualification are required for this course, you will recieve an offer of a place subject to passing an assessment;

Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study Course
You will receive an offer of a place on the course subject to passing an assessment.

Full Time Level 1 Course
English & Maths GCSE Grades E-G/1- 2 or English & Maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3.

Full Time Level 2 Course
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including English and Maths or a vocational qualification Level 1 in the chosen subject, plus GCSE grade D/3 in both English and Maths.
English & Maths Functional Skills Level 1 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs.

Full time Level 3 Course
Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A-C/4-9 (including English and Maths) or a vocational qualification Level 2 in the chosen subject,
English & Maths Functional Skills Level 2 will be accepted as an alternative to GCSEs in some subject areas.

T Level
Minimum of 5 GCSE passes but English and Maths GCSE must be Grade 5 or above.
T levels in Science and Healthcare Science will also require a minimum of a grade 5 in a GCSE Science subject.

How to apply

You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.

If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.

Cost

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits. We have a bursary scheme to assist with these costs.

If you're aged 19 or over, you may be eligible for funding towards your course fees. It will depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed at enrolment. You will be asked to bring documentation with you when you are invited to enrol.
If you are aged 19 and over and study Maths or English and do not already hold a C grade/4 or higher in the subject that you are studying, you will get the course for free.
If you have any queries please contact us on 0161 785 4039 or email admissions@oldham.ac.uk

What happens next?

It is important that you come along and speak to one of our staff about your choice/s.

Once we receive your application, you will be invited in to speak to a tutor or a member of the Apprenticeship team to discuss your application.

This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course/Apprenticeship and to see our facilities.

Digital