Information Technology BTEC National Extended Diploma Level 3

Course information

If you are interested in a career in programming, Website development, social media or cyber security or you just have a passion for using computers to achieve great things join us on the Foundation/Extended Diploma in Information Technology.

The BTEC Foundation Diploma in Information Technology provides you with the skills you need to pursue a career in the exciting and innovative industry of IT. I.T. is about providing solutions through the use of computers, networks, hardware and software. It is in the same subject area to computing but concentrates on making things happen rather than the theory behind how they happen.

You will learn how to use computers and I.T. systems to provide applications, Web sites, social media impact, mobile apps/games and secure networks. You can think of these as immediately useful job skills or as a taste of what you could study later on at university.

The course includes knowledge and skills in the use of many industry standard areas such as networking, Android app development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, C/C++ and Java. It also includes more general knowledge such as how to support users and work with organisations in providing I.T. systems. We also have fantastic links with local industry employers who will be involved in your course and may also be interested in you as an employee once you complete the course!

I.T. is an enormous area with careers to suit most people. An extra benefit of this course is that it will help you to find out which areas you enjoy the most.

If you want to kick start your career in tech, come and join our Foundation/Extended Diploma in Information Technology.

What You Will Learn

The course is structured as two separate years with the first year covering:

- the principles of all I.T. systems (such as assembling PCs, operating systems, networking)
- creating properly structured databases (in Access)
- the use of social media to promote and support business
- programming (mostly using Python)
- Website development (hand coded in HTML and CSS with a little JavaScript thrown in)
- either mobile app development or computer games development

In the second year you will go on to:

- managing a practical project of your own (e.g. programming, Website, database or networking)
- cyber security (security threats and how to tackle them)
- delivering service or support to users
- two options covering anything from graphics to big data

The final unit in the first year and the two options in the second may vary depending on the strengths of the learners and what interests them.

The course is usually structured as three days a week plus English and maths if you need to take those.

Entry Requirements

You will need four or more L2 qualifications (e.g. GCSEs at 4 or higher) ideally including Maths and English Language

Work Experience

In the first year a small amount of work experience will be arranged for you. This varies each year but will put you into contact with as many local employers as possible from software development to hardware support. In the second year you will be expected to arrange a larger amount of work placement for yourself. By then you should have been introduced to a few local companies who might be interested. The aim is not just to get you useful experience but if you like the employer and they like you your work experience will often lead to an offer of a job.

Assessment

There is one unit in the first year which is assessed by a paper-based examination. The other units are all assessed by assignment/course work and for many units that will be mostly practical work. For example in the database unit you make a database, in the support unit you support users and in the programming unit you write an application.

Progression

The course should provide you with enough skills to be useful to an employer immediately. However I.T. is an advanced subject area and so most people will go on to learn more before settling on a career. You might progress to a university degree but you also have the option of an apprenticeship. Both will let you build on the wide range of skills and knowledge you will learn on this course. You will have tried many areas of I.T. on our Diploma and will probably have chosen which areas to take further in Higher Education or work.

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

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