BTEC National Extended Diploma in IT for Practitioners

Course code: IPD

Level:

Availability: Day Course

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Summary

This full-time two-year vocational course is suitable for students who have a strong interest in ICT/Computing and would like to pursue a career in the IT industry. It is equivalent to three A levels and provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education to study a range of degree courses in Computing and ICT.

Requirements

At least five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Language and Maths or a level 2 vocational course at Merit level or above with GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C. You will need a strong interest in computers and ICT and a high degree of motivation and personal organisation

because:

  • you need a good level of communication skills to complete assignments to the appropriate standard
  • numerical and algebraic skills will help you with programming and understanding computer systems
  • you will have to work hard consistently throughout the course to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

 

Course Content

You will be completing 18 units, 9 units during the first year and 9 units during the second year.

There are 3 core units:

  • Communication and  Employability Skills for IT
  • Computer Systems   
  • Information Systems

In addition you will study 12 specialist units such as:

  • Project planning with IT  
  • Database Design    
  • Communication Technologies  
  • Software Design and Development
  • Developing Computer Games
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Maintaining Computer Systems
  • Mathematics for IT Practitioners
  • Website Production
  • Installing & Upgrading Software
  • Managing Networks
  • Impact of the use of IT on Business Systems
  • IT Technical Support         
  • Organisational Systems Security
  • Systems Analysis and Design Digital Graphics      

What else do I need to know?

There are no exams. The course is continuously assessed as each unit involves multiple assignments. You will acquire the skills and knowledge needed from a combination of practical and theoretical lessons.  Assignment work is based on realistic workplace situations, case studies and activities. In addition to acquiring specialist IT knowledge you will also develop generic employment skills such as team working, communication skills and problem solving.

Written communication skills are vital for this course, so some students may be advised to attend Study Support on a regular basis. To be successful it will be necessary to spend an average of 4 hours on homework each week.

The course does not require you to own a PC as the college has computers in the library which may be used. However students have found that having their own PC is helpful and it is useful if it has the same software as at college.

BTEC National Diplomas are highly valued by employers and higher education. Previous students have progressed on to careers in many IT related disciplines. Areas in which you could work include business system management, systems analysis and design, technical support, database management, software engineering, website development and e-commerce.

If you aim to progress to higher education then you are advised to take an additional A level subject alongside the BTEC IT. A level subjects which complement the IT Practitioners course well include Mathematics, Accounting, Media Studies and Business Studies. Some universities will require at least an AS level in Mathematics for their Computer Science degrees.

 

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