Information Technology (BTEC)

Who is this qualification for?

Our BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is equivalent in value 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.

What does this qualification cover?

The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors.

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (written exam - set and marked externally)

This unit is externally assessed through a written examination set and marked by the exam board. The examination is two hours in length. Learners will be assessed on their understanding of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (5hr practical exam - set and marked externally)

This unit is externally assessed through a task set and marked by the exam board.

The set task will be completed under supervised conditions for 5 hours over two days (3 hours on day one and 2 hours on day two). The set task will assess learners’ ability to design, create, test and evaluate a relational database system to manage information.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Assignment – set and marked internally)

In this unit learners will explore the impact of social media on the ways in which businesses promote their products and services. Develop a plan to use social media in a business to meet requirements and implement the use of social media in a business.

Unit 6: Website Development (Assignment – set and marked internally)

In this unit learner will understand the principles of website development, design a website to meet client requirements and develop a website to meet client requirements.

Assessment is through a combination of Examinations & Coursework.

Overall Entry Requirements:

6 GCSE's at grade 4 or above including an English and Maths.

Course Specific Entry Requirements:

Students must have at least a grade 4 in GCSE Maths, grade 5 in English Language and (if studied) a Level 2 Merit in ICT.

What could this qualification lead to?

This qualification gives learners the opportunity to progress to a degree in an information technology or a degree where information technology related skills and knowledge may be advantageous.

This qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. As the content is equivalent in value to one A Level.