BTEC Information Technology

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is an exciting new course being offered at QPCS next year. 

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Digital sector and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment.

Students will develop the following knowledge and skills:

•  Digital technologies and how organisations plan digital projects and follow a project lifecycle

•  Design and build a website to meet user requirements using relevant tools and techniques, including testing for usability, functionality and fitness for purpose 

• Understanding of organisation structures and processes and how to embed digital safety to keep data and assets secure

•   Transferable skills such as creativity and innovation, written communications, critical thinking and taking personal responsibility.

Equivalent to one A level, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Information Technology as part of a study programme alongside A levels.

What Will I Study?

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

•   Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems.

• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks.

•   Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose.

• Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS).

How will I be assessed?

You will complete 4 units across the two years. Two of the units will be externally assessed in the form of a written exam. The other 2 units will be internally assessed through coursework.

Where might it lead?

This qualification provides students with the opportunity to develop additional knowledge and skills specific to the Digital sector with the intention of progression into Higher Education to study degrees in Information Technology or Computing.

It can also lead to progression to the following degrees:

•   BA (Hons) Economics

•   BA (Hons) Business and Management

•   BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

•   BA (Hons) Marketing