Knowing how to use software to create solutions to business problems, market your product or analyse income are vital skills required by many organisations.
This course focuses on the job role of a software practitioner across a range of sectors including database creation, spreadsheet modelling and graphics creation. You will also learn some fundamental principles of programming and apply them to creating a simple game. Alongside developing your skills in using software you will also learn about what it means to work in the IT sector and the wide range of job opportunities on offer. You will learn which skills, knowledge and behaviours employers value and plan your steps towards gaining your chosen job.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
- Communication in the IT Industry
- Working in the IT Industry
Specialist Units:
- Computer Graphics
- Customising Software
- Database Systems
- Developing Programming Solutions
- Spreadsheet Modelling
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in developing skills in understanding and using computers within business organisations and wish to gain a Level 2 qualification in IT.
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How is the course assessed?
- Units are internally assessed
- Units are externally moderated through assignments
- All units are assessed with course work which is graded, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The concepts and fundamentals of data, including searching, storing, integrating and organising data
- The main features and benefits of digital information systems and how these are used to maintain information and to support organisations and best working practices
- The principles of coding including language options together with the syntax, structure and layout of a programming language.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
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Customise software to improve the user experience.
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Write code following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards
- Create a database to store, interrogate and present data
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Manage own time to meet deadlines and Manage stakeholder expectations
- Work independently and take responsibility for own actions within a given job role
- Work with a range of internal and external customers
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After successful completion of this course at Pass Grade you may want to consider progressing onto the following course offer at Northampton College:
OCR Level 3 Digital And Cyber Technologies
To progress onto the course above you need to achieve GCSE Mathematics and English at Grade 4 (C)
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Entry Requirements for new students
4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
