The digital industry is a major source of employment in the UK; 1.9 million people were working in the industry in 2022. Digital skills span all industries; almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a proficient level of digital literacy.
BTEC Nationals in IT is a modern, work-related qualification with clear purpose and defined progression routes into higher education or employment. The course focuses on the development of a range of applications across different platforms and sectors. They will help you to develop high-level skills employers and universities look for such as teamwork, creative thinking and presentation skills as well as giving you the opportunity to build independent research and study skills essential for success at university and in the work-place.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include: Mandatory units:
- Information Technology Systems
- Creating Systems to Manage Information
- Using Social Media in Business
- Programming
- IT Project Management
- Cyber security and Incident Management
- IT Service Delivery
Optional units:
- Data Modelling
- Website Development
- Computer Games Development
- Big Data and Business Analytics
- Software Testing
- Customising and Integrating Application
- Digital Animation and Effects
- Mobile Apps Development
*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.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 Computing and IT and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in Information Technology
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How is the course assessed?
- One written examination
- 3 tasks set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions
- Internally assessed units in the form of between two and four assignments per unit.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. 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. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade C (4) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). 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. 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.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The different platforms of delivery that enable access to digital tools and services.
- Writing, interpreting and debugging code and algorithms
- Using code development tools, including Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
- Applying an understanding of ethical and moral issues in the digital sector in a range of business contexts.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Analyse a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
- Design, implement and test software
- Create solutions in a social and collaborative environment
- Discover, evaluate and apply reliable sources of knowledge
- Apply ethical principles in managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Act as a role model, contributing to team cohesion and productivity
- Representing the positive aspects of team culture and respectfully challenging inappropriate prevailing cultures ; taking responsibility for your own work, accepting feedback in a positive way, using initiative and showing resilience
- Demonstrate taking responsibility for team performance and quality of projects delivered.
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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 734066.
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 at Extended Diploma with a Pass or at Diploma with a Merit - many students apply for courses in Higher Education and universities are very keen to offer our students a place on their degree or HND courses. Northampton College has HNC and HND courses in IT that may interested you. The skills gained are also very relevant for seeking jobs in IT and Computing areas.
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Entry Requirements for new students
English and Maths GCSE at grade 4 or above plus 2 other GCSEs at grade 9-4 GCSE Computer Science/ICT or similar would be an advantage.
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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 you have applied for A Levels, before an offer is made, you will be invited to attend an interview usually before Easter.
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.
