Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Why study IT?

• For 2018, the critical issue remains that the demand for IT skills is outpacing the growth of the talent pool.
• The Government estimates that digital skills will be needed for 90% of jobs in 20 years’ time
• Employment in the IT industry is forecast to grow 5 times faster than the UK average with over half a million new IT and Telecoms professionals needed over the next 5 years.
• IT and Telecoms professionals currently earn 41% more than the national average salary.

What will I learn?

In unit 1, Information Technology systems, you will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals.

In unit 2, Creating systems to manage information, you will examine the structure of data and its origins, and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. You will examine a given scenario and develop an effective design solution to produce a database system. You will then test your solution to ensure that it works correctly. Finally, you will evaluate each stage of the development process and the effectiveness of your database solution. To complete the assessment tasks within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme.

In unit 3, Using social media in business, you will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for business purposes. You will develop a plan to use social media strategies for business purposes to achieve specific aims and objectives. You will then implement the plan, developing and posting content and interacting with others. Finally, you will collect data on the business use of social media and review the effectiveness of your efforts.

In unit 6, Website development, you will review existing websites – commenting on their overall design and effectiveness. You will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript® and a simple text editor, or rapid application development tools. Finally, you will reflect on the website design and functionality using a testing and review process.

What are the entry requirements?

Minimum of three GCSE grade 4 or above ( grade C)  including EITHER English Language or Mathematics

How will I be assessed?

The Units covered in Year 12:

Unit 1: Using social media in Business – Internally assessed coursework
Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information – Externally set and assessed 10 hour controlled assessment.

The Units covered in Year 13:

Unit 3: Information Technology Systems – External 2 hour written exam
Unit 6: Website Development. – Internally assessed coursework

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for learners who wish to learn through applied learning techniques, therefore applying learning which will be directly beneficial for the workplace or future studies in the digital IT Industry. You will need to have a strong interest in IT and the digital world today.

Future Opportunities

Studying BTEC Nationals in IT builds a good foundation for a range of career options including:

Starting up your own business

Being self employed
Further education
Joining the IT industry
IT apprenticeships

BTEC http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/information-technology-2016.html

Examination board: Pearson