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Computing

Course Code: NAB
  • Level: 3
  • Qualification: BTEC
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Duration: One - two years
  • Time of day: Daytime
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What's it all about?

Do you want to work in IT or computing? This Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in IT is the right choice for you. It’s a diverse and interesting introduction to all things computing and will help you to take those first steps. In the first year, you’ll gain an understanding of a range of areas of computing including:

  • Fundamentals of Computer Systems
  • Website Development
  • IT Systems Security and Encryption
  • Business Applications of Social Media
  • Principles of Computer Science
  • Managing and Supporting Systems

In the second year you’ll take your knowledge a step further, gaining an understanding of:

  • Planning and Management of Computer Projects
  • The Impact of Computing
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Computer Games Development
  • Mobile Apps Development
  • Object Oriented Programming

The Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma offers a nationally recognised qualification allowing progression into higher education or employment.

(NB – Units may change slightly during different presentations of the course).

Course information

The subsidiary diploma includes the following subject areas:

  • programming
  • maintaining computer systems
  • communications and network technology

The extended diploma consists of a wide range of subject areas (dependent upon your subject focus), including:

  • network management
  • software development
  • system support

There is also a opportunity to complete functional skills in English and maths at level 2.The subsidiary diploma is an introduction to all aspects of computing. On successful completion you may continue to the extended diploma where you will focus your learning on either software development or system support and networking. In the second year you will develop skills and abilities which are directly related to your chosen career path.This course utilises software provided by Lucidchart. Your individualised study programme will be made up of the following four areas:

  • the qualification you are studying
  • English and maths
  • work experience
  • other activities to develop your personal skills e.g. preparing you for employment, training or higher/further education

In our experience in order to be successful on this level of course you will need one of the following:

  • four to five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) (including English and maths)
  • an intermediate GNVQ in a related subject
  • a BTEC first diploma in a related subject
  • an NVQ Level 2/technical certificate in a related subject
  • successful completion of an Apprenticeship course
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience

A variety of assessment methods are used, including exams, time constrained assessments and assignments. There are exams for functional skills.

On successful completion of the extended diploma you may progress to:

  • the Foundation Degree in Software Development at the College
  • a variety of level 4/5 computing degrees
  • employment as, for example, an IT technician, a web designer, a network technician, a help desk support assistant, an application developer, a database designer, a systems analyst or a basic project planner

 

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