Computing – Level 3 Extended Diploma

Entry Requirements:

Minimum of five GCSE grades 9-4 (or A*-C) including either English or Maths

OR

Level 2 Vocational Programme at Merit or above (e.g. BTEC/NVQ/OCR National) PLUS three GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C) including either English or Maths.

Please Note: You do not need to have studied ICT or Computing at High School

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Course overview

BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing is a two year course that is equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. This computing course requires students to learn problem solving skills and to practice coding to solve ICT related problems that people as well as organisations face in today’s environment.

Course Details

• There are a total of 13 units to be studied, of which 7 are mandatory (67%) and 4 are externally assessed (42%).
• Units 1 and 2 are examined and Units 3 and 4 are assessed using a controlled test that is set and marked by the exam board.
• 9 units are optional and internally assessed via course work and practical tasks.
• Students are expected to be organised as this course includes external examinations, so it will be demanding.
• The course carries UCAS points like any A Level course and recognised by UK universities as meeting admission requirements for many degrees and foundation degree programmes, which can be ICT related or not.

  Students will keep a portfolio of assignments for all internal units and these will be monitored and checked by the awarding body at least twice during the 2 years.

Overview of the units

Mandatory

• Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science
• Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Unit 3: Planning and Management of Computing Projects
• Unit 4: Software Design and Development Projects
• Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption

Mandatory (Internal)

• Unit 8: Business Applications of Social Media
• Unit 9: The Impact of Computing

Optional Units

• Unit 10: Human – Computer Interaction
• Unit 11: Digital Graphics and Animation
• Unit 15: Website Development
• Unit 18: Relational Database Development
• Unit 22: Systems Analysis and Design
• Unit 23: Systems Methodology

Skills

You will develop advanced skills Information Systems, Graphic Design, Project Management skills, to mention but a few ICT topics. You will also learn fundamentals of computer science and develop programming skills using VB.Net, Python, HTML and PHP languages.

Careers/Destination

On successful completion of the BTEC Extended Diploma, you can progress to employment or apprenticeship, or you can progress to higher education and continue with degree studies in the same, or related vocational area such as Business Studies, Accounts, Law, Criminology etc. the Extended Diploma gives the flexibility of choice.