Microsoft and Cisco Academy presents Software Programming and Games Development

This exciting course is designed to teach a wide ranging set of programming skills which are relevant to todays business and gaming industry.

The 180-credit BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma extends and deepens the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC Level 3 Diploma. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for appropriate direct employment in the vocational sector and it is suitable for those who have decided that they clearly wish to enter a particular specialist area of work. It is broadly equivalent to three GCE A Levels.

Course content

Unit Details 1 Communication and Employment Skills for IT The aim of this unit is to ensure that learners understand both the personal attributes valued by employers and the principles of communicating effectively whist developing effective communication skills and addressing their own personal development needs. 2 Computer Systems The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the components of computer systems and develop the skills needed to recommend appropriate systems for business purposes and set up and maintain computer systems. 3 Information Systems The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand how organisations use information and the surrounding use of information, know about information systems and develop the skills necessary to produce management information. 6 Software Development To enable learners to understand the principles of software design and be able to use tools to develop software designs. 10 Communications Technology The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand the communication principles of computer networks know the elements of data communications systems and develop the skills to implement network communications. 11 System Analysis and Design The aim of this unit is to enable learners to gain an understanding of the principles of systems analysis and equip them with the skills to analyse business requirements and design solutions to meet business needs. 14 Event Driven Programming This unit aims to enable learners to develop the skills and understanding required to design and develop event driven applications. 15 Object Orientated Programming To enable learners to develop the skills and understanding required to design and develop object oriented applications. 16 Procedural Programming This unit aims to enable learners to develop the skills and understanding required to design and develop procedural programming applications. 17 Project Planning with IT The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand the processes and tools used for project management and are able to plan a project, follow the plan and review the project management process. 18 Database Design The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the features of relational databases and to develop the skills necessary to design, create, populate and test a relational database incorporating advanced features. 20 Client Side Customisation of Web Pages The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand the fundamentals of cascading style sheets and scripting languages and are able to develop the skills required to implement web pages using these tools. 22 Developing Computer Games The aim of this unit is to ensure learners know about different types of computer game, understand the impact gaming has on society and are able to design, develop, test and document computer games. 27 Web page Scripting The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand and use web server scripting and investigate the common issues surrounding its use. 28 Website Production The aim of this unit is to enable a learner to understand web architecture and the factors that affect its performance and to be able to design and create interactive websites. 30 Digital Graphics This unit aims to enable learners to understand different types of digital graphics images and file formats and to be able to create, edit, modify and manipulate digital images of various types and complexity. 31 Computer Animation The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand types of animation and their uses and develop the knowledge and skills required to use software techniques to design and implement different types of animation. 42 Spreadsheet Modelling This unit aims to enable learners to use complex spreadsheet modelling in order to support organisational activities such as credit control, sales forecasting and stock analysis.

• 1 Communication and Employment Skills for IT
• 2 Computer Systems
• 3 Information Systems
• 6 Software Development
• 10 Communications Technology
• 11 System Analysis and Design
• 14 Event Driven Programming
• 15 Object Orientated Programming
• 16 Procedural Programming
• 17 Project Planning with IT
• 18 Database Design
• 20 Client Side 20 Customisation of Web Pages
• 22 Developing Computer Games
• 27 Web page Scripting
• 28 Website Production
• 30 Digital Graphics
• 31 Computer Animation
• 42 Spreadsheet Modelling

Entry Requirements

Formal entrance qualifications: Entry requirements are 4 C's including C Maths and English. We will accept a D in English and a C in Maths or vice versa but you must have 4 x C overall and a good report. Or Merit/Distinction at BFD including Maths and English C grade GCSE, or equivalent level 2 qualification and a good report.

Delivery & Assessment methods

In BTEC Nationals all units are internally assessed with the exception of vendor units, which are assessed through vendor-set external examination. All assessment for BTEC Nationals is criterion referenced, based on the achievement of specified learning outcomes. Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria which are to be used for grading purposes. A summative unit grade can be awarded at pass, merit or distinction: 1. to achieve a ‘pass’ a learner must have satisfied all the pass assessment criteria 2. to achieve a ‘merit’ a learner must additionally have satisfied all the merit grading criteria 3. to achieve a ‘distinction’ a learner must additionally have satisfied all the distinction grading criteria. Learners who complete the unit but who do not meet all the pass criteria are graded ‘unclassified’. Assignments emphasise the practical application of the assessment and grading criteria, providing a realistic scenario for learners to adopt, and making maximum use of practical activities and work experience where ever possible.

Progression

Some learners may wish to gain the qualification in order to enter a specialist area of employment or to progress to a higher education foundation degree, HND or other professional development programme. Other learners may want to extend the specialist nature of the subjects they studied on the BTEC Level 3 Diploma or another programme of study.