LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN I.T.

The BTEC National Diploma is a level 3 qualification, equivalent to three 'A' levels, studied over a period of two years. The full qualification comprises of 18 units, all of which must be successfully completed. The course includes a range of essential or "Core" units, which must be studied, including Information Systems, Communication Skills and Computer Systems, and is complimented by a further selection of "Specialist" units including: computer hardware software installation operating systems networking, e-commerce digital graphics spreadsheet skills web page design. The First Year gives the learner the opportunity to experience a wide range of topics in the IT subject area, while preparing to choose the pathway they will specialise in when the go into the second year. The Deloitte Employability Skills programme is also embedded into the first year. As a major professional services firm with over 10,000 employees in the UK, this course is part of Deloitte's award winning community programme and gives learners a further insight into the world of work. In the Second Year, much learning is based around a project, as well as the specialist pathway the learners select at the end of the first year. The specialist pathways include Games Programming or Cisco Networking. (the latter is year 1 of the CCNA Discovery Programme) The BTEC course is integrated seamlessly into the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification. The Welsh Baccalaureate is an exciting qualification for learners in Wales that adds a valuable new dimension to the subjects and course already available. It combines personel development skills with existing qualifications like BTEC to make one wider award that is valued by employers and universities. TEACHING AND LEARNING Teaching and learning is delivered by staff with a substantial working knowledge of the BTEC National Programmes, with the extensive industrial and commercial experience necessary to add value to a vocational course. Teaching is of a very practical nature, with a mixture of lectures, case studies, coursework, discussions and research. Outside visits will incur a cost fee and course fees will apply for materials required for the programme. N.B Essential / Wider Skills Wales and the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification are delivered as an integral part of this study programme.

How you will gain the qualification

All of the units are assessed internally through coursework, practical exercises and observation. Learners build a portfolio of evidence over the duration of the course, consisting of assignments with a vocationally relevant scenario - all assignments have deadlines which must be met. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT grading is based upon a Pass/Merit/Distinction scale and each candidate will receive 3 grades for the full Diploma, e.g. DMM, MMP, PPP.

What qualifications you need

GCSEs (Grades A*-C) in relevant subjects, to include Maths or English of which one must be at a Grade C or above and the other at no less than a Grade D or equivalent for example L2 qualification in Maths or English.

All candidates wishing to take a vocational programme will be interviewed prior to enrolment, and will be expected to demonstrate aptitude by undertaking a simple written exercise. Special circumstances will be considered on an individual basis for candidates with appropriate prior qualifications and/or experience.We strongly advise those candidates who may consider applying for higher education to resit either Maths or English GCSE

Where to next

As well as offering a wide range of career options the BTEC National Diploma is also an ideal qualification for progression to Higher Education where a wide range of IT courses are available. The Networking units also offer the opportunity to work towards the CCNA vendor qualifications, the Deloitte Employabilty Skills training also awards its own certificate and enhances