BTEC Certificate Information Technology - Specialist (level 3)

Focus on specific areas of interest and develop specialist skills in Computing and Information Technology

Is it for me?

This course is for those who are looking to acquire advanced level, specialist IT/Computing skills and to achieve a nationally recognised, vocationally-related qualification. The BTEC level 3 Certificate is a one-year course equivalent to one AS level.

Assessment is 100% coursework assignments.

What’s involved?

You will engage in learning that is relevant to you and which provides opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

Proposed units:

Programming

Control Systems

Human Computer Interaction

Assignments will involve: either research and reporting on a specific topic within one of the three modules - or a practical task such as designing and building a program, an interface or a control system. All assessment is based on achieving criteria in each unit at Pass, Merit or Distinction level. No previous experience in programming is necessary, but students who take the course will need to have a logical approach to their work and be interested in problem solving. This course is substantially different from level 2 ICT courses. It requires a greater degree of technical skill development and an interest in exploring ideas relating to computing rather than following a rigid approach to completing set tasks.

You will need to be prepared to put in work outside of lessons to keep developing your skills, particularly with the programming aspect of the course.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A* to C, with:

Grade C or above in Maths and English Language

BTEC Level 2 Certificate/Diploma/OCR National Award/Certificate in ICT at Merit

Which courses go well with this?

This course combines well with AS Level Product Design, Computing and Applied ICT.

Progression:

When combined with other BTEC or AS/A2 subjects, students can progress to Higher Education including the BTEC Higher National in Computing or to further vocational training for example specialist ICT Technician training.

What is involved? You will engage in learning that is relevant to you and which provides opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life. Proposed units:

Programming

Control Systems

Human Computer Interaction

There are currently no exams - all assessment is through assignment work. No previous experience in programming is necessary, but students who take the course will need to have a logical approach to their work and be interested in problem solving. This course is substantially different from level 2 ICT courses. It requires a greater degree of technical skill development and an interest in exploring ideas relating to computing rather than following a rigid approach to completing set tasks. You will need to be prepared to put in work outside of lessons to keep developing your skills, particularly with the programming aspect of the course. Entry Requirements: A minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A* to C, with:

grade C or above in Maths and English Language.

BTEC Level 2 Certificate/Diploma/OCR National Award/Certificate in ICT at Merit

Which course go well with this? This course combines well with AS Level Product Design, Computing and Applied ICT. Progression: When combined with other BTEC or AS/A2 subjects students can progress to Higher Education including the BTEC Higher National in Computing or to further vocational training , for example specialist ICT Technician training.