Information Technology

Who is this qualification for?

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Digital sector and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Information Technology as part of a study programme alongside A Levels and/or other Level 3 courses, such as Business or Art.

What does the course involve?*

The qualification has been developed to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive, in higher education. The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems
• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks
• Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose
• Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS)

*Please note this specification may be subject to change

How will my work be assessed?

The course includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic. 

Synoptic assessment requires students to demonstrate that they can identify and use effectively, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the subject as relevant to a key task.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction* (D*), Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). 

What can I do afterwards?

The Extended Certificate can gain progression to higher education or employment. Although a new course, many students who have followed similar courses have gone on to university degrees including:

• BA Business Studies
• BSc Information Systems
• BSc Computer Science
  
  

What qualifications do I need?

You will need at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.