Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Course Content

This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.

360 GLH (475 TQT) Equivalent in size to one A Level. 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external. Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%).

Qualification structure Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

Mandatory units - There are three mandatory units, one internal and two externals.

Learners must complete and achieve at Near Pass grade or above in all mandatory external units and achieve a Pass or above in all mandatory internal units.

Optional units Learners must complete one optional unit.

The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors. Learners will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (synoptic)
• Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business.

This qualification includes a choice of 1 optional unit:

• Unit 5: Data Modelling
• Unit 6: Website Development. This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.

Progression

When taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications, including BTEC Higher Nationals or A Levels in complementary or contrasting subjects, such as mathematics, physics, science, arts or technology, the qualification gives learners the opportunity to progress to a degree in an information technology discipline or a degree where information technology related skills and knowledge may be advantageous.

This qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. As the content is equivalent in size to one A Level, higher education representatives have confirmed that it is appropriate to allow learners to choose their optional units from a wide range so that they can explore their own choice of areas for further study.

The qualification supports entry to, for example:

• HND in Business
• BA (Hons) in Computer Arts
• BSc (Hons) in Fashion Buying Management
• BSc (Hons) in Software Development for Animation
• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance.

 Some university courses may require the achievement of specific units and learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

The qualification, when studied with other Level 3 qualifications, is aimed at progression to higher education but also enables leaners to develop knowledge and skills needed for entry-level roles related to IT, including vocational apprenticeship roles and trainee/entry-level roles such as a social media specialist, web/content developer, or business analyst.

This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.

Assessment

Equivalent in size to one A Level. 3 units are Mandatory  & 1 optional unit

1. Information Technology Systems 120 (Mandatory – Externally Assessed Exam Unit)
2. Creating Systems to Manage Information 90 (Mandatory – Externally Assessed Exam Unit)
3. Using Social Media in Business 90 M (Mandatory – Internally Assessed Unit)

5. Data Modelling 60 (Optional - Internally Assessed Unit)

6. Website Development 60 (Optional - Internally Assessed Unit)

Entry Requirements

These qualifications are for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning.

4 GCSE subjects Grade 4 and above including Maths & English

Interview

Yes

Equipment

There are no specific resource requirements for this qualification.