Level 2 BTEC Technical Diploma in Digital Technology (Networking & Cyber Security)

Course Content

This qualification is for learners who want to start a career in digital technology. It is designed for post-16 learners and can be taken as part of a wider study programme. It is an ideal qualification for learners intending to progress directly to employment in digital technology or IT, or to an IT apprenticeship. 

The qualification has been developed in consultation with employers in the IT sector. This means that it will enable learners to develop the skills and behaviours that give them the best opportunity to be successful in applying for work. All the content of the qualification is mandatory and relates directly to the skills, knowledge and behaviours expected by employers in the IT sector.

The areas learners will cover include:

• understanding IT network features and functions, common practices in network security, and the function and features of the main network appliances
• setting up new equipment and upgrading existing systems
• IT service solutions and the issues encountered in IT solutions in an organisation
• use of ethical hacking techniques to test the security of a network
• creating and maintaining a network. Learners will also cover broader skills in literacy and numeracy, which will help them to progress.

 Learners will develop other transferable technical and practical skills in communication (working with colleagues, customers and clients), and research and project work (giving them the opportunity to show reflective practice by suggesting different approaches to solving a problem).

Course Outcomes

What could this qualification lead to? 
Achieving this qualification will give learners an advantage when applying for a job in IT. The types of jobs they will be ready for are: 
• junior network engineer 
• network support. 

The qualification gives learners a sound basis to progress to a Level 3 qualification, when studied in a full study programme, such as the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT or a Level 3 digital apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements

• Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation Pass/Pass* or 3 GCSEs A*-C including Maths and/or English. A Level 1 qualification in IT at Merit or Distinction plus a successful interview. 

Assessment

• Assessments are a mixture of externally assessed tests and assignments

Equipment

There are no specific resource requirements for this qualification.

Interview

Yes