Why study BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology?

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution. There are two examined units and two internally assessed units where students will engage in practical tasks to develop their Information Technology skills and knowledge.

What are the careers or further education that this course be suitable for?

Specific careers in Information Technology include: Systems Analysis, ICT/Information Systems Management, Software Engineering, Consultancy and Design, Education.

There are also a wide range of other careers that the skills associated with this course would benefit and enhance your CV and employment prospects.

Key Information Summary

NOTE: This qualification is equivalent to 1 GCE ‘A’ Level qualification and carries equivalent UCAS tariff points. The final qualification is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. In order to complete the qualification, students much achieve a minimum of a Pass in all 4 units.

* This course demands a considerable amount of essay style writing and therefore a grade 4 in GCSE English language is essential, while a grade 5 is highly recommended.

Also, although no previous ICT knowledge is assumed, the coursework element of this course demands a high level of practical competence. You will be expected to spend as much time as necessary developing the requisite practical skills. In addition, you will be expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently and meet course deadlines.

Also, although no previous ICT knowledge is assumed, the coursework element of this course demands a high level of practical competence. You will be expected to spend as much time as necessary developing the requisite practical skills. In addition, you will be expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently and meet course deadlines.

Course Details and Assessment

You will study a total of four units over the duration of this two year course:

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

Information technology (IT) systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. Having a sound understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems will benefit you personally and professionally.

You will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals.

This unit is assessed through a 2 hour written examination. The result in this unit contributes to 33% of the final qualification grade.

Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management

Our increasing reliance on computer systems and the data they contain makes us vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals and to the loss of these systems if there is an accident or a natural disaster. As Information Technology (IT) system security is improved, more sophisticated methods of attack are developed, and it is important that organisations have robust plans in place to deal with a cyber security incident before it occurs. All IT professionals require a good understanding of the current threats to systems, how to apply appropriate and effective protection methods and how to manage a cyber security incident.

In this unit, you will examine the many types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and the techniques that can be used to defend an organisation’s networked systems. You will examine scenarios and explain appropriate protection measures for networked systems. You will also look at the forensic methods used to investigate cyber security incidents and analyse the suitability of those methods for a given scenario.

As IT systems evolve, there is an increasing need for IT professionals to protect networked systems and the information they contain, while providing enhanced features and benefits for organisations, customers and individuals.

The unit will be assessed through one examination of 90 marks lasting 2 hours.

15 minutes. The result in this unit contributes to 33% of the final qualification grade.

Unit 3: Web Design

Website development skills are more essential than ever if you want to be noticed, reach your goals and generate interest in today’s sophisticated, competitive and dynamic online environment. Modern lifestyles are digitally driven and as a website developer you must combine different tools and techniques to capture and maintain the user’s interest. Website developers need to understand and acquire the necessary skills to find solutions to a variety of scenarios and problems.

In this unit, you will explore how existing websites use the principles of website development to appeal to their intended audience and meet their specific purpose. You will plan, design and develop a website in response to a client brief by applying website development tools, techniques and processes. You will also reflect on the usability, functionality and fitness for purpose of the website using a testing and review process.

Many software developers, database experts and systems managers need web-client development skills as an integral part of their overall portfolio of expertise.

This unit is assessed through an internally set assignment that you will complete during your timetabled lessons. The result in this unit contributes to 17% of the final qualification grade.

Unit 4: Relational Database Development

Databases underpin many processes in numerous aspects of modern society. From stock control systems for large multi-outlet online retailers to the smallest niche internet forums, databases are a repository of information that make up the world wide web as we know it. Database developers understand and use practical skills utilising technologies that will enable them to design and develop databases that can be used by many different connecting systems.

In this unit, you will examine the structure of data and how an efficient data design follows through into an effective, useful database. You will investigate database management systems (DBMS) and apply practical skills in designing and developing a database within a given DBMS.

This unit is assessed through an internally set assignment that you will complete during your timetabled lessons. The result in this unit contributes to 25% of the final qualification grade.