BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners

BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners
BTEC National
Introduction
This exciting course will provide students with specialist technical skills in IT Support, Networking, Web Design, Computer Games Development, Multimedia and Software Development. It prepares students for employment in many areas of IT as well as qualifying them to study for a HNC/D or degree.
Course Content
The course is very adaptable with a wide range of units to choose from.
It will suit students seeking a career in software development, IT support, computer networking or web design and e-media. Students will choose an area for specialisation, either IT and Business, Software Development, IT Support, Web Design, Networking or a combination of these topics. Eighteen units must be studied over two years to be eligible for the full qualification.
Units that are studied include Developing Computer Games, Computer Animation, Digital Graphics, Specifying and Building PCs, Networking Systems Security, Computer Architecture, IT Troubleshooting and Repair, Maintaining Computer Systems, Principles of Computer Networks, Web Server Scripting, Client Side Customisation of Web Pages and many others from a wide choice of IT skill areas.
Students can choose to study for a range of professional qualifications at the same time as the BTEC National including CompTIA A+ (hardware and operating systems), Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). These are well recognised qualifications and have proved to be an added bonus in finding employment.
The new BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners is the most up-to-date and focused IT qualification that is available today.
It is very practical in nature and is taught by staff with many years of experience in relevant fields within the IT industry.
Students will find it both challenging and rewarding.
Students must study 18 units in total to be eligible for the full BTEC National Diploma on graduation, including a large computer project based on their area of specialisation.
Entry Requirements
You will need to have 5 GCSE passes at grade C or have achieved a merit on a level 2 course such as an Intermediate GNVQ or a BTEC First Diploma.
You must have GCSE English. Students without Maths GCSE are also considered but they must study for that qualification during the first year of the program.
All prospective students will have an admissions interview with a course Tutor. You will need to demonstrate that you will benefit from the programme and are able to achieve the required standard.
A satisfactory reference from your school is also required for school leavers.
Duration
Two years full time study. A minimum of 15 hours of teaching time per week which is usually delivered over three full days.
Assessment
The programme is assessed through a range of methods including written assignments, projects, presentations, practical sessions and role-plays. Two units contribute towards a project assignment which is a major part of the second year of study.
All BTEC National ICT Students have access to an informative Intranet web area where detailed information on their individual progress within the course is available. This is a facility that is not available on other courses elsewhere.
With this system students should always know how well they are doing on the course and what they need to do to achieve their target grade for each unit. Assignments are available for download, as are study notes and many additional resources to help you to make the most of your study time.
These tools are very useful and help our students to succeed above the national average.
Progression
BTEC National Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification worth a maximum of 360 UCAS points for a DDD grade (triple distinction)
Many students who achieve merit or distinction proceed into Higher Education to study computer science degree programmes such as computer games design or development.
Many also find work in various ICT related occupations such as networking, web design or IT support.
Advanced Modern Apprenticeship placements are available for suitable students and they continue their ICT studies at Leek College to Foundation Degree level.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for full time students. Students pay only a £10 Examination Fee, which needs to be paid when the course starts.
Students wishing to obtain certification for A+, Cisco, Microsoft or Oracle exams will need to pay their own exam fees, although discounts for the exam vouchers are available at our on-site VUE testing centre.