Full Time BTEC National Certificate for ICT Practitioners

BTEC National Certificate for IT Practitioners

Why should I study BTEC National Certificate for IT Practitioners?
A BTEC National Certificate is a practical, modular course. You learn by completing units consisting of projects, assignments or tests. Many of these are based on workplace situations to help develop the skills you need to start or progress your career.

A BTEC National Certificate is equivalent to 2 GCE A Levels and can be used as an entry qualification to higher education.

What will be studied on the course?
You will follow one of three possible strands. All strands have three common Core Units. The fourth Core Unit depends on the strand offered this year. Core Units are compulsory.

You will take eight additional Specialist Units from those listed below (this list may be revised/extended from year to year).

Core Units (for all strands)

• Communication and Employability Skills for IT
• Computer Systems
• Information Systems

Specialist Units

• IT Project (Double Unit)
• Advanced Database Skills
• Advanced Spreadsheet Skills
• IT Systems Analysis and Design
• Developing Computer Games
• Human Computer Interaction
• Principles of Software Design and Development (Core Unit for the Software Development strand)
• Event Driven Programming
• Website Production and Management
• Installing and Upgrading Software
• Digital Graphics and Computers
• Computer Animation
• IT Technical Support (Core Unit for the Systems Support strand)
• IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair
• E-Commerce
• The Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems (Core Unit for the IT and Business strand)

The timetable will also include Key Skills and you also select from a range of enrichment options outside the course area.

When does the course start and how long does it last?
The course starts in September and lasts for two academic years ending in June.

What qualifications are needed to do the course?
You will normally need to have at least one of the following:

• A BTEC First Certificate or Diploma in a related subject
• An Intermediate GNVQ at Merit or above in a related subject
• A Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA) at Credit or above
• Four GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and Maths or Science

**A period of two weeks' work placement forms part of course. This could take place at any time during the academic year, so you must NOT book holidays in normal term times. Placements are in the local area where possible.

How will the learner be assessed?
You are assessed using projects, assignments and tests. Each unit is assessed by one or more of these methods.

They are marked by your lecturers and externally moderated by the examination board Edexcel.

Final grades are awarded of Pass, Merit or Distinction for each unit. These grades are converted to marks that are totalled to give a grade of DD, DM, MM, MP or PP for the qualification.

You need a minimum number of marks to Pass the qualification overall. You will attempt all 12 units, and must gain a Pass for at least 10. If you fail a unit you must compensate by gaining a higher grade in another unit.

How much will the course cost?
You may be asked to cover the cost of transport for any visits arranged throughout the course. Textbooks relating to Information Technology are available on loan from our Learning Resource Centre, but you may wish to purchase your own copy. Not all units need a separate textbook.

You are advised to buy a Data stick (Pen drive) for backing up work. You need an A4 ring binder or similar for each unit to keep course work in. You should bring a pen to every lesson as it is often needed.

What progression routes are available?
BTEC National Certificates are valued by employers and higher education institutions. You could progress:

• Directly into employment as an IT support worker, or technician, or
• Higher Education courses in IT related areas,
• An Advanced Modern Apprenticeship