AS and A2 level Advanced Diploma in IT (Specialised Diploma)

AS and A2 level Advanced Diploma in IT (Specialised Diploma)

Future business leader? Budding entrepreneur? IT pioneer? Then being able to understand the impact of fast moving technological change is a must. This new and innovative two year course blends the study of technology, business and people to deliver a course that will help develop the next generation of business and IT professionals.



The Advanced Level Diploma in IT offers principal study units in IT and Business, includes specialist or additional study of an A level subject and incorporates throughout the skills required to operate professionally at Higher Education and beyond to the business world.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
This course is a blend of academic study and applied practical work. There are three parts to the Advanced Level Diploma in IT:

·Principal Learning
-y
ou will learn the foundations of IT and business and get plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge and skills into practice, both in College and through working with local businesses.

·You will learn how to use technology to develop businesses, how IT systems are managed and learn about the potential of technology. You will study organisations and the impact of IT on organisations; will develop and project-manage multimedia and digital solutions as well as projects to develop information systems. Plus much more!

·Specialist and Additional Learning
- i
n addition to your Principal Learning you will choose one course from our wide range of available A level or BTEC subjects.

·Generic Learning
- y
ou will complete an Extended Project that draws all elements of the course together.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Lessons will combine a number of different teaching methods and activities to make sure you get to tackle each topic from different angles. For example, in looking at the multimedia and digital projects unit you might do the following:

·have lots of time devoted to practical work developing your own professional multimedia and digital solutions

·hear from and work with visitors who are specialists in that field

·work in groups and individually to research and present your findings on the impact digital and multimedia technologies have on organisations and society.

By tackling your work like this you will also develop your skills in creativity, independent research and learning, working with others and communicating at different levels using different technologies. All are essential skills for study here at College, in Higher Education and in work.



HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
For the Principal Learning units you will be assessed as follows:

·in some units you will be assessed internally by completing coursework assignment, with moderation by the exam board. You will also take exams that could be either multiple choice or structured questions with written answers. For some units you will complete work on a case study and then take an exam that is based on this case study work

·assessment for the Specialist Learning will take the form of whichever A level you choose

·assessment for the Extended Project will be internal with moderation by the exam board

WHAT SUBJECTS CAN I CHOOSE AS MY SPECIALIST AND ADDITIONAL LEARNING?
You could choose from almost any other Advanced level subject on offer. You may wish to specialise in the area of IT so choose a subject that fits well with the content of the Diploma, for example Business Studies or you might want to broaden your subject experience by choosing a subject quite different from IT, such as History. The choice is yours and we will help you choose the right Specialist and Additional Learning.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
You could combine your diploma with other qualifications to progress to university or a college of Higher Education. The diploma is a great qualification to take with you directly to work, or you could use your diploma qualification to progress to vocational study.