BTEC National Award for IT Practitioners

BTEC National Award for IT Practitioners
BTEC National
Introduction
A single award course equivalent to one A level.
The aim of this course is to provide students with specialist technical skills in IT Support, Networking, Software Engineering and Programming. It prepares students for employment as well as preparing them to study further at either level 3 or level 4.
Course Content
Topics that are studied include Digital Graphics, Specifying and Building PCs, Software Development using Visual Basic, Systems Analysis, Principles of Computer Networks, Client Side Customisation of Web Pages or several others from a wide range 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 Award 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 6 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
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 admission 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
One year full time study. You will attend 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 an externally assessed integrated vocational 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. With this system students should always know how well they are doing on the course so far 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.
Progression
BTEC National Award is a nationally recognised qualification worth a maximum of 120 UCAS points for a Distinction grade.
Students who complete the BTEC National Award will be eligible to continue into a second year of study and complete a BTEC National Diploma.
Many students who achieve merit or distinction proceed into Higher Education to study computer science degree programmes or find work in various ICT related occupations. Advanced Modern Apprenticeship placements are available for suitable students who wish to gain employment and continue their ICT studies at Leek College either with the OCR iPRO or at Foundation Degree level.
Many successful students find employment in an ICT related field. Work experience is built into the program for suitable students.
Fees
There are no tuition fees: 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 center.