BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners

BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners
This full-time two-year vocational course is suitable for students who have a strong interest in ICT/Computing and would like to pursue a career in the IT industry. It is equivalent to three A Levels and provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education to study a range of degree courses in Computing and ICT.

What does the course consist of?
You will be completing 18 units, 10 units during the first year and 8 units during the second year.
There are 6 core units:

Unit 1 - Communication & Employability Skills for IT
Unit 2 - Computer Systems
Unit 3 - Information systems
Unit 15 - Organisational Systems Security
Unit 28 - IT Technical Support
Unit 29 - IT Systems Troubleshooting & Repair
In addition there are 12 specialist units:

Unit 4 - IT Project
Unit 5 - Advanced Database Skills
Unit 6 - Advanced Spreadsheet Skills
Unit 8 - Communication Technologies
Unit 12 - Developing Computer Games
Unit 13 - Human Computer Interaction
Unit 16 - Maintaining Computer Systems
Unit 17 - Mathematics for IT Practitioners
Unit 18 - Principles of Software Design and Development
Unit 21 - Website Production and Management
Unit 23 - Installing and Upgrading Software
Unit 27 - Principles of Computer Networks

What else do I need to know?
There are no exams; the course is continuously assessed as each unit involves multiple assignments. You will acquire the skills and knowledge needed from a combination of practical and theoretical lessons. Assignment work is based on realistic workplace situations, case studies and activities. In addition to acquiring specialist IT knowledge you will also develop generic employment skills such as team working, communication skills and problem solving.
Written communication skills are vital for this course, so some students may be advised to attend Study Support on a regular basis. To be successful it will be necessary to spend an average of 4 hours on homework each week.
The course does not require you to own a PC as the college has computers in the library which may be used. However students have found that having their own PC is helpful, and it is useful if it has the same software as the college.
A two week work experience placement is a compulsory element of the course. Placements are matched to students' career interests and a variety of local employers are involved. Previous placements have included software development at IBM and technical support at Solent University.
BTEC National Diplomas are highly valued by employers and higher education. Previous students have progressed on to careers in many IT related disciplines. Areas in which you could work include business system management, systems analysis and design, technical support, database management, software engineering, website development and e-commerce.
If you aim to progress to Higher Education then you are advised to take an additional A Level subject alongside the BTEC IT. A Level subjects which complement the IT Practitioners course well include Mathematics, Accounting, Media Studies and Business Studies. Some universities will require at least an AS Level in Mathematics for their Computer Science degrees.