Full-Time BTEC National for IT Practitioners & Welsh Baccalaureate

BTEC National for IT Practitioners & Welsh BaccalaureateCourse Outline
This is a 2-year course which will incorporate all the core elements of the Welsh Baccalaureate and also give you the opportunity to study the BTEC National Award and Diploma programmes alongside. The BTEC programmes offer you the opportunity to study computing from both theoretical and practical applications. You will gain the knowledge and experience required to support and maintain computer systems. The programme includes three additional units of study in the first year to enable a seamless progression onto year 2 of the National Diploma programme. Alongside this course, you will also study the Welsh Baccalaureate, which is equivalent to 1 A level. Due to the structure of this course, on completion you will leave the College with 2 qualifications, greatly enhancing your future opportunities.

Entry requirements
You will require one of the following: 4 GCSEs at grades C or above including Maths and English, a BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners, a related vocational area qualification at Level II or an Intermediate GNVQ in an appropriate vocational area. Mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include experience of paid and/or unpaid employment.

What will I study?
You will study 9 BTEC units in each year. These will include: Communication & Employability Skills for IT; Computer Systems; Information Systems; Advanced Spreadsheet Skills; IT Systems Analysis & Design; Digital Graphics & Computers and IT Technical Support. After successful completion of the first year you will be awarded a National Award for IT Practitioners. You will then progress onto the second year where you will study a further 9 units. A National Diploma for IT Practitioners will be awarded at the end the second year upon successful completion of each unit. The Welsh Baccalaureate also gives you the opportunity to gain Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and ICT together with the Wider Key Skills of Improving Own Learning & Performance; Working with Others and Problem Solving.

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed in all units by completing set assignment work, short reports and the completion of an Integrated Vocational Assignment (IVA). You will also be expected to maintain your course files and portfolios to the required standards.

Career Opportunities & Progression
After completion of this course you have the opportunity to seek employment with your qualification as a Junior Helpdesk or Systems Support Technician. Alternatively you can build on this qualification and progress onto higher education which may further your employment opportunities.

Length
1 year

Attendance
Full-Time

Campus
Aberdare & Nantgarw