Information & Communication Technology BTEC National Diploma

Information & Communication Technology BTEC National Diploma

What is the National Diploma for IT Practitioners?
A BTEC National Diploma is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

Information Technology is changing at an extremely rapid rate. There is a need to develop the IT practitioners of tomorrow, who will be able to fill the interesting, demanding and highly-paid specialist posts that will be available within a broad spectrum of organisations.

The BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners provides the knowledge, understanding and skills for students wishing to enter a career as an IT practitioner or technician in the area of Business Systems, User Support, Networking and Software Development and may provide progression to higher education vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing or a full-time degree in Computing, Networking or IT Systems.

This qualification programme provides access to some highly specialist units and topics which will help you develop the skills you need to start or progress to a career in IT.

The BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to three A levels which means when you have finished the course you can choose whether to follow a career straight away or to apply for higher education first.

Is the National Diploma for IT Practitioners suitable for me?
ICT is a very exciting and fast-moving subject, offering a variety of career opportunities. This course will teach you many new skills, as well as enhancing those you currently possess, whilst offering you the opportunity to acquire specific skills in line with your chosen career path as an IT Practitioner or Technician.

Students enjoy the wide variety of units offered on this course, including Networking, Applications Software Development, Website Development and Programming, as well as gaining knowledge of the underpinning theory in such units as Computer Systems. This is an ideal course if you prefer completing coursework rather than taking examinations. Assessment is continuous rather than by exams at the end of the course.

How will I learn?
The majority of lessons will take place in our specialist IT centre. All classrooms are equipped with high-specification computers, flat screen monitors together with interactive smart boards. All computers have Internet access and students will have individual email accounts and 24/7 access to the College intranet which hosts a variety of learning and teaching resources required for the course.

A selection of assignments and homework will be set to cover the units, with deadline dates for completion of work staggered over the duration of the course. Deadlines set for all homework and assignments must be strictly adhered to so good time management skills are essential.

During the first year of the course you will also spend two weeks on work experience in an IT-related field.

How will I be assessed?
You will study 18 units of IT related topics, 16 of which require you to present a portfolio of coursework assignments. The other two units are assessed by means of one Integrated Vocational Assignment, which is set by the exam board. You will be taught the theory and skills required to produce a response to this assignment, which will then be assessed by your teachers and moderated by the exam board.

There are no formal timed examinations on the course.

All units are assessed and graded, and an overall grade for the qualification awarded.

Progression
BTEC National Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (universities and colleges).

Students progress to careers in many IT related disciplines as technicians and technical support personnel.

If you want to become employed straight away you may find work in:

• Business systems management
• e-Commerce
• Technical Support
• Database management

If you decide to apply to university or college you could take a degree or a BTEC Higher National in subjects such as:

• Computing
• Networking
• IT Practitioners
• Multimedia

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where applicable).

Essential: £50 for textbooks

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.