Level 2 National Certificate in Information and Communication Technology

Level 2 National Certificate in Information and Communication Technology
This full-time, one year vocational course provides an excellent introduction to the uses of ICT and provides valid experience needed to enter employment. The course is practical and vocational; tasks completed are relevant to the workplace. It is equivalent to four GCSEs and provides the opportunity to progress on to a range of Level 3 vocational courses such as the BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners.

What does the course consist of?
You will be completing 6 units over the year but will only be working on three units at any one time.

• Unit 1: ICT Skills for Business
  
  Develops skills in word-processing, desktop publishing, image editing, spreadsheets, databases, web browsing and email. You will apply your IT and creative skills to develop a range of business documents to meet client requirements.
• Unit 2: Webpage Creation
  
  Develops skills in Dreamweaver to design, create and test a professional website.
• Unit 5: Desktop Publishing
  
  Develops DTP skills to a professional standard by creating promotional business documents.
• Unit 6: Spreadsheets
  
  Develops spreadsheet skills to an advanced standard to perform a variety of business calculations.
• Unit 7: Databases
  
  Develops advanced database skills to create a relational database which provides a variety of business information.
• Unit 13: IT Systems and User Needs
  
  Studies the hardware and software components of a computer system and develops the skills necessary to customise software to meet users' requirements.

What else do I need to know?
There are no exams; the course is continuously assessed as each unit involves completing an assignment. You will acquire the skills and knowledge needed from mostly practical lessons. Assignment work is based on realistic workplace situations, case studies and activities. Each unit is given a grade: pass, merit or distinction. A final grade is then awarded from the total of all the six units.
Progression to level 3 (e.g. BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners) requires an overall merit in this qualification and
grade C in English Language and Maths. Successful candidates have previously progressed from this course to the BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners course and subsequently to degree courses.
The course does not require you to own a PC as the college has facilities which may be used. However some students have found that having their own is helpful and it is useful if students have the same software as at college.