Software Development BTEC National (Diploma or Certificate)

Software Development BTEC National (Diploma or Certificate)

Qualification: 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
Students should have at least one of the following:

• Merit BTEC First Diploma in a related subject
• Intermediate GNVQ in a related subject
• at least five GCSEs grades A*-C, including Mathematics and English

Head of Department: Mrs Sara Rowell

Course assessment:
Each unit is assessed by a number of real world related assignments, ranging from verbal presentations to design projects and building systems. An overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction is awarded for each unit. A unit consists of approximately 3 assignments (except unit 4 - a doubly weighted unit with 6 assignments). Strict deadlines will be given for submitting assignments so it is important to have a hard-working and well organised approach to study.

What can this course offer me?
BTEC National in Software Development is for those who want a more practical approach to computing. You will:
explore computing theory and concepts
learn new software and hardware skills
investigate, design, develop and test computer systems
produce solutions for a range of real world problems.
If you are interested in:
using computers and modern technology in business
telecommunication and networks
how businesses are organised
computer programming
solving business problems
finding out about people in business
then this is the ideal course for you.
The BTEC National consists of 18 units - giving you a broad appreciation of all areas of computing. Each unit is assignment based with the emphasis on demonstrating your skills and knowledge rather than just testing your memory.

What will I learn?
In Year 1 you will study:

• Unit 1: Communication and Employability Skills for IT
• Unit 2: Computer Systems
• Unit 3: Information Systems
• Unit 5: Advanced Database Skills
• Unit 11: Data Analysis and Design
• Unit 12: Developing Computer Games
• Unit 18: Software Design & Development
• Unit 20: Event Driven Programming
• Unit 24: Digital Graphics & Computers

In the second year the units are:

• Unit 4: IT Project (a Double weighted Unit)
• Unit 6: Advanced Spreadsheet Skills
• Unit 7: IT Systems Analysis and Design
• Unit 10: Client side Customisation of Web Pages
• Unit 13: Human Computer Interaction
• Unit 21: Website Production and Management
• Unit 25: Object Oriented Programming
• Unit 26: Computer Animation

What Makes a good Software Development student?
Students need to have good time management and organisational skills as the course is assessed continually with assignments from each unit. It is also important to have sound communication and problem solving skills.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
This qualification may be taken alone but it can be combined with another AS subject from any of those offered by the college. You may find it interesting to choose an AS in a completely different subject area to broaden your education.

Future Opportunities
BTEC National qualifications are valued by employers and higher education (universities and colleges). Students can go into a career in many Computing/IT related disciplines using the skills and knowledge provided by this course and progress to professional status in their chosen field.

Students may seek employment in a wide range of occupations where a knowledge and understanding of ICT plays a significant part for example as a system designer, technician, trainee analyst or web designer, junior programmer or database developer.

UCAS points are accumulated in exactly the same way as for AS/A2 subjects and the National Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and is accepted as such as an entry qualification for university.

Students could go on to study for Degrees or HNDs in areas such as Games Development, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Business IT, Computing and Modern Languages, Accounting, E-Systems and Network Management to name but a few. It is also recognised nationally by employers.

Is there anything else I need to know?
This course is ideally suited to students with a proven interest in computers who would either like to progress to Higher education in a related field of study or enter employment on completion of this programme. It will particularly suit students who learn best from practical experience rather than theoretical work. It is not necessary to have studied ICT at GCSE, although some working knowledge of common software would be advantageous.