Society has been transformed by revolutions in Computer Science & IT over the past 50 years and digital skills are now essential for many careers in the 21st century. Whether your interests lie in artificial intelligence, cyber security or games development, our range of courses will give you the opportunity to develop your digital abilities using the latest software, in dedicated labs, using state-of-the-art equipment. The skills you learn will help you make a successful transition directly into employment, onto a higher-level apprenticeship, or allow you to apply to the most selecting of universities. Whatever your ambition, improving your digital skills will help you get there.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is a practical, work-related course. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need for the workplace or for a course in higher education. This course qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating Information technology (IT) systems to manage and share information. Having a sound understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems will benefit you personally and professionally as IT systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. With social media being at the forefront of communications with friends and family, this is also true in the business sector. You will enhance your knowledge of the use of social media in the business world, whilst learning about successful web development and data management. This course is particularly useful for you if you would like to complement your A Level study programme and/or develop confidence in the use of IT for employment or study at university.

The course provides transferable knowledge and skills that prepare learners for progression to university or employment.

The transferable skills that universities and employers value include:

• the ability to learn independently
• the ability to research actively and methodically
• the ability to give presentations and be active group members

The BTEC Extended Certificate in IT will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications, whilst companies in the Basingstoke area offer a wide range of apprenticeships or jobs that you could apply for after achieving this qualification.

The course is assessed by means of a number of Units. Externally assessed units are set and marked by Pearson. Each internally assessed unit may have up to four assignments to complete. For all units, a point score will be awarded depending on the quality of the work in the exams or in the assignments that you submit. All the points will be added together at the end of the course and an overall letter grade awarded. You will achieve either a P (Pass), M (Merit), D (Distinction) or D* (Starred Distinction).

The course is made up of four units, three are mandatory and one optional. You will study 2 Units in the first year and two in the second year.

In the first year you will study: Unit 2 – Creating Systems to Manage Information (External: A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions, completed using a computer and submitted electronically) & Unit 3 – Using Social Media in Business.

Whilst in the second year you will complete: Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems (External: Synoptic written examination set and marked by Pearson, 90 marks, two hours) & one of the following optional units: Unit 5 – Data Modelling or Unit 6 – Website Development.

At the start of the course, materials and resources will be made available to you and on the virtual learning environment.