Information Technology Level 3 BTEC Certificate ... - Worthing College

Information
Technology
BTEC Level 3 Certificate/
Subsidiary Diploma
Starting September 2015
Opportunity Achievement Success Progression
www.worthing.ac.uk

When do I start studying for
this qualification?
September 2015.
For how long will I study?
For two years.
One year to complete the Certificate
(equivalent to one AS Level). Two years
to complete the Subsidiary Diploma
(equivalent to one A Level).
What is this course about?
This is a work-related qualification
which provides preparation for
employment in a variety of IT-based
occupations or progression onto further
study. The topics covered include:
• Practical experience in a variety of
software packages including webpage
design
• Investigation into how IT is used in
the world of business.
What topics will I study?
Year 1
Communication and Employability
Skills for IT:
Non-technical skills and attitudes,
known as soft skills, are key to
employability as well as the technical
skills and knowledge required for
specific jobs in IT. Soft skills are those
skills relating to an individual’s ability to
communicate and work effectively with
others, to use appropriate language,
be dependable and conscientious, and
to generally behave in an acceptable
manner in the workplace. Soft skills
complement hard skills, which are
the knowledge, understanding and
technical skills required to do a job.
In this unit you will come to appreciate
the soft skills you need to develop to
become an effective employee. You
will identify and consider your own soft
skills and, through practice, improve
these skills.
Computer Systems:
At some stage most IT professionals
will have to set up and customise
a computer system or systems. To
do so effectively they will need to
understand the components that make
up computer systems. The operating
system interacts with the hardware and
software components in order to make
a functioning machine.
In this unit you will consider a range of
hardware and come to understand the
technical specifications of components.
Website Production:
Designers of websites must use
increasingly sophisticated techniques
to capture interest, as well as ensuring
that an appropriate company image
is presented. Usability issues, such
as navigation methods, must be
considered carefully.
This unit starts by exploring web
architecture and the factors that
influence website performance. You
will investigate the web development
process from identification of need,
design, build, and test through to
review.
Year 2
A further 3 units will be studied in the
second year.
Digital Graphics:
Many documents incorporate an
element of graphics or graphic design.
From the layout of the text, to the
image used to promote a product, it is
expected that there will be some form
of graphic representation.
Technology enables the production and
reproduction of images to all scales,
sizes and colours. High-capacity
storage devices, digital cameras,
specialist software and printers mean
that high quality and appropriate
images can be designed and produced
more easily than before. There is now

little excuse for not creating documents
that use graphic images effectively.
Computer Animation:
Computer animation is the art of
creating moving images through the
use of computers. It brings together
computer graphics and animation
techniques. Animation does not require
computers, however the increasing
ability of computers to create and
manipulate sets of images has allowed
basic animation to reach new levels of
sophistication and realism.
To create the illusion of movement, a
sequence of images is displayed over
time and the human eye perceives
this sequence as continual movement.
This technique is at the heart of all
existing technologies such as television
and motion pictures. It is increasingly
created by means of 3D computer
graphics, although 2D computer
graphics are still widely used for low
bandwidth and faster real-time needs.
Only 2D graphics are required in this
unit.
Computer Game Production:
Learn how to produce 2-D computer
games. This unit includes an
introduction to computer programming.
You will also look at the affect of
computer games on individuals and
society.
What skills and interests do
I need beforehand to be a
successful applicant for this
course?
• A passionate interest in computers
and technology
• Sound numeracy and
communication skills
What skills will I need to
develop during the course to
succeed?
• Time management
• Independent research
• Teamwork
• ICT
Are there any specific entry
requirements?
You will need a minimum of four
GCSEs at A*- C grade.
What have I got to do in order
to do well?
• Manage time efficiently to complete
all planning, practical and research
tasks
• Communicate effectively both in
writing and verbally
• Be prepared and equipped for all
lessons
• Have tenacity to solve problems
independently.
How will my work be
assessed?
All units are assignment based,
allowing you to build up a portfolio of
your work. There are no exams.
(continued overleaf)

What do students say about
this course?
“Although it can be very demanding,
this course is definitely enjoyable. The
website creation part of Unit 28 has
been my favourite aspect of the course
so far, as I have always been interested
in the design and coding side of IT.”
“Great course! Lots of practical
applications.”
“ I love BTEC ICT and I’m really
enjoying it, especially the web design.
You get support if you need it. I really
recommend it.”
Is there a similar qualification
to this one? If so how do I
choose between them?
Our AS/A Level ICT is similar, but
is assessed through exams and
coursework (100% exam in Year 1,
60% exam in Year 2).
Are there any other
qualifications which combine
particularly well with this one?
This course combines well with a
very wide range of subjects including
business and finance, the sciences and
maths, humanities, arts, languages and
sport.
What do people do with the
Information Technology BTEC
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma?
The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma
in IT is valued by employers and can
lead to career opportunities in Business
Systems Management, E-Commerce,
Management Information Systems or
Database Management. Alternatively,
you may wish to progress to higher or
further education or an apprenticeship.
Correct at issue date. Please see www.worthing.ac.uk for updates.
Apply now on-line at www.worthing.ac.uk
T: 01903 275755
E: info@worthing.ac.uk
Issue 09.2014