School Leavers Course and Career Guide 2017/18

IT &
COMPUTING.
Computer Technology
Level 1
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements
What will I learn?
From personal computers
to smart phones, computing
devices are an essential feature
of the modern world.
You’ll study how digital and
computing technology is used
by society, how hardware and
software operates and learn
how to use algorithms to solve
programming problems by using
a programming language.
Networking & Systems Support
Level 3
Duration
2 years
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs grade C/4 or above or
equivalent, ideally including maths
and English.
What will I learn?
Gain the skills and knowledge to
be competent in supporting ICT
systems and business users of IT in
the workplace. Designed around
employer briefs and projects, you’ll
study how to specify and build a
computer system, design and build
an IT network, secure a network and
provide technical support. You’ll have
the chance to be mentored by a
local employer, do work experience,
get support with interview skills
and take specialist Microsoft MTA
qualifications.
IT & Computing
OUR
EMPLOYMENT
EDGE.
It’s a mix of high quality
education and the real
world skills employers
look for.
SAY HELLO
& HAVE A GO.
Come along to one
of our taster events.
See page 103
for details.
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We bring successful business
people into college to mentor
our students, developing
essential employability skills.
You’ll work on commercial
projects, set by employers.
We offer excellent work
placement opportunities.
We have a dedicated team of
independent careers advisers.
We have strong industry links
with local digital companies,
ensuring we are providing you
with the industry input and skills
employers are looking for.
Our computing courses are
designed to give you the
knowledge and practical skills
you need to apply technology in
a workplace and demonstrate
your abilities to employers.
You will be set live projects
by employers giving you real
industry experience and
strengthening your CV.
90%
of IT & Computing
students have gone
into work or
higher level training.
Computer Science
Level 2
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements
Two GCSEs, or the equivalent, and
ideally a minimum Level 1 in maths
and English.
What will I learn?
Designed around commercial
projects, this course will help you
build up a range of creative and
technical skills and knowledge
to help you to progress into a
wide range of computing jobs.
Working to briefs set by employers,
you will build a website featuring
interactive media and develop
software and programs on a range
of platforms. You’ll also explore the
use of social media, programming,
cloud computing and networking.
Software Development
Level 3
Duration
2 years
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs grade C/4 or above or
equivalent, ideally including maths
and English.
What will I learn?
Whether you’re calculating the ball
dynamics in FIFA 15, updating your
status on Facebook or modelling the
office in the business you intend to
set up, you need software.
By making use of real world projects
and industry specialists you will
develop highly prized software
development skills and knowledge
in a range of different computing
subjects including games design
and development, programming,
web design, digital graphics and
animation. You’ll also get to do work
experience and take specialist
Microsoft MTA qualifications.
HOW DO
I APPLY?
Online: Complete an
application form.
In person: Drop into
one of our Enrolment
Events. See the back
page for dates.
Fill in a form: Complete
the application form
on page 102.
See page 101 for
full details or visit
www.gateshead.ac.uk
MORE
INFO?
Go online for more info.
www.gateshead.ac.uk
WATCH
ONLINE.
See for yourself.
www.gateshead.ac.uk
88 89