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BTEC IT Level 3
About the course
BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by higher education and industry as the vocational qualification of choice at Level 3. They provide students with meaningful and practical learning experiences across a range of career sectors to prepare them to progress to higher education as a route to graduate-level employment.
Curriculum Intent
Our mission is to ensure students gain a broad range of digital skills to prepare them for the ever evolving digital world.
What you will study
You will study this course over 360 guided learning hours and it is equivalent in size to one A Level. The course consists of 4 units of which 2 are mandatory and 2 are external.
Unit 1 - IT systems
IT systems have a significant role in the world around us and play a part in almost everything we do. Having sound knowledge and understanding of how to effectively select and use appropriate IT systems will benefit you personally and professionally.
You will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, how systems work individually and together, and the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals.
This unit will give you a fundamental understanding of all areas of IT, supporting your progression to an IT-related higher education course.
Unit 2 - Cyber Security and Incident Management
Our increasing reliance on computer systems and the data they contain makes us vulnerable to attacks from cyber criminals and to the loss of these systems if there is an accident or a natural disaster. As Information Technology (IT) system security is improved, more sophisticated methods of attack are developed, and it is important that organisations have robust plans in place to deal with a cyber security incident before it occurs.
All IT professionals require a good understanding of the current threats to systems, how to apply appropriate and effective protection methods and how to manage a cyber security incident. In this unit, you will examine the many types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and the techniques that can be used to defend an organisation’s networked systems.
You will examine scenarios and explain appropriate protection measures for networked systems. You will also look at the forensic methods used to investigate cyber security incidents and analyse the suitability of those methods for a given scenario. As IT systems evolve, there is an increasing need for IT professionals to protect networked systems and the information they contain, while providing enhanced features and benefits for organisations, customers and individuals.
This unit will help prepare you for IT courses in higher education.
Unit 3 - Web Design
Website development skills are more essential than ever if you want to be noticed, reach your goals and generate interest in today’s sophisticated, competitive and dynamic online environment. Modern lifestyles are digitally driven and as a website developer you must combine different tools and techniques to capture and maintain the user’s interest.
Website developers need to understand and acquire the necessary skills to find solutions to a variety of scenarios and problems. In this unit, you will explore how existing websites use the principles of website development to appeal to their intended audience and meet their specific purpose.
You will plan, design and develop a website in response to a client brief by applying website development tools, techniques and processes. You will also reflect on the usability, functionality and fitness for the purpose of the website using a testing and review process. Many software developers, database experts and systems managers need web-client development skills as an integral part of their overall portfolio of expertise.
This unit will benefit you to progress on to information technology courses in higher education.
Unit 6 - Relational Database Development
Databases underpin many processes in numerous aspects of modern society. From stock control systems for large multi-outlet online retailers to the smallest niche internet forums, databases are a repository of information that make up the world wide web as we know it.
Database developers understand and use practical skills utilising technologies that will enable them to design and develop databases that can be used by many different connecting systems. In this unit, you will examine the structure of data and how an efficient data design follows through into an effective, useful database.
You will investigate database management systems (DBMS) and apply practical skills in designing and developing a database within a given DBMS.
This unit will provide you with the knowledge, and skills needed for progression on to higher education programmes in Information Technology
How the course is assessed
BTEC Nationals Information Technology (AAQ take a unit-by-unit approach and offers a combination of assessment styles. This gives learners the opportunity to showcase their skills and apply their knowledge in an appropriate, work-related context, and provides evidence of what they can do when they apply to enter higher education or employment.
Unit 1 - Information technology systems - An external examination set and marked by Pearson
Unit 2 - Cyber Security and Incident Management - An external examination set and marked by Pearson
Unit 3 - Website Design - Coursework
Unit 4 - Relational Database Development - Coursework
Why study BTEC IT (AAQ) at Windsor Sixth Form?
Information Technology (IT) involves the use of computers in industry, commerce, the arts and elsewhere. IT includes aspects of IT systems architecture, human factors, project management and the general ability to use computers.
Increasingly businesses are implementing IT strategies to manage and process data both to support many business processes and to deliver new opportunities. IT is a high growth area of the service sector, estimated in the Technology Insights 2012 report to contribute 8% of the UK economy GVA (gross value added), and predicted to generate an additional £47 billion over the next 7 years.
- Specialist teaching - The IT department at Windsor is extremely well resourced with experienced teachers in a variety of specialisms.
- Employability skills - Studying IT gives you an insight into the world of work and increases your employability skills
- Real life learning - The course is applicable to real life, researching and learning about UK based businesses of your choice with exposure to employers where possible.
Other courses that go well with BTEC IT (AAQ)
This vocational course offers a balance of coursework, controlled assessments and examination which can complement exam-based only courses to aid organisation of workload. Courses that complement this qualification include BTEC Business, sport media studies, or other A Level courses.
What you can do after the course
This course prepares you for entry to further or higher education courses, or for entry into the workplace and apprenticeships.
Where do our students progress to after the course?
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to the admission requirements to a wide range of degree courses, if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning.
The qualification can be taken as part of a broad study programme, leaving progression options fully open. It can also give context to subjects that would benefit from some IT background. When studied with other level 3 qualifications in complementary or contrasting subjects, such as mathematics, physics, science, arts, business or technology, the qualification provides an opportunity for students to progress into higher education on a diverse range of degree courses, depending on the other subjects studied.
For students wanting to study for an IT related degree, opportunities would include:
- Cyber Security - BSc (Hons)
- Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology BSc (Hons)
- Web Design & Development - BSc (Hons)
- Business Information Systems - BSc (Hons)
- Computer Information Systems - BSc (Hons)
- Database Design & Management - BSc (Hons)