Information Technology

Qualification Level

OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Information Technology - Digital Administrator

What does the course involve?

Unit results are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. A mixture of practical assignments and on-screen tests which include: exploring current and emerging technologies, security protection and risk management, and using data analysis software.

Duration

One year

Entry requirements

You will be working towards Level 1 / Level 2 in Mathematics and English and have an interest in IT.

Where will it take me?

You may continue on to the Level 3 course or progress to an IT apprenticeship,


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Qualification Level

BTEC Level 3 National in Information Technology (Certificate / Extended Certificate / Foundation Diploma / Diploma / Extended Diploma)

• Certificate: Equivalent to 0.5 of A Level Applied General - two mandatory units, of which one is external. Mandatory content 100%. External assessment 50%.
  
  
• Extended Certificate: Equivalent to one A Level - four units, three of which are mandatory and two are external assessments. Mandatory content 83%. External assessment 58%.
  
  
• Foundation Diploma: Equivalent to one and a half A Levels - six units, four of which are mandatory units and two are external assessments. Mandatory content 76%. External assessment 41%.
  
  
• Diploma: Equivalent to two A Levels Applied General - eight units, of which six are mandatory units and three are external assessments. Mandatory content 83%. External assessment 46%.
  
  
• Extended Diploma: Equivalent to three A Levels Applied General - 13 units, of which seven are mandatory units and four are external assessments. Mandatory content 67%. External assessment 42%.

What does the course involve?

Certificate

Extended Certificate

Three mandatory units:

Unit 1: Information technology systems (examination)
Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information (examination)
Unit 3: Using social media in business one (assignment)

One optional from:

Unit 5: Data modelling
Unit 6: Website development

All optional units are assignment based.

Foundation Diploma

Four mandatory units:

Unit 1: Information technology systems (examination)
Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information (examination)
Unit 3: Using social media in business (assignment)
Unit 4: Programming (assignment)

Two optional units from:

Unit 5: Data modelling
Unit 6: Website development
Unit 8: Computer games development

All optional units are assignment based.

Diploma

Six mandatory units:

Unit 1: Information technology sytems (examination)
Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information (examination)
Unit 3: Using social media in business (assignment)
Unit 4: Programming (assignment)
Unit 9: IT project management (assignment)
Unit 11: Cyber security and incident management (controlled assessment, externally assessed)

Two optional units:

Unit 5: Data modelling
Unit 6: Website development
Unit 8: Computer games development
Unit 12: IT technical support and management
Unit 13: Software testing
Unit 15: Customising and integrating applications
Unit 16: Cloud storage and collaboration tools
Unit 20: Enterprise in IT

All optional units are assignment based.

Extended Diploma

Seven mandatory units:

Unit 1: Information technology systems (examination)
Unit 2: Creating systems to manage information (examination)
Unit 3: Using social media in business (assignment)
Unit 4: Programming (assignment)
Unit 9: IT project management (assignment)
Unit 11: Cyber security and incident management (controlled assessment, externally assessed)
Unit 14: IT Service Delivery (controlled assessment, externally assessed)

Six optional units from:

Unit 5: Data modelling
Unit 6: Website development
Unit 8: Computer games development
Unit 12: IT technical support and management
Unit 13: Software testing
Unit 15: Customising and integrating applications
Unit 16: Cloud storage and collaboration tools
Unit 20: Enterprise in IT

All optional units are assignment based.

Throughout your course you will have a number of IT work placements and IT projects to complete.

Duration

One to three years.

Entry requirements

You will have 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above, including Mathematics and English.

Where will it take me?

This course provides an excellent start to a career or advanced level apprenticeship in the Information Technology sector, in roles such as support technician, service analyst, software developer and accessibility officer.

You may also go on to Higher Education to complete degrees in IT or a related discipline such as Computer Science, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, etc.

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Qualification Level

T Level Level 3 Information Technology courses

T Level Transitional Course: Year 1

We are in transition with these qualifications but hope to be able to offer T-Levels in the 2nd and 3rd year of study and the Transitional T Level in the 1st year of study.
 
The T Level Transition Programme is a preparatory programme for Level 2 students who aspire to progress onto a T Level. Its purpose is to help you develop a broad range of knowledge, skills and behaviours that will help you to progress onto, and succeed on, your chosen T Level route. At RNC this is especially important as the T Levels are 20% in the workplace and 80% in the classroom. We need to ensure that you have the skills to thrive in the workplace. This will include Mobility, IT and Assistive Technology Skills, English and Mathematics (if required), self-advocacy and work placements to prepare you for the T Levels. Alongside this we want to develop your knowledge and skills needed for the IT industry.

Key principles for the T Level Transition Programme:

1. Provide relevant preparation for what you will experience on T Levels, with motivational opportunities to interact with employers and a line of sight between what you do on the T Level Transition Programme and T Levels.
2. Develop core knowledge, skills and behaviours that prepare you for progressing to Level 3 study in your chosen T Level route. This includes industry relevant technical knowledge and skills and, particularly important, developing the broader skills and positive behaviours that you will need for success on T Levels and in the workplace.
3. Ensure you are clear about what you need to achieve for successful completion of the programme and progression onto your chosen T Level route, and develop a sense of ownership about your learning, development and progress.
4.  Be responsive to your individual needs and allow sufficient time in the programme to help you meet your development goals and support your pastoral needs, to give you the best chance of being ready for Level 3 technical study. 
5. Provide a holistic and integrated approach to developing core knowledge, skills and behaviours where different components of the programme complement and reinforce your development and T Level preparation.
6. Help you to make the right decision about what to do after the programme. Whether you are deciding on the right T Level or an alternative destination, all students should be supported to make the right decision for them.

Areas of core knowledge, skills and behaviours for the T Level Transition Programme:

• English mathematics and digital skills
• Skills for successful study
• Knowledge and skills for the workplace
• Industry relevant technical knowledge and skills
• Positive attitude and behaviours

Students on the transitional T Level will be introduced to the National technical outcomes for Digital which are:
 
Outcome 1 (O1): Explore data analysis solutions
Outcome 2 (O2): Design a cyber security resilience plan
Outcome 3 (O3): Produce digital solutions

More information can be found on the City & Guilds T Levels Transition Programme for Digital here.

T Levels: Years 2 and 3

The second and third year of the course will be the T Level, as mentioned above this is 20% in workplace and 80% in the classroom.

There are a number of digital routes we could look at, these will be chosen by the accessibility of the learning outcomes and your interests. T Levels available:

Core content across all Digital routes:

You will develop an understanding of:

• how digital technologies impact business and market environment
• the ethical and moral implications of digital technology
• using data in software design
• using digital technologies to analyse and solve problems
• digital environments, including physical, virtual and cloud environments
• emerging technical trends, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Blockchain, 3D printing
• legal and regulatory obligations relating to digital technologies
• the privacy and confidentiality of personal data
• the technical, physical and human aspects of internet security
• planning digital projects
• testing software, hardware and data
• digital tools for project management and collaboration

Route 1: Digital Business Services

Specialist Content: You will develop the knowledge and skills of a data technician:

• sourcing, organising and formatting data for analysis
• blending data from multiple sources
• analysing data to support business outcomes
• interpreting data and communicating the results
• discovering, evaluation in applying sources of knowledge 

Route 2: Digital Production, Design and Development

Options to specialise. In addition to the core content, you will also develop skills in digital production, design and development. The content will include:

• analysing a problem to define requirements and acceptance criteria aligned to user needs
• designing, implementing, and testing software
• changing, maintaining and supporting software
• creating solutions in a social and collaborative environment
• discovering, evaluating, and applying reliable sources of knowledge
• applying ethical principles and managing risks in line with legal and regulatory requirements when developing software

You will also learn about topics specific to digital support services, including:

• roles within the digital support services sector 
• communication in digital support services
• fault analysis and problem resolution

Route 3: Digital Support Services

 In addition to the core content, you must choose one of the following specialisms:

• digital infrastructure
• network cabling
• digital support

Awarding Bodies

T Levels are now offered by a number of awarding bodies including Pearson and NCFE.