Information Technology/Computing - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 4th September 2023
End date: 6th June 2025
Information event: Y

Course fee: FREE (See eligibility criteria)

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Successful students automatically progress to the second year of the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma.

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Course Content

This course is ideally suited for those students seeking a career in Computing and IT industries whether that be in Hardware, Software Development, Networking, Web Development.  Some examples of units include:

• Computer Systems
• Games Development
• Software Design & Development
• Event Driven Programming
• Website Production
• Computer Animation
• Digital Graphics

Additionally, students will also work towards Professional Qualifications from the Microsoft Office Specialist programme and optionally may undertake Microsoft Technology Associate Certification.

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification.  This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

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Course Aims

To provide students with a nationally recognised qualification in the fields of Computing which meets the needs of employees and employers. The course is a two-year full-time programme carrying UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A Levels.

This course has been designed to give students the opportunity to learn the technical and practical skills within the main areas of the Computing industry.

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Special Features

Students will have the opportunity to apply for the Career Ready programme which offers students a direct route into employment by enhancing their employability. Students are provided with business led IT worksite visits, seminars, guru lectures, practice interviews and CV development. Participating students (after selection) will be expected to undertake a six week paid summer internship and will be assigned a mentor from industry who will meet and support them throughout their course.

This course is supported by e-learning using the college VLE. Students gain a wide range of computing experience with theory combined with practical workshops to enhance the student learning experience

To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home via our Microsoft Imagine programme. This includes Software Development, Web Development and the latest Microsoft Operating Systems including Windows 10.

This programme offers students two different routes in year 2 with an opportunity to specialise in Software Engineering or Creative Design. This will widen the opportunities available to students.

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Assessment Methods

All units are assessed by continuous assessment using a range of assignments, projects and practical exercises. There are no examinations.

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Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena, Coleraine and Ballymoney may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

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Applicants should have at least 4 GCSEs grade C or above (Maths and English desirable), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma with Merit Grades will be required. In circumstances where there are more applications for the course than there are places available, the College reserves the right to enhance the entry criteria.

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Successful completion of this course will enable students to access a variety of higher-level courses such as Honour Degrees, our own Foundation Degrees in Computing (validated by Ulster University) or HND/Cs in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Business Information Technology (BIT). Alternatively, the qualification may enable students to gain entry to a variety of careers in industry.

Examples of Colleges/Universities that past students have progressed to include: Northern Regional College, Ulster University (Coleraine, Jordanstown & Magee Campuses), Bradford University, Dundee University and University of Caledonia.

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