INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Advanced Technical Award Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
Banbridge Campus
Pearson BTEC

Overview

If you enjoy figuring out how things work and have a curious mind, a computing course could be just what you are looking for. The Advanced Technical Award is the gold standard in level 3 vocational education and training and will equip you with the skills and qualifications necessary to embark on a career in IT or alternatively progress to higher education and apprenticeships, including degree level apprenticeships.

This level 3 information technology course aims to help students develop the skills required to work in the IT industry through a range of practical and skills-based study methods. It also aims to enable students to develop both personally and professionally by providing opportunity to enhance enquiry and investigation skills in solving complex problems both individually and in collaborative environments. Designed to meet the needs of industry, this is a hands-on, applied qualification.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note in certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

It is essential that applicants have GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above. It is desirable that applicants have GCSE English Grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

Information Technology Systems.
Creating Systems to Manage Information.
Using Social Media in Business.
Data modelling.
Internet of Things.
Mobile Apps Development.
Programming.
IT Project Management.
Cyber Security & Incident Management.
IT Tech Support and Management.
Big Data and Business Analytics.
Website Development.

In addition to the main Extended Diploma you will have the opportunity to undertake:

Project Based Learning.
Transversal and digital skills relevant for employment.
Work placement with a local employer.
Additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within a sector e.g. The Information Technology Specialist in Programming using Python.