Extended Diploma in IT (Business Systems Analyst) with CISCO Internet of Everything and CISCO Cyber Security

Information technology is important for a wide variety of jobs in the modern world. This course is ideal for you if you are a young person with no experience, planning a career in IT or an adult seeking to build on your knowledge and skills for career change or development. Equivalent to three A Levels, it combines technical academic content with advanced work-related computing skills. This is a two year course which leads on to, higher education, a level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or into employment.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 / grade C including English Language and Maths, or a Pass or higher in a Level 2 OCR Diploma or BTEC Extended Certificate and grade 4 / grade C GCSEs in English Language and Maths .

The course will give you a broad introduction to all aspects of working in computing professions including software development, business and industrial applications of computers and user support. You will develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of software and hardware applications and explore current developments in the world of information and communication technology. Specialist optional units tailor the course to specific areas of the IT industry. During the first year you will study: Unit 1: Communication and Employability skills for IT Practitioners, Unit 2: Computer Systems, Unit 6: Software Design and Development, Unit 7: Organisation systems security, Unit 9: Networks, Unit 28: Website Production, Unit 36: Computer games platforms and Technologies, Unit 10: Communication Technologies, Unit 8: e-commerce. After successfully completing the first year you will study: Unit 3: Information Systems, Unit 11: Systems analysis and design, Unit 30: Digital Graphics, Unit 4: Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems, Unit 14: Event driven programming, Unit 41: 3D Modelling, Unit 29: Installing and Upgrading Software, Unit 17: Project Planning, Unit 31: Computer Animation.

This course consists of practical and theoretical sessions culminating in either assignments or internally assessed examinations depending on the unit. Employer involvement is an essential part of the course so you will have external speakers who are actively involved in the industry.

All units are internally assessed by assignments set and marked by the College.

There is a demand for IT professionals with high-level computing skills and this demand is predicted to grow in the future. You could enter technician level employment / higher or degree apprenticeships in programming, applications support, web design, graphic design or business administration, or move on to to higher education courses including HND/HNC foundation degree or degree programmes in IT and computing.