BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

If you'd like to learn more about IT systems and their use in business, this course which is equivalent in size to an A Level, will give you a basic introduction. You would generally take this alongside other Level 3 courses such as other A levels or a work related course. It aims to teach you some of the practical skills required for IT related work as well as develop the general transferable skills required in the modern workplace.

GCSE point score of above 4.0 in five or more subjects including English and maths or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

You'll get an understanding of both the hardware and software that form an IT system, use real business scenarios to design and implement ICT solutions, develop your skills in data management and using social media in a business context. You'll learn to design, create, test and evaluate a relational database system to manage information of the kind that businesses use for managing data including information on customers, processes and stock. You'll explore the social media channels commonly used in business and prepare, monitor and evaluate a social media plan to promote an organisation and it's products and services. You'll have the opportunity to take an additional optional module covering either website design or data modelling.

Through a combination of taught theory lessons, practical projects and assignments.

Through a 2-hour written exam, coursework and a set task completed online, under exam conditions. You will build a portfolio of evidence.

You could go into apprenticeship or trainee/entry-level roles, such as in administration, help desk support, help desk analysis, account management and customer service support. When taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications this course can lead to a variety of higher education courses including a degree in an IT discipline or a degree where IT related skills and knowledge may be advantageous.