BTEC IT Extended Diploma

Pearson/Edexcel

The new BTEC Extended Diploma broadens and expands the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC Extended Certificate. This course is the equivalent to three A-levels. There is a great potential for the qualification to prepare learners for employment in the appropriate vocational sector and it is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter an IT or Computing related field of employment.

Mandatory units covered in the course

  • Unit 1: Information Technology systems
  • Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information
  • Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business
  • Unit 4: Programming
  • Unit 9: IT Project Management
  • Unit 11: Cyber security and Incident Management
  • Unit 14: IT Service Delivery

Optional units (From which six will be covered)

  • Unit 5: Data Modelling
  • Unit 6: Website Development
  • Unit 7: Mobile Apps Development
  • Unit 8: Computer Games Development
  • Unit 13: Software Testing
  • Unit 16: Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools
  • Unit 17: Digital 2D and 3D Graphics
  • Unit 18: Digital Animation and Effects
  • Unit 19: The Internet of Things
  • Unit 20: Enterprise in IT

The units you study in the Extended Diploma will help students develop a more technical IT and Computing based skills due to the variety of different units offered.

  • Programming skills: programming using different languages such as Visual Basic, Python, SQL.
  • Investigative skills: Identifying strengths, weaknesses and potential improvements in company security or systems.
  • Creative skills: designing products using Adobe software, using multimedia to engage an audience.
  • Technical skills: design and creation of a database, running queries, creating reports, using spreadsheet formulas.

One unit is examined and marked externally. Three additional units are controlled assessment and externally set and externally marked by an examiner. The remaining nine units are all internally set and also internally assessed, internally assessed units are also subject to examiner moderation.

Vocational IT courses require students to be more responsible for their own learning. For example undertake research using a range of sources, ask questions and develop good time management skills to meet coursework deadlines.

Students will need access to an internet connected desktop computer or laptop

See Ms Sanghani or Mr Bhuwa for more detail.