Qualification: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing
Course Tutor: Mr T Heley
Course entry requirements: General BTEC requirements including English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above. Although it is beneficial to have studied KS4 IT / Computer Science, it is not essential. However, if studied, students should have achieved at least a level 2 pass in IT or a grade 4 in Computer Science.
Course description
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing involves the use of computers in industry, commerce, the arts and elsewhere. Computer Science includes aspects of systems architecture, human factors, project management and the general ability to use computers. Increasingly businesses are implementing strategies to manage and process data both to support a variety of business processes and to deliver new opportunities.
This course consists of four mandatory units that are assessed in two different ways; written exam and coursework.
Mandatory Units (all must be completed)
Principles of Computer Science (Exam)
Fundamentals of Computer Systems (Exam)
IT Systems Security and Encryption (Coursework)
Optional Units (one must be completed)
Human Computer Interactions (Coursework)
Website Development (Coursework)
Digital Graphics and Animation (Coursework)
Computer Games Development (Coursework)
Examination
Two of the mandatory units will each consist of a written examination.
Coursework
Two of the units will comprise of coursework, which will be completed in the classroom and at home.
Evidence for coursework is recorded in a variety of ways including videos, multimedia products, web pages, reports, observations, witness statements and interactive presentations. Each is linked to specific topics and audiences.
It is vitally important to keep to all deadlines.
Post-18 Opportunities and Employment
Students completing their BTEC Extended Certificate in Computing will be aiming towards higher education or direct employment in one of many different careers, for example:
- Software development
- Software engineer
- Software tester
- Web designer
- Game designer and developer
- Forensic computer analyst
- Cyber security analyst
All of these career routes will require further training.
