Extended Diploma in Information Technology

This two year course is all about understanding how computers work and developing skills in areas such as software development, website production and networking. You will learn about all key aspects of computing and IT, Digital Technology Solutions, IT Management for Business, Computer Networks Security and Business Computing.

Building on your existing knowledge this course will stretch and challenge your IT skills, covering many different subjects over two years. You will study a wide range of topics including the Information Technology Systems, Creating Systems to Manage Information, Using Social Media in Business, Computer Programming, Data Modelling, Mobile Apps Development, Software Testing and Games Development. You will also get the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting practical and theoretical projects.

By the end of this course you will be confident in planning, designing and writing computer programmes, designing data models, customising and integrating applications, building websites, designing and programming computer games and designing data models.

You will understand how to configure and protect an IT system from attack and subsequent data loss and you will be able to describe the impact that IT systems are having on our world and how businesses are using the latest technologies to gain competitive edge.

Experienced lecturers will teach lessons in our specialist IT classrooms with networked PCs where you have access to hardware and the latest IT technologies.

You will need a minimum of four or more high grades at GCSE in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you’ll need a Level 2 Diploma with overall Merit in a relevant subject and maths and English at appropriate levels.

An IT qualification such as GCSE or OCR National is also desirable. All applicants will be required to attend interview, together with undertaking a test of their current IT knowledge.

You are continuously assessed throughout the course. 42% external assessment (where one unit is assessed by a written exam and three units assessed by a task set by the awarding body and completed under supervised conditions). 58% internally assessed coursework. 14 units in total. Learning is through many different methods, including discussion, research and presentation, together with practical skill development where possible. There is a requirement placed on students to work outside of class.

This course is assessed through coursework activities, external assessment and examinations across both years of the course. There are opportunities to give presentations and to present work in the college auditorium to an invited audience.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group, please contact Charlotte Robertson on 01782 254141 or email charlotte.robertson@nscg.ac.uk.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance