Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate)

The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives and sector experts to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to progress to, and thrive in, higher education. 

This qualification is part of a suite. The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Certificate), equivalent to half an A Level in size, provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the digital sector to progress into the sector through degree or degree apprenticeship pathways. It also allows for progression onto degree programmes with significant Computing content, which is the case in many sectors. This Extended Certificate size is for those students who require additional Computing knowledge and skills to progress into Higher Education to study degrees that have programming or computing elements within them.

Which subjects will complement this qualification? 

The following A level subjects are examples which would be suitable to combine with this qualification: 

• Business 

• Mathematics 

• Physics

You need five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C).

You must have achieved at least a grade 4 (C) in Maths and a grade 4 (C) in English.

You will develop the following knowledge and skills: 

• Applied knowledge and understanding of programming design and methodologies and principles of software development in relation to solving specific problems
• Applied knowledge and understanding of how to detect and prevent different types of security threats and design user experiences and user interfaces to meet the diverse needs of users
• Transferable skills such as problem solving, creativity and innovation, written communications and taking personal responsibility.
• Technical skills to:

                    o  Create a design proposal for an accessible HCI solution to meet the requirements of a brief and develop and evaluate the solution                             o  Manage the development of a software solution to meet the requirements of a brief.

You can develop transferable skills such as written communication to support the design and creation of digital solutions using technical and non-technical language in user and technical documents. 

You will develop critical thinking skills which will be beneficial when students encounter group analytical tasks in higher education. Taking personal responsibility for their learning on this qualification will help students to manage their work and balance the demands of many degree programmes which require independent study

You will be studying theoretical and practical elements of the course in classrooms onsite. Opportunities will be embedded on the course to engage with employers via webinars or face to face.

All resources required for this course are provided. You will be expected to have access to computing resources at home to engage in learning beyond the classroom. Teachers will inform you in advance when you are required to bring in additional resources. 

Pearson Set Assignment Briefs (PSAB)

Internally assessed units are assessed using a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson, marked by you and subject to external standards verification.  Externally assessed units will be set and marked by Pearson. 

Unit 1 – Programming Fundamentals (external) 

• An external examination set and marked by Pearson.
• 90 marks
• Assessment Availability: January and Jun

Unit 2 – Computer Network Security and Encryption (external)

• An external examination set and marked by Pearson.
• 90 marks
• Available January and June

Unit 3 – Human-Computer Interaction (Internal)

• Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit.
• The PSAB will take approximately 20 hours to complete, and consists of 3 tasks
• The PSAB will be marked by your teachers and verified by Pearson.

Unit 4 – Practical Programming ( Internal) 

• Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit
• The PSAB will take approximately 36 hours to complete and consists of 2 tasks
• The PSAB will be marked by your teachers and verified by Pearson.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk