Pearson Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate)

This qualification is part of a suite. The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Certificate), equivalent to half an A Level in size, provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the digital sector in order to progress into the sector through degree or degree apprenticeship pathways. It also allows for progression onto degree programmes with significant IT content, which is the case in many sectors. 

This Extended Certificate size is for those students who require additional knowledge and skills specific to the Digital sector with the intention of progression into Higher Education to study degrees in Information Technology or Computing.

Which subjects will complement this qualification?

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

• Business

 • Mathematics

 • Psychology 

• Art & Design 

You will develop the ability to apply digital concepts to different sectors which is beneficial to the analytical approach included in many degrees. The ability to take personal responsibility and written communication skills will develop students’ ability to manage their own work and independently create extended writing tasks which is a good foundation for academic success.

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.

The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives and sector experts to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in, higher education. The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics: 

• Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems 

• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks 

• Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose

 • Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS).

What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies? 

Students will develop the following knowledge and skills: 

• Knowledge of digital technologies and how organisations plan digital projects and follow a project lifecycle

 • Understanding of organisation structures and processes and how to embed digital safety to keep data and assets secure

• Transferable skills such as creativity and innovation, written communications, critical thinking and taking personal responsibility.

• Technical skills to: 

o design and build a website to meet user requirements using relevant tools and techniques, including testing for usability, functionality and fitness for purpose 

o follow a design methodology to create and develop a database design to meet user requirements, including testing the solution.

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

You will be assessed internally and externally as follows:

Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems;

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

Unit 2 – Cyber Security and Incident Management:

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

Unit 3 – Website Development (Internal)

• Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit (PSAB)
• 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 – Relational Database Design (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

Select subjects/qualifications that cover a broad range of content and skills relevant to their intended degree specialism(s). This will help maximise your chance of successfully progressing to HE.

Some universities have subject-specific entry requirements, particularly for STEM-related degrees, where they may require students to have studied specific subjects and/or specific A levels.

Where universities do accept students holding more than one BTEC qualification, they generally expect this to be in separate subject disciplines and do not accept combinations with a high degree of overlap, irrespective of UCAS points, for example AAQ in Information technology and AAQ in computing is not acceptable combination. You choose one or another not both. 

Where you have yet to decide which university and/or degree you wish to progress to, it is worth asking your main recruiting universities for their views on your proposed combination or contact careers team for further information. 

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