IT - Level 3 BTEC Certificate and Diploma/Extended Diploma - September Start

• Mode of study:

  Full Time

• Level:

  3

• Duration:

  2 Years

• Awarding/validation body:

  Edexcel

The course covers units across a wide and exciting range of specialisms and is equivalent to 3 A Levels. You will learn IT skills which you can then put into action. The dynamic teaching team has excellent links with both large and small local employers and part of your learning will be engaging with them.

On this advanced level course, you will experience both theoretical and practical study of both computer and IT related topics. You will follow a wide range of units designed to provide an excellent platform for learners wishing either to progress towards a course in higher education or to enter employment in the IT industry. This course has been developed to focus on skills required in today’s IT environment and is particularly geared towards those interested in computers and software engineering. The combination of the IT units studied on the course prepares and equips you with the skills needed for employment in a range of modern industries, from small to large organisations.

The computer systems unit will equip you with the knowledge to build, upgrade, and configure computers and software applications.

You will learn how to design and develop your own computer games, animations, and software programs. You will also learn to design interactive websites.

You will be taught in well-equipped classrooms, with interactive whiteboards and the latest technology, including our virtual learning environment. We have a very well equipped library and learning resource centre with plenty of computers for independent study and amazing library facilities.

Good English and Maths skills are essential for success in studying and for future employment prospects and so Croydon College ensures that these skills are developed in all learning opportunities.

Employer Links and Live Briefs/Projects:

A key distinguishing feature of the college is our links with employers and the ways in which we incorporate this into your learning. There is a rich variety of work and employer engagement opportunities provided for you through live briefs, trips, competitions, and placements. You will also benefit from employers attending our popular employability events, as well as talks from professionals from some of the top IT firms and business, such as Google. You can also discuss apprenticeships and progression opportunities in our employability hub or in the apprenticeship office.

You will have the opportunity to:

Participate in regular CV, career development, and UCAS support from the lecturers and the college’s Employability Hub
Engage in Employability Weeks at the College. Over 140 employers this year came into the college to provide mock interviews and presentations. Interserve, Google, Gatwick Airport, Crystal Palace, Marks and Spencer, and John Lewis were amongst the 140 employers attending.

Competitions:

You will have the chance to compete in skills competitions, both locally and regionally. There are also a number of internal competitions such as best animation, graphic, and website.

Curriculum Enhancement:

You will have a wide and rich range of complementary opportunities to enhance your career options. As well as regular CV, career development and UCAS support from the lecturers and the College Employability Hub, you will also engage in mock interviews and will be encouraged to gain employment experience.

There are visits from Universities, visits to University Conventions and University Open Days. The College has its own University Centre so you will also have the opportunity to engage with University students, some of whom provide mentoring.

This course provides thorough preparation for the next stage of your career to enable you to progress with confidence to either further study or employment with training.

There is the opportunity to advance to Higher Education either in the college’s own University Centre with courses validated by the University of Sussex or other good providers. Alternatively, you can progress directly to employment.

Students who complete our IT courses have found positions with employers like the BBC, Deloitte, and Network Technician roles in schools.

Others have pursued degree courses either in our own University Centre or with institutions such as City University London, Queen Mary University, Kingston University, and the University of Greenwich.

This course is ideal if you enjoy course work and is particularly attractive to those who prefer modular based learning.

There is every chance for success on these courses, which are delivered by talented and committed staff.

Four GCSEs at grades 9-4/A*-C OR A related Level 2 vocational course at Merit or higher (if a pass grade is achieved GCSE grades and/or functional skills results may also be considered);

AND;

Including a GCSE at grade 9-4/A*-C (or equivalent) in English or Mathematics OR English and Mathematics assessed at Level 1 or above by College assessment.

A satisfactory reference may also be requested.