The Extended Diploma makes up the second year of the National Foundation Diploma in IT. If you have completed your Level 3 Diploma and are keen to pursue a career in software development programming website development social media games design or cyber security or you simply have a strong interest in IT and computing this course provides the ideal next step. This exciting and innovative programme will help you develop a wide range of modern computing and IT skills from creating systems to manage business information to designing websites programs and mobile apps and producing your own computer games. You will work with a range of industry-standard software and programming languages including Visual Basic HTML CSS JavaScript C and C plus plus and Java as well as platforms such as Android Studio for app development and Microsoft Visual Studio for programming. The course also benefits from strong links with industry partners including Cisco Systems and local employers. By the end of the course you will have developed both practical skills and a strong theoretical understanding of digital technologies preparing you for the next stage of your IT career. If you are looking to kick-start a career in 'tech' this course offers the knowledge experience and progression opportunities to help you succeed.
- Entry Requirements, Units, Assessment and more...
Entry Requirements
You will need GCSEs at grades A to C or grades 9 to 4 awarded from 2017 onwards. One of these must be in English Language or Maths. Alternatively you may be accepted with a relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification at Merit or above or with relevant industry experience at Level 3 or above. If you are accepted onto this course without a grade 4 or above in Maths and or English you will be required to continue developing your skills in these subjects as a compulsory part of your timetable.
Assessment Method
You will be assessed through a combination of internally set projects and external examinations and you will be awarded a Pass Merit or Distinction based on your overall performance. Assessment methods also include a variety of practical approaches such as presentations role plays and time-limited exercises to reflect real-world scenarios.
Aims of the course
This qualification is designed for learners who want a strong core study of computer science with a focus on software development programming website development social media games design or cyber security. It supports progression into roles within the computing industry onto apprenticeships or into higher education.
Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the second year of this course you will be able to progress to a specialist university degree an Information Technology apprenticeship or directly into employment within the IT sector. Possible progression routes into higher education include degrees such as BSc (Hons) in Information Management for Business FdSc in Business Computing BA (Hons) in Creative Digital Media BSc (Hons) in Business Information Systems FdSc in Business Computing with Networking and BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security.
Facilities
You will have access to a wide range of computer rooms and specialist labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software where you will develop a broad range of practical IT skills.
Career Options
Upon successful completion of this course you can progress to a degree-level computing course at university. Alternatively if you choose not to enter higher education you may pursue an Information Technology apprenticeship or progress directly into employment within the IT sector.
