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Information Technology (IT)

Almost 90% of new jobs require digital skills to some degree. The relentless pace of emerging digital technologies has already transformed the way we communicate and work. As a result there is a growing demand for high level digital skills in areas such as cyber-security, cloud and mobile computing and data analytics. The Cambridge Extended Technical Certificate in IT allows students to learn and be assessed in ways that are practical and relevant to the IT sector. This course is not just about being able to use computers. Employers need people who are able to help them develop their systems and use IT as a tool to analyse data and develop applications.

Subject content

In the first year you will study two mandatory units: Fundamentals of IT and Global Information. These units provide an insight into the IT sector, as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure and the flow of information on a global scale, as well as the important legal and security considerations.

In the second year you will explore application design and develop a prototype to meet a user requirement. You will then take two optional units. The optional units could include: cyber security, product development, mobile technology, social media and digital marketing, games design and prototyping, internet of everything or web design and prototyping.

The course is an award of OCR. Visit the OCR website for the course specification.

Assessment

Assessment is by 67% examination and 33% coursework.

Progression opportunities

This qualification will give you a range of specialist knowledge and transferable skills. This will provide you with the opportunity to progress to a related Higher Education course, enter an apprenticeship or move directly into employment.

Students may go on to study relevant IT Higher Education programmes such as: computing and IT, computing science, software development, software engineering, ICT and computer networks, business information systems or digital media.

Past students have progressed into a variety of career paths, from system developers, web designers and IT support, to teachers and digital marketers. An IT qualification will prove valuable regardless of your chosen career path.

Meet the A Level expert

David Clapham

David has both a BEng (Hons) and MSc Degree in Computer Science from the University of York. He completed a Graduate Teacher Training Programme with Sheffield Hallam University and has taught Computer Science for 10 years, including delivery at degree level.

David said: “Whatever job you hope to do in the future you’ll likely be interacting with technology and this course will teach you how to be a competent user of Information Technology.
It looks at the impact and issues which arise from the use of technology for individuals, society and organisations as well as investigating future technologies.”

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