INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Level 3 National Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Newry Campus
Portadown Campus
Pearson

Overview

This qualification is designed to be studied over two years and carries UCAS tariff points equivalent of 2 GCE A-Levels.

The Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology has been recently updated and has been developed to enable learners to build the technical skills and knowledge needed to work in the computer industry or to enable progression to higher education courses in information technology and related areas such as digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks and security or creative computing.

Throughout the course, students will gain a solid foundation in various aspects of information technology, including computer systems, programming, networking, database management, and cybersecurity. They will learn about hardware and software components, operating systems, programming languages, data structures, computer networks, and information security principles.

The course will be delivered in a modular format within two semesters per year. There are regular personal tutorials to help develop student's skills, assist with career planning and portfolio building and additional modules to enhance their employability.

This course includes the study of GCSE Maths if required and may also require study for an Essential Skills in Literacy.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules

Information Technology Systems
Creating Systems to Manage Information
Using Social Media in Business
Programming
IT Project Management
Cyber Security & Incident Management
IT Tech Support and Management
Website Development

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that learners need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic.

The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the information technology suite are:

Examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome.
Set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.

Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information.

Students will be assessed using external methods for three modules in the course, two modules at the end of year 1 and a final external assessment at the end of year 2.

Internally-assessed units

Most units in the sector are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means that learners are set and are assessed by assignments that provide the final summative assessment for each unit.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology, students will have acquired a broad range of IT skills and knowledge, making them well-prepared for further study. Graduates may pursue higher education study in computer science, information technology, or related fields. They may choose to study at SRC or other academic institutes.

This qualification opens doors to careers as software developers, network administrators, IT support specialists, cybersecurity analysts, database administrators, or systems analysts.