BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in IT (Computing & Games)

Units that you will study:   

Information Technology Systems 

This unit will introduce you to some of the fundamental ideas of digital systems. You will learn about digital devices, software in IT systems, transmitting data, operating online, the impact of systems on organisations, using and manipulating data, legal and ethical issues of using IT systems. 

Creating Systems to Manage Information 

In this unit you will learn how to manage information using a relation database. Subjects covered include the use and design of relational database management systems. By the end of the unit you should confident in creating, testing and refining database solutions. You should also be able to evaluate its efficacy and fitness for purpose.

Using Social Media in Business 

In our connected world social media has now become a primary tool for businesses to engage with customers. Social media allows business to explore new markets, generate leads, and support the existing client base. In this unit you will learn how successful companies transform their business and catapult themselves ahead of the competition. You will be able to describe the impact, risks and issues of using social media. You will learn the importance of planning, implementing and evaluating a social media campaign. 

Programming 

In this unit you will study computational thinking skills and the characteristics of programming languages. You will learn how design and develop a software solution to meet customer needs.  

Data Modelling 

In this unit, you will investigate the fundamentals of the decision-making process. You will find out how using data modelling provides the computational ability to compare consequences, and determine a preferred course of action. You will develop the skills and techniques necessary to create complex spreadsheets in order to produce accurate information that informs decision making. 

Computer Games Development 

In this unit, you will investigate the technologies used in the computer gaming industry and the implications they have for users, developers and organisations. You will analyse how user needs and preferences impact on game design and how target technologies affect the design and development of a computer game. Finally, you will design, create and review a computer game to meet requirements and reflect on the skills and understanding applied during the design and development process. 

IT Project Management 

In this unit you will learn how to plan and manage a computer project. Working on your own project will help you learn in a practical way how to create and follow a development plan using a variety of techniques. You will undertake a logical and appropriate feasibility study for your own project and reflect on the success of personal performance and the project outcome. 

Cyber Security and Incident Management 

In this unit, you will examine the many different types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities that exist in networked systems and the techniques that can be used to defend an organisation’s networked systems. You will investigate the techniques used to assess risks and ways of planning to deal with the results of a cyber security incident and recover systems following an incident. It seems that every month the news reports another breach of systems security with subsequent loss of data. In this important unit you will learn some of the fundamental principles of IT Security. Topics covered will include high level networking principles, evaluation of security risks, threats, and system vulnerabilities. You will learn to design an appropriate effective security protection plan for a networked system.

IT Technical Support and Management 

In this unit, you will examine the support and management needs and characteristics of IT systems used by organisations, identifying areas where support is necessary and the different job roles involved. You will examine the legislation and regulations that are in place to provide a safe and productive environment for employees. 

Software Testing 

In this unit, you will learn about the different software testing methodologies that are used as part of commercial software development projects, and the effects of different software development methodologies. 

IT Service Delivery 

You will explore a range of organisations and investigate their IT service needs, examining the computer systems that have been set up, used and integrated to deliver IT services to users and customers. You will examine issues related to the use of IT and the implications for organisations and their customers. You will analyse the IT services and requirements of organisations to plan the implementation of the IT service delivery solution. 

Customising and integrating Applications 

In this unit, you will explore how different technologies, such as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), application programming interface (APIs) and third-party extensions can be used to extend the functionality of applications, including cloud products such as Software as a Service (SaaS). These technologies allow businesses to customise and integrate applications with greater scope and flexibility than is possible using off-the-shelf software. You will explore different technologies and techniques for customising and/or integrating applications by undertaking a series of short activities, analysing the results. 

By the end of this course you will be confident in planning, designing and writing computer programmes, designing data models, customising and integrating applications, building websites, designing and programming computer games, designing data models. You will understand how to configure and protect an IT system from attack and subsequent data loss. You will be able to describe the impact that IT systems are having on our world and how businesses are using the latest technologies to gain competitive edge.