Level 3 Digital and Cyber Technologies

You will gain an insight into the IT sector as you investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure on a global scale, and the importance of legal and security considerations.

The course focuses on the development of a range of applications across different platforms and sectors. You will gain the skills required for the 21st century, enabling you to demonstrate the skills of writing specifications, and the design, build, testing and implementation of applications.

You will also study units in cyber security, cloud technologies and big data analytics to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills.

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core units:

• Fundamentals of IT
• Global Information
• Cyber Security
• Data Analysis and Design
• Cloud Technology
• Application Design
• Enterprise Computing

Specialist Units:

• Project Management
• Product Development
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Mobile Technology
• Social Media and Digital Marketing
• Business Computing
• Software Engineering for Business
• Games Design and Prototyping
• Internet of Everything
• Big Data Analytics
• Cognitive Computing

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal if you have an interest in developing knowledge and understanding of the principles of IT and Global Information Systems. You will gain an insight into the IT sector as you investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, and the flow of information on a global scale and the importance of legal and security considerations.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A levels.

• The course is assessed by a mixture of internal and external methods.
• Internally assessed units will be in the form of between two and four assignments per unit.
• Externally assessed units will be examined units.
• There will be two examined units per year.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.

Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.

If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).

• The concepts and fundamentals of data, including searching, storing, integrating and organising data
• The main features and benefits of digital information systems and how these are used to maintain information and to support organisations and best working practices
• The principles of organisational information security governance and the components of an organisation's cyber security technical infrastructure including hardware, operating systems, networks, software and cloud.

• Install and configure basic hardware system components, networks and devices

• Write code following an appropriate logical approach to agreed standards

• Follow information security procedures.

• Manage own time to meet deadlines and Manage stakeholder expectations
• Work independently and take responsibility for own actions within a given job role
• Work with a range of internal and external customers.

Students will be expected to back up their work to the cloud.

Trips - £30 Resources - £35

The above costs are approximate and payable at enrolment.

After successful completion at Extended Diploma with a Pass or at Diploma with a Merit - many students apply for courses in Higher Education and certain universities are very keen to offer our students a place on their degree or HND courses. Northampton College has HNC and HND courses in IT that may interested you.

The skills gained are also very relevant for seeking jobs in IT and Computing areas.

Four GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including English Language and maths for direct entry to the Extended Diploma programme or 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including maths plus GCSE English at Grade 3 for entry to the Introductory Diploma/Certificate programme.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.

These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.

Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.