The BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Information Technology/ BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology (BIT) consist of 13 units of which seven are mandatory, four are external and the rest are optional.
The qualification carries UCAS tariff points and made up of a range of mandatory and optional units. As part of the qualification, we encourage students to enrol on the 'Cisco Introduction to Internet of Things' course to help them enhance their employability.
In the first-year learners will complete the following six units. (Optional units may be subject to change):
- Information technology systems (mandatory)
- Creating systems to manage information (mandatory)
- Using social media in business
- Programming (mandatory)
- Data modelling (optional)
- Website development (optional).
In the second-year learners will study and complete the following seven units (actual optional units may be subject to change): - Cyber security and incident management (mandatory. External)
- IT service delivery (mandatory. Synoptic external)
- IT project management (mandatory. Internal)
- Big data and business analytics (optional. Internal)
- The Internet of Things (optional. Internal)
- IT technical support and management (optional. Internal)
- Cloud storage and collaboration tools (optional. Internal).
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Entry requirements
5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (grade C and above) preferably including both English and Maths or a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit or above. If you do not have GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) or above you will take a formal test in both subjects. ICT skills are essential and you will have an interview and assessment.
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Who is the course for?
Business and commerce rely heavily on information systems and business environment in which that development take place. This qualification provides a balance of business and information technology and responds to industry needs, enhancing your employment prospects.
You study a combination of computing and business-oriented units. You learn to use current technology in communications, IOT, cloud computing databases, web publishing, etc. to analyse business problems and develop effective solutions.
The qualification is designed to be studied over two years and is equivalent in size to three A-Levels. It fully meets entry requirements for progression to an HNC or HND or a degree course in IT and related areas such as: Information Technology Management, Business Information Technology, IT Management for Business, etc. -
Study methods
This course is classroom taught and you will have opportunities to develop your creative skills through instructor-led workshops.
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How is the course assessed?
Each learning aim has Pass and Merit criteria. Each assignment has at least one Distinction criterion. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic.
The styles of external assessment used are:- Examinations - all students take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome
- Set tasks - students take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.
External assessments are available twice a year.
For internally-assessed units, learners will be assessed using assignments that provide the final summative assessment of each unit. A variety of styles will be used to help students develop a broad range of transferable skills including: - Write up the findings of their own research
- Use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations * Carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes
- Demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate (tools/processes etc.).
For synoptic assessment, learners will apply an understanding of Unit 14: IT service delivery and draw on their learning from across the programme to complete assessment tasks. Learners will apply analytical skills that will help prepare them for IT courses in higher education and for employment in technician level job roles and apprenticeships in a variety of related areas.
- Examinations - all students take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome
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More information
There will be the chance to gain work experience with this course. There will also be opportunities to meet employers and develop skills through master classes and trips. For further information, please contact our Information, Advice and Guidance team on 020 8607 8000 or email
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Where Next – Job Opportunities
The qualification gives learners a broad base of knowledge of the IT sector. Successful candidates can expect to find employment opportunities as: security administrator (infrastructure, data, and applications), network security architect, network security engineer, network security specialist.
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Where Next – Further Studies
The qualification fully meets the requirements for progression to a wide range of programmes in IT and related areas.
These include:- HNC or HND in Computing
- BSc in Information Systems
- BSc in Digital Technology Solutions
- BSc in Information Technology Management
- BSc in IT Management for Business.
- HNC or HND in Computing
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How to apply
To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit
OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.
