Course Information

Course Type	Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology Equivalent to two A Levels, this course allows you to make Information Technology your main area of study while combining it with one additional Level 3 subject, such as Games Design, Computer Science or Business. BTEC National Diploma: Information Technology specification
Duration	2 years
Awarding Body	Pearson

What does the course involve?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology develops students' knowledge and practical skills in modern Information Technology. Learners study how organisations use technology to manage information, develop software, secure digital systems and deliver successful IT projects.

Students gain practical experience of analysing client requirements, designing digital solutions, programming applications, developing databases, managing projects and applying cyber security principles to solve realistic business problems.

Students study eight units:

Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems (Exam)

• IT hardware and software
• Networking and infrastructure
• Emerging technologies
• Legal, ethical and environmental issues

Unit 2 – Creating Systems to Manage Information (Exam)

• Database design
• Data normalisation
• SQL
• Database development

Unit 3 – Using Social Media in Business (Coursework)

• Social media planning
• Digital marketing
• Campaign management
• Measuring success

Unit 4 – Programming (Coursework)

• Program design
• Programming techniques
• Testing
• Evaluation

Unit 5 – Data Modelling (Coursework)

• Spreadsheet modelling
• Data analysis
• Financial modelling
• Decision making  

Unit 9 – IT Project Management (Coursework)

• Project planning
• Resource management
• Risk management
• Project review

Unit 10 – Big Data and Business Analytics (Coursework)

• Big data
• Business analytics
• Data visualisation
• Decision making

Unit 11 – Cyber Security and Incident Management (Exam)

• Cyber threats
• Security controls
• Incident response
• Risk management

Across the qualification, students apply their learning through practical assignments, industry-style projects and external assessments, developing the technical and transferable skills required for higher education and careers within the digital sector.

Is it for me?

This course is designed for students who have a strong interest in Information Technology and want it to be the main focus of their study programme.

Because it is equivalent to two A Levels, you'll spend more time developing advanced IT knowledge and practical skills than on the one A Level qualification, while still studying one additional Level 3 subject, such as Games Design, Computer Science or Business. This combination provides an excellent balance of specialist IT knowledge and broader skills for progression to university, higher apprenticeships or employment.

It is suitable for students wishing to:

• Progress to university or higher apprenticeships.
• Develop advanced practical and technical IT skills.
• Prepare for careers in software development, cyber security, data analytics, project management and systems development.
• Build transferable skills including communication, teamwork, project management and problem solving.

How will I be assessed?

The qualification is assessed through a combination of examinations and practical coursework.

46% Exam

• Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems
• Unit 2 – Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Unit 11 – Cyber Security and Incident Management

These units are externally assessed by Pearson through examinations and supervised assessment.

54% Coursework

• Unit 3 – Using Social Media in Business
• Unit 4 – Programming
• Unit 5 – Data Modelling
• Unit 9 – IT Project Management
• Unit 10 – Big Data and Business Analytics

These units are assessed through practical assignments completed throughout the course and internally assessed by teachers before external quality assurance by Pearson.

Where can this course take me?

This qualification provides an excellent foundation for higher education and careers within the digital sector.

Possible progression routes include:

• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Software Engineering
• Data Analytics
• Information Systems
• Digital Technologies
• Business Information Systems

Career opportunities include:

• Software Developer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Database Developer
• IT Project Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Network Engineer
• IT Consultant

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (a grade 4 in IT/Computer Science and/or Science would be an advantage).

Additional Costs

Costs for trips, workshops, or additional materials will be advised.

Subjects that complement this course

• Games Design
• Computer Science
• Business
• Mathematics
• Psychology

UCAS tariff points

Yes

Why choose this course?

This qualification is equivalent to two A Levels, allowing you to specialise in Information Technology while still studying another Level 3 subject. You'll gain advanced knowledge and practical experience in programming, databases, project management, cyber security and business analytics, preparing you for university, higher apprenticeships and careers in the rapidly growing digital sector. The combination of specialist IT study with an additional complementary subject gives you both depth and breadth, helping you stand out when applying for higher education or employment.

How to apply

Apply online