Course Profile
The Information Technology (IT) sector and aspects of the creative industries, e.g. computer games development, are highly skilled and high growth sectors of the economy. Also, the IT sector is a key enabler for every other industry in the UK. They forecast that over the subsequent seven years the sector could generate up to an additional £47bn GVA to the economy and create 500,000 new jobs. The purpose of this Diploma is to help people to become occupationally ready to take up employment in the IT sector and aspects of the creative industries at the appropriate level.
By studying this diploma, you develop knowledge, understanding and skills required by the sector, including essential employability skills, and apply them in real work contexts. It enables you to progress in the information technology sector by giving you a solid foundation of skills and knowledge whether their chosen route is employment, an apprenticeship or university.
Course Content
In this qualification, there is an option to select one of three specialist pathways. These pathways are:
● Business – this pathway includes an additional mandatory unit that focuses on how the use of IT impacts business systems
● Networking and Systems Support – this pathway includes additional mandatory units that focus on computer networks and IT technical support
● Software Development – this pathway includes an additional mandatory unit on software design and development.
There are over 40 units to choose from depending on the type of work you do. There are 3 mandatory modules, but the remainder are up to you. These include
Mandatory Units
Communication and Employability Skills for IT
Computer Systems
Information Systems
Specialist Units
Impact of Use of IT on Business Systems
Managing Networks
Software Design and Development
Organisational Systems Security
E-Commerce
Computer Networks
Communication Technologies
Systems Analysis and Design
IT Technical Support
IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair
Event Driven Programming
Object Oriented Programming
Procedural Programming
Project Planning with IT
Database Design
Computer Systems Architecture
Client-Side Customisation of Web Pages
Data Analysis and Design
Developing Computer Games
Human Computer Interaction
Controlling Systems Using IT
Maintaining Computer Systems
Web Server Scripting
Website Production
Installing and Upgrading Software
Digital Graphics
Computer Animation
Networked System Security
Supporting Business Activities
Business Resources
Digital Graphics for Interactive Media
Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
2D Animation Production
Interactive Media Authoring
Web Animation for Interactive Media
Computer Game Design
3D Modelling
Spreadsheet Modelling
Multimedia Design
Assessment
Learners are assessed through:
Portfolio of evidence (paper or electronic)
Scenario based assignments
Using ‘expert witnesses’ from within an organisation
Observation
Professional discussion
A combination of the above.