The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate) gives students opportunities to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin computer programming and to develop computational thinking and programming skills that will enable them to solve problems. Students will explore the critical components that safeguard information systems and data and will acquire knowledge and skills to comprehend and apply security and encryption principles and practices to computer networks in various situations. Students will also have the opportunity to examine the underlying principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) and develop a HCI solution to meet the requirements of a given brief. Students will draw synoptically on their programming learning and computational thinking skills to manage the development of a software solution to a problem. The qualification consists of four mandatory units, two of which are externally assessed by examination, and two of which are internally assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB). Units 3 and 4 give students opportunities to put their knowledge, understanding and skills into practice in HCI design and software development.