BTEC Business Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Course summary

The Pearson Level 3 BTEC National (Alternative Academic Qualification) in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution. Course content The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, Cyber Security and Incident Management, Website Development and Relational Database Development. This will enable students to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment. Learners will study four mandatory units: Unit 1: Information Technology Systems You will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, how systems work individually and together, and the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals. This unit will give you a fundamental understanding of all areas of IT, supporting your progression to an IT-related higher education course. Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management In this unit, you will examine the many types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and the techniques that can be used to defend an organisation’s networked systems. You will examine scenarios and explain appropriate protection measures for networked systems. You will also look at the forensic methods used to investigate cyber security incidents and analyse the suitability of those methods for a given scenario. Unit 3: Website Development In this unit, you will explore how existing websites use the principles of website development to appeal to their intended audience and meet their specific purpose. You will plan, design and develop a website in response to a client brief by applying website development tools, techniques and processes. You will also reflect on the usability, functionality and fitness for purpose of the website using a testing and review process. Many software developers, database experts and systems managers need web-client development skills as an integral part of their overall portfolio of expertise. Unit 4: Relational Database Development In this unit, you will examine the structure of data and how an efficient data design follows through into an effective, useful database. You will investigate database management systems (DBMS) and apply practical skills in designing and developing a database within a given DBMS.