Computing Courses 2024/2025

Computing Courses 2024/2025 Further Education (FE) Course Information - Computing

Student Information Briefing • Overview of the courses available • A look at our specialist classrooms • Interview • Enrolment Dates – TBC August 2024 • Course starts – TBC September 2024

– You will be advised of the exact start date nearer the time.

– When you start you will also receive an Induction providing you with information about the College and the Computing Department to ensure you make the most of your time here.

Full Time Computing Study Programmes • Level 2 (GCSE level) – 1 year:

– Level 2 BTEC First Extended Certificate in IT

• Level 3 (3 * A level equivalent):

– Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing; OR – Level 3 Computing Access to Higher Education

• T-Level

– Digital Production, Design & Development

What does a Study Programme Include?

The elements of your study programme are personalised to your needs and are mandatory: • Main Qualification • Possible Vendor Qualifications • English or Maths (including Level 3 Maths) • Work Experience • Tutorials • Directed Study • Enhancement

Be self sufficient

Remember you will be responsible for your own learning at college. Your lecturers will help whenever they can but it is important you are able to work and motivate yourself and use your own initiative.

This course is very reflective. You need to be able to assess how well you are doing and where you can make improvements.

You will need some way of keeping track of all your assignment deadlines and homework

Progression Routes Higher Education Level 3 Computing Access to Higher Education; OR Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Computing; OR T Level Digital Production, Design & Development Level 2 BTEC First Extended Certificate in Information & Creative Technology (1 Year)

Level 2 - BTEC First Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology Duration:

1 Year full-time

Entry Requirements:

3 GCSEs A*-D or 9-3 (ideally including English and Maths) OR BTEC Level 1 in IT with Functional Skills.

Students with a Pass grade on a level 1 qualification may be accepted if they have a satisfactory Tutor reference.

The Level 2 BTEC First Extended Certificate in IT is a practical work-related course with study based on projects and assignments of realistic work-place situations, activities and demands.

Level 2 - BTEC First Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology • • • • • • • • •

The Online World (Externally Assessed) Technology Systems (Externally Assessed) A Digital Portfolio Creating Digital Graphics Mobile Apps Development Spreadsheet Development Computer Networks Website Development Installing & Maintaining Computer Hardware

Additional Units

Aged 16-18

Aged 19+

English & Maths prior attainment

What you will study

Already achieved Grade 4

You will continue to develop your English/maths skills throughout your study programme

Not yet achieved Grade 4

You will work towards GCSE resits

Not yet achieved Grade 4

This will be discussed with students on an individual basis

Level 3 - BTEC National Extended Diploma in Computing Duration: Entry Requirements:

2 Years full-time 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 ideally to include Maths and English OR BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate (with Maths and English)

This qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels and is a work-related course which has an equal focus on developing theoretical knowledge and practical skills using industry best practice. Classroom study is based on projects and assignments of realistic work-place situations, activities and demands.

Level 3 - BTEC National Extended Diploma in Computing 1st Year

2nd Year

• Principles of Computer Science (Externally Assessed) • Fundamentals of Computer Systems (Externally Assessed) • IT Systems Security and Encryption • Business Applications of Social Media • Website Development • Computer Networking

• Planning and Management of Computing Projects (Externally Assessed) • Software Design & Development Project (Externally Assessed) • The Impact of Computing • Mobile Apps Development • Relational Database Development • Managing & Supporting Systems • Systems Methodology

T-Level – Digital Production, Design & Development Duration:

2 Years full-time

Entry 4 GCSEs at grade A*- C or 9 - 4 including Maths Requirements: and English OR BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate (with Maths and English) This qualification will include: 315 hour industry placement

T-Level – Digital Production, Design & Development

1st Year • • • • • • • •

Problem solving Introduction to programming Emerging issues and impact of digital Legislation and regulatory requirements Business context Data Digital environments Security

•

Assessed with 2 Exams at the end of the year and an employer set project

Welcome Day 2023 An opportunity to get a taste of College life and take part in activities in your chosen subject area • Takes place on Thursday 20th June 2024

Finance / Fees** • Course is free for all students who are under the age of 19 on the 31st August.

• Students 19 – 23 - Free if first level 3 qualification • Over 24 – Learning loans available • There is an additional trip fee (approx. £35)

**Subject to approval of fees policy

Other Information • All FE courses are timetabled to be in college 4 days a week • Courses include a Trip

Trips & Visits

Silverstone

Worldskills UK Live, NEC Birmingham

Contacts Daniel Hulatt – Course Manager for Further Education Courses: 01234 291949 dhulatt@bedford.ac.uk Paula Hobday – Head of Department: 01234 291557 phobday@bedford.ac.uk General enquiries: 0800 074 0234