Computing, Website & Game Design

Computing, Website and Game Design

With employment in the IT and telecoms industry set to grow at five times the national average over the next decade, IT and digital technology is fast becoming one of the UK’s most highly paid careers. In 2018, the industries grew 32% faster than the rest of the UK economy, creating highly-paid job opportunities and accounting for 1.58m jobs across the UK.

What will I do?

You will explore how ICT is used in industry by developing sector specific knowledge, technical and practical skills, along with how to apply these skills in a work related environment.

Top employment sectors include application and software development, data management, cyber security, data analytics, hardware, devices, and open source hardware. All our full-time courses are aimed at students who want to gain nationally recognised qualifications in computing and IT. We will help you to meet your personal, career and employment goals whether you are leaving school, are in work or simply want to improve your computing skills.

Past students are now working as: software developers, dynamic CRM developers, data analysts, IT support and operations technicians, web and eCommerce developers, data warehouse analysts, and systems analysts.

Our dedicated lecturers have sector experience backed up with subject-specific knowledge. Lessons unfold in creative ways illustrated with real-life case studies and examples. Students can take on industry work experience.

The department uses modern hardware and software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Visual Studio NET, Java NetBeans, Brackets, BFXR, Audacity and Game Maker. All our courses are delivered in bespoke IT laboratories with a specialised suite for the delivery of PC construction and network developments.

Achievement on our programmes currently stands at 99%, and 100% of BSc students find employment in computingrelated careers within three months of graduating.

Career opportunities

The majority of students on computing and IT courses progress on to higher education and within NPTC Group of Colleges, we can offer our students degrees on their doorsteps. We have an ideal progression route where, following the successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma or A Level programme in a related discipline, students can progress on to the HND Computing (two years) followed by the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (third year).

To go on to higher education or secure employment in a range of business and ICT organisations, many students study computer related courses. Some of the organisations that employ past students and graduates include Fujitsu, NPTCBC, The Good IT Company, DVLA, 15 Below, CGI, ALTech UK and Virgin Media.

Please note that if you are considering teaching as a career, universities require GCSEs at grade B or above for Maths, English and Science. For Computer Science courses some universities ask for a minimum of grade B at Maths GCSE.

Potential Career opportunities: Software/Apps Design and Development, Games Design and Development, Web Design / Development, Systems Analysis, Database Development / Administration, Technical Support, Network and Security.

Be creative... with a career in computing, web and app design

Student Success

Seven incredibly talented Computing and IT Students took Skills Competition Wales by storm recently, taking nearly half of all the top spots in the Cyber Security, Coding Skills and Web Design categories. Skills Competition Wales, delivered by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project on behalf of the Skills Ambassador Network, is designed to raise the profile of skills in Wales. Focussing on growth areas and the needs of the economy, the competition helps boost the skillsets of the future workforce. Skills Competition Wales is aligned to WorldSkills, with many competitors going on to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions.  Cyber Security Silver: Joshua Roberts  Cyber Security Silver: Mitchell Wilkes  Cyber Security Bronze: Alex Griffiths  Cyber Security Bronze: Dylan Rogers  Coding Skills Silver: Dewi James  Web Design Silver: Luke Wooley  Web Design Bronze: Jamie Mellin

“I’m incredibly proud of all the students who competed. It’s a fantastic achievement demonstrating the talent that is here at NPTC Group of Colleges and also a testament to the expertise and support provided by our teaching staff.’’ Eira Williams, Head of School

Courses

Career-Focused Courses Level Entry Requirements

Diploma in IT

Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology

Extended National Diploma in IT 1 2 GCSEs (grades E or F).

2

3 3 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics or English Language, or Level 1 Diploma in relevant subject (Merit or Distinction).

5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. Applicants via Level 2 Extended Certificate or Diploma in relevant subject (Merit or Distinction).

Duration Location 1 Year Brecon/ Newtown

1 Year Brecon/ Newtown

2 Years Brecon/ Newtown

Average annual earnings

Computer Programmer 30k IT Technician £30k Business Analyst £49k Software Engineer £32k Systems Architect £50k Computer Operator £23k Computer / Network Support Technician £19k System Administrator, Computer / Network £26k Technical Support Specialist £24k Network Security Engineer £36k