Computing, Website & Game Design

Computing, WebsITe and Game DEsign

With employment in the computing and digital industries set to grow at five times the national average over the next decade, computing and digital technology is fast becoming one of the UK’s most highly paid careers, accounting for over 1.58m jobs across the UK.

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 digital technology. 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 Community, Visual Studio Code, Java, Audacity and Game Maker, Unity, Maya, React Native, VM Ware, macOS, Windows, Linux, Oculus Quest 2. 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.

What will I do?

You will explore how computing and digital technology 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.

Career opportunities

The majority of students on computing and digital technology 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 technology focused organisations, many students study computer related courses. Some of the organisations that employ past students and graduates include Fujitsu, NPTCBC, The Good IT Company, BVG Group, Tech-Wales Ltd, Box UK, DVLA, CGI, Arvato CRM Solutions 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, Cyber Forensics, Games Design and Development, Web Design / Development, Systems Analysis, Database Development / Administration, Technical Support, Network and Security.

CoursES

Career-Focused Courses Level Entry Requirements Duration Location

Diploma in IT

1 2 GCSEs (grades E or F). 1 Year Brecon/ Newtown

Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology

2 3 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics or English Language, or Level 1 Diploma in relevant subject (Merit or Distinction). 1 Year Brecon/ Newtown

Diploma in Esports

Extended National Diploma in IT with Digital Interactive Media

Extended National Diploma in Esports

2 2 GCSEs (grades E or F).

3 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).

3 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language. 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

Be creative... wITh a cAReer IN computing, web and app DEsign

Jamie Smith and Luc Zimmer

Friends re-unite and praise IT courses

Two friends and former students of Brecon Beacons College recently re-united in their old classroom and gave its IT courses the thumbs up!

Jamie Smith (left) and Luc Zimmer (right) studied the BTEC Extended Diploma in IT from 2017 to 2019 and have since moved on to apprenticeships in their chosen careers. The two friends came back to college for a visit to their tutor, Helen Griffiths, and wanted their stories to be told about what they learned from the course.

Jamie decided against doing A Levels after his GCSEs and finished a Level 2 diploma in IT at another College. When he moved into the area, the BTEC Level 3 was available for him to continue his learning. He achieved an overall merit and a place on an apprenticeship with an e-commerce company. Now he works as a Customer Service Team Leader for the same company he had the apprenticeship with.

Jamie wanted to emphasise that “studying IT doesn’t mean you have to go into an IT career. Learning skills in Microsoft Office Excel, for example, means I can get on with my work a lot faster.”

Jamie also said: “One of the best things about the course is you learn different aspects of computing. We had lessons on web design, gaming and cybersecurity. I’ve helped with web design in work since then.”

“I remember enjoying a lot of the work, like me and Luc doing a presentation about cybersecurity and Fortnite, and going on trips to universities for workshops. Our classes were also small, which meant we had more time with the tutor and could focus easily.”

Luc, meanwhile, found the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma through Careers Wales. He’d wanted to move on to something different to his work in hospitality and enrolled after a successful interview Since passing the BTEC, Luc has moved on to a Technical Support apprenticeship in Cardiff. On his visit, he said: “I could have settled for the easy option of staying in my job in hospitality, but I decided to push myself and do something different. I now use something that I learned on the course every day in my apprenticeship.”

Luc added that he “learned a lot aside from technical skills. Our tutors would always want work done on time, which gave us experience in working to deadlines; something I’d be struggling without in my apprenticeship as we have to work to Service Learning Agreements.”

On what she is most proud of, tutor Helen Griffiths answered: “Seeing how my students have taken our guidance and forged a career. Every student who has returned to visit expresses that ‘meeting deadlines’ was one of the most important skills they learnt as well as IT.”

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. Focusing 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.

q Web Design Gold: Juned Miah q Web Design Silver: Oliver Smith q Coding Bronze: Rhys Watkins q Inclusive Skills ICT Silver: Holly Davies

“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, Director of Studies