Information Technology - National Foundation Diploma

This course is designed to support learners who wish to study IT as a one-year course or for those wishing to study it as a full-time study programme and carry on with the Extended Diploma. The qualification carries UCAS tariff points and is equivalent in size to 1.5 A Levels.

Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business, using IT to communicate and share information, and computational thinking skills together with the principles of designing and developing computer programs.

What you will study

Learners are taught 6 units of which 4 are mandatory and 2 are external. Mandatory content is 76% and External assessment is 41%.

Learners will study four mandatory units:

This qualification includes a choice of optional units, including:

This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.

• Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

• Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information

• Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business

• Unit 4: Programming – (Synoptic)

• Unit 5: Data Modelling

• Unit 6: Website Development

• Unit 7: Mobile Apps Development

• Unit 8: Computer Games Development

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), including English and Maths, or a Level 2 qualification (Merit or Distinction) in a related subject. Note: for skills-based qualifications you might need the skills at Level 2 in order to enrol onto the Level 3.

Assessment

You are going to take onscreen exams for the two mandatory units that are externally assessed. For the remaining units you are internally assessed by completing practical assignments and to showcase what you have learnt and accomplished you will build a digital portfolio of your work. You will also be able to take additional classes in Mathematics and English and gain separate qualifications in these subjects.

Moving Forward

Choies include:

The course gives learners the potential opportunity to progress to employment or to employment in a wide range of job roles across the Information and Creative Technology sector, for example in roles such as:

• HNC in Interactive Media

• FdSC in Business Computing

• HND in Engineering

• Junior/Apprentice Software Engineer

• Junior/Apprentice Website Content Developer

• Trainee Computer Animator

• Junior/Apprentice Helpdesk Support

• Apprenticeship

Duration

• 2 Years