ICT & Digital Skills
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in IT (Software Development pathway)
Is this course for me?
This course is for learners who have an interest and aptitude for programming and software development and want to specialise in these types of units as opposed to more general IT units.
The world is constantly changing in the way it works which is creating a huge demand for digital workers, with up to date digital skills and the ability to adapt to a changing environment. The Government is predicting significant skill shortages for digital workers given the changing macro-economic environment that organisations will be operating in. This will mean there will be a sustained demand for skilled digital workers. The use of ICT is constantly changing and becoming more diverse, specifically in fields of the internet of things, smart devices, digital skills, cloud based communication, cyber security, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
This qualification is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills in the growing applications of digital technology including programming, web design and mobile apps. The range of units provides variety and a suitable foundation for employment in the digital industry, enabling learners to take their first steps into employment or as a basis for further study, including university.
Study Overview
The course consists of 13 units over 2 years. The typical units you will study are:
- IT Systems
- Creating Systems to Manage Information
- Using Social Media in Business
- Programming
- Cyber Security and Incident Management
- IT Service Delivery
- Website Development
- Computer Games Development
- Digital 2D and 3D Graphics
- The Internet of Things
- IT Project Management
Plus in year 2:
- Mobile Apps Development
- Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools
Progression and Employment Opportunities
If successful, you can progress directly to higher education (over 50% of our learners go to university), employment or an apprenticeship. Potential job outcomes could be, Computer Games Designer, Database Administrator, Interactive Media Designer, Digital Innovator, Software Developer, Software Programmer, System Developer, Technical Support and Web Designer.
Additional Qualifications Studied
METIS
Maths and English – Take it Seriously!
At Chelmsford College we are dedicated to
helping all our learners achieve their ambitions and we acknowledge that in order to do well, some of our learners may need extra support in maths and/or English.
Please note that individual Level 2 literacy and numeracy may not be equivalent to a full GCSE qualification. We provide specialist teaching as a compulsory part of the study programme for all learners who have not achieved a grade 4 at GCSE in these subjects and we all take maths and English seriously.
Full-Time Courses in ICT & Digital Skills
BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Information and Creative Technology (NQF) | 1 year | ![]() |
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BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in IT (General/Cyber Security pathway) | 2 years | ![]() |
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BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in IT (Software Development pathway) | 2 years | ![]() |
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IN2 Your Future | 1 year | ![]() |
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T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development | 2 years | ![]() |
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Short Courses
Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security - Level 2 | ![]() |
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Essential Digital Skills Qualification | ![]() |
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