ICT Systems Support (Extended Diploma)
Level 3
School Leavers
2 Academic Years
September 2024
Full-time
Overview
The Extended Diploma in IT course allows students to gain an insight into Computer architecture, Networks, Systems Support, Cloud Computing, Virtualisation and Cyber Security. The IT Infrastructure course will help to develop your critical thinking and vocational skills.
Throughout the course, our links with industry will help you to develop a greater awareness of professional practices in preparation for your work placement within a local IT Service Provider. You will learn a core set of technical skills aligned to leading vendors, which are increasingly sought after within the IT sector.
This course is equivalent to three A levels and is an excellent opportunity to specialise in a computing discipline and enter Higher Education afterwards.
Key Info
What You Will Learn
This two-year course is designed to enable students to take their first step into the IT industry or progress to Higher Education.
Students will complete 8 units in the first year of their course and a further 9 units in the second year.
Modules covered include:
- Computer Networks
- Cyber Security
- Cloud Computing
- Virtualisation
- Managing a Project
- Mobile Technologies
- The Internet of Everything
- Computer Systems
- IT Technical Support
The course uses a wide range of learning methods with a focus on practical workshops. These are designed to allow you to develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment.
Additionally, although contact hours are tutor and group-based, independent learning is increasingly developed throughout the course, and actively encouraged for your personal development; use of problem-based exercises and relevant scenarios aid this process.
Entry Requirements
Entry to this course requires 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C, including GCSE English and Maths or an equivalent full Level 2 IT qualification at Merit grade, plus GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or C or above.
English and/or Maths will be included in your timetable if you have not achieved a GCSE at grade 4 or above in these subjects when you start your course.
Assessment
You will be assessed throughout the course using: written assignments, practical assessments and 4 examined Units.
Work Experience
Students will be required to take part in work experience at a local employer.
Progression
Successful completion of the course can lead to progression to higher education, join apprenticeship schemes or employment within the IT Industry.
Fees & Additional Costs
If you are 19 years old or over you may need to pay fees for your Further Education studies.
Course fees depend on your age and course level.
You may be exempt from paying fees though, or eligible to pay a reduced fee – known as fee remission.
If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 and studying on a full-time or part-time Further Education course, you will not pay tuition or examination fees.
This covers all Further Education courses, functional skills for English and Maths courses.
You will need to pay for course costs such as books, stationery, special equipment, exams, registration fee, travel, meals and any other course-related activities.
Help towards these costs is available for many students.
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
