Information Technology: Level 2 Diploma

This is a one year course designed for students interested in gaining a variety of skills in ICT as well as developing skills to help become an effective employee in the workplace.  Upon completing the course they will achieve a qualification that is equivalent to 4 GCSEs which can be used to help with employment or going on to further their education.

Students will study seven units, including the following three core modules:

Unit 1: Communicating in the IT Industry
Communication skills are the key to success in any sector but are particularly important in highly technical sectors such as IT.  This unit helps learners to develop the necessary skills to communicate to technical and non-technical staff and understand how interpersonal skills affect communication.

Unit 2: Working in the IT Industry
IT has become integral to the running of all organisations and so employers are increasingly looking for staff with specialist IT skills.  This unit teaches students the variety of IT jobs available to them and the skills and characteristics they will require to succeed.

Unit 3: Computer Systems
This unit introduces students to the basic computer principles of how a computer works, the functions of software, hardware specifications and how a user will interact with the computer system.

Students will also study a selection of the following specialist units:

• Website Development
• Database Systems
• Spreadsheet Modelling
• Computer Graphics
• Developing Computer Games

Opportunities are also provided for students to develop both literacy and numeracy skills through the integration of adult Functional Skills qualifications. Students who have not achieved Grade C, or better, in either GCSE English or GCSE Mathematics, will be encouraged to study and re-take.

On successful completion of the course, at Merit or Distinction level students may progress on to a higher level course, such as the Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT or to employment. Work opportunities exist not only within specialist IT companies, but in a range of businesses as the need for IT skilled workers increases.