IT Organisational Support Foundation Diploma Level 3

This qualification is designed to support learners who wish to study IT as a one-year, full-time course

This course is a specialist, work-related qualification in Computing. It is a one year course and consists of 6 units. Units are assessed either internally or externally and are both practical and theory based. This course will be taught through lecturers, demonstrations, workshops, group work and on-line delivery. The qualification is designed to be studied over one year and carries UCAS tariff points. It meets the entry requirements for some universities and other computer related careers: such as: digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks security or business computing and entrepreneurship.

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems - (Core Unit)

Within this unit you will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information - (Core Unit)

Within this unit you will examine the structure of data and its origins and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. You will examine a given scenario and develop an effective design solution to produce a database system.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business - (Core Unit)

Within this unit you will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for business purposes. You will develop a plan to use social media strategies for business purposes to achieve specific aims and objectives and implement the plan, developing and posting content and interacting with others.

Unit 4: Programming - (Core Unit)

Within this unit you will examine computational thinking skills and the principles of designing and developing computer programs. You will apply computational thinking skills to design, develop, test, refine and review computer programs for a given range of purposes. By developing your analytical, problem-solving and programming skills.

Unit 6: Website Development - (Optional Unit)

Within this unit you will explore and review a range of existing websites – commenting on their overall design and effectiveness. You will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript® and a simple text editor, or rapid application development tools.

To enrol on this course you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs which must include English & Maths Grade 4 or GCSE English & Maths Grade 4 and a suitable Level 2 qualification in IT (Merit). You will also have an informal interview with one of the tutors.

To enrol on this course you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs which must include English & Maths Grade 4 or GCSE English & Maths Grade 4 and a suitable Level 2 qualification in IT (Merit). You will also have an informal interview with one of the tutors and you may be asked to provide a satisfactory school reference.

The course will run Thursdays & Fridays from 9am - 4pm for 36 weeks.

In the first instance please send a message to it@boltoncc.ac.uk

You need to speak to one of our tutors before you can enrol on to this course therefore, please use the 'apply' button on this screen to register your interest. Once we have your details we will send you a text with a link to book a telephone interview. Please be aware that when a tutor calls you our number will appear as unknown/with-held/private.

This qualification could provide you with transferable knowledge and skills that will support and prepare you to progress onto University or employment. These could include: employment opportunities within an IT sector or a Higher Apprenticeship in Computing. Higher Education (HE) opportunities could include: an HNC/HND or a BSc in a computer related subject.

Please see below a taste of current career opportunities for you to consider.

ü IT Operations Technician, earning an average of £30,000 a year, depending on experience

ü IT Support Technician, earning up to £32,000 depending on experience

ü IT Project Manager, earning between £25,000 and £70,000 a year

ü Computer Games Developer, earning up to £70,000 a year depending on your experience

ü Computer Games Tester, earning a salary between £15,000 and £40,000 a year, depending on experience

ü Animator, earning between £14,000 and £36,000 a year

ü Cyber Security Specialist, earning between £35,000 and £90,000 a year depending on experience

ü Systems Analyst, earning a salary between £35,000 and £90,000 a year, depending on experience

ü Web Designer, earning between £18,000 and £40,000 a year.

Other fees: £3345.00
You can opt to pay these fees in monthly instalments. You can set this up during the enrolment.
Courses fees are subject to change.

Assessment

All learners will complete an individual learning plan which will be discussed with their tutor throughout the course.

Financial

You may not have to pay tuition fees at all, if you fall into one of the groups eligible for fee exemptions. If you feel you may be eligible or would like someone to explain course fees in more detail, pleasecontact us via our Live Chat service available on any page of our website.

Adult Learners

Adult learners (19+) must provide evidence of their existing qualification at enrolment. Learners may not be able to enrol if this information is not provided when requested. If you have lost any certificates please contact your school in the first instance. If they are unable to provide a copy, you can contact one of the following exam boards (your school will be able to tell you which one applies to the exams you took):

• OCR: www.ocr.org.uk
• Edexcel: www.edexcel.com
• AQA: www.aqa.org.uk

Helpline

The best way to contact us is via our Live Chat service available from any page of our website. We endeavour to staff this service from 9am – 7pm, Monday to Thursdays and until 4pm on Fridays (during term time).
Bolton College works hard to ensure that the information provided is accurate.
All courses are offered subject to student numbers and the College reserves the right to amend, withdraw or amalgamate any of the courses, fees, services, locations or facilities described at any time.

Studying at College

The health and safety of our learners and staff is still very important to us and so there may continue to be an element of study outside of the classroom during the, academic year. The proportion of these hours will depend on the individual qualification(s) being undertaken. You must do the work set during these times or it will impact your progress on the course and therefore your achievement.

Equalities Statement

The College will treat all members of the community equally and will not favour any particular individual or group. English is our principal language but we will endeavour to provide information relating to this document in other formats and languages. If customers require this type of support they should contact the Recruitment & Relations Manager at customer.services@boltoncc.ac.uk

Safeguarding Statement

Bolton College are committed to ensuring that learners have a right to feel safe wherever they learn, in the classroom or online. If you have any personal safety or other worries, for example, feeling bullied; being made to feel uncomfortable or experiencing an inappropriate situation when you are attending college, please speak to the tutor, a member of the Reception Team or contact the College Safeguarding Team on 01204 482180 or via safeguarding@boltoncc.ac.uk

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.