Applied A Level in ICT (6 Units) Part time
(6 units part time = 1 A Level)
0800 716 236 Key facts
2 years part time. Level 3 course
Course Overview
This newly updated course has been designed to provide a broad educational basis for further education in the IT field or for moving into employment within the ICT sector by ensuring that students develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed.
Entry requirements
- Entry is normally subject to interview
- 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above preferably to include ICT
- DIDA at Credit
- For mature applicants - Direct admissions to programmes for applicants who have been out of full time education for more than two years will be considered based on previous learning or experience. Each application will be considered on individual merit. We recommend an interview with one of our Careers Advisers before submitting your application.
- All applicants will be required to bring confirmation of their GCSE results and any other qualification results to an enrolment event before the start of this course
What you can do after this course?
Computer related Higher Education
Business and industry as Trainee Programmers, Systems Analysts, Computer Technicians and a wide range of computer-related employment
Course structure
The course has an emphasis on web-based skills and materials as well as broader ICT skills which include:
Year One
The Information Age
This unit takes a critical look at the impact that the internet has had on the way people conduct their personal and professional lives, explore the services it offers and gain ‘hands-on’ experience of using some of them. The work is presented in the form of an e-book designed to be read on a computer screen.
The Digital Economy
This unit investigates how organisations are responding to the pressures of the e-marketplace by using transactional websites to; present their products and services; gather information; provide a personalised service. The work for this unit culminates in an in-depth investigation into the design of a commercial transactional website and the back-office processes involved in handling an online purchase. This is a user-focused unit.
The Knowledge Worker
This unit develops skills as a knowledge worker by learning how to use spreadsheet models to investigate alternatives and answer ‘what-if’ questions. The formulae in these models allows students to try out some of the possible alternatives that have been identified. This is an externally assessed unit.
Year 2
Using Database Software
Students learn the principles of data modelling and sound database design, use relational database software to build working database systems capable of storing large quantities of data and of handling both routine and one-off requests for information. Students design and implement user interfaces that make it easier for people to enter data and extract information, whilst ensuring the overall security and integrity of the database. This is an externally assessed unit.
Managing ICT Projects
This unit introduces some formal project management tools and methods and provides an opportunity to use specialist software to plan and monitor projects. Students put into practice what they have learnt by setting up and running a small-scale software project. This is a user-focused unit.
Using spreadsheet software
In this unit students learn the skills and techniques needed to design and create technically complex spreadsheets. They learn how to use data validation and other techniques to reduce the potential for data entry errors. The work for this unit culminates in the design, development and testing of a spreadsheet capable of analysing, interpreting and communicating complex data. This is a user-focused unit.
How you will learn
- Attend classes and tutorials
- Key Skills workshops
Skills you will develop
- ICT skills that will help you to obtain employment
- Written and oral communication skills
Benefits of studying at Pembrokeshire College
- Opportunity to learn and gain experience of using modern industry standard computer equipment and Software.
Expect also to
- Work independently and as a group
- Produce work to agreed timescales
- Complete work at home
How you will be assessed
- No paper based assignments, all work will be submitted electronically and initially assessed in College
- The units will be assessed continuously through e-portfolio work which will be assessed initially in college
- The Knowledge Worker and Database units will be a timed assessment, externally set and assessed by Edexcel, the awarding body, with information to be downloaded and the candidates' solutions uploaded (no traditional exams)
Things you may need for your course
- Back up device such as a memory stick approximate cost £20
- Year 1 - AS Level for Edexcel Applied ICT as Single Award, Trevor Heathcote and Steve Farrel (ISBN 1-903133-80-7)
- Year 2 - Edexcel GCE in Applied ICT A2 Single Award,Heathcote et al (ISBN 1-903133-78-5)
Fees
Contact Finance Department
Updated November 2008
