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Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 4 in ICT or pass in equivalent ICT qualification (if studied). Additionally, a GCSE grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics.

Exam Board Specification

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This qualification is a new OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ).

What you will study?

You will complete 5 units of study over two years, two of which are written exams and three controlled coursework assessment.

The units are: –

  • Fundamentals of data analytics (Exam) – this unit examines data the importance of data to an organisation.  How data is gathered, stored and manipulated to provide meaningful information.  The laws relating to data in IT systems and the job opportunities in the area of data analytics. (Exam)
  • Spreadsheet data modelling (Controlled coursework) – this unit is the practical application of spreadsheets in data analytics.  You will design, create, test and evaluate a spreadsheet model for a business scenario.  You will also learn how to communicate with stakeholders to ensure that you are meeting their needs.
  • Data and digital marketing (Controlled coursework) – this unit covers the basics in digital marketing, including how data can be used to ensure a successful marketing campaign.  You will use you spreadsheet skills to analyse data and produce relevant information to use in a digital marketing campaign for a business.
  •  Big data and machine learning (Exam) – in this unit you will learn about the importance of big data, and management of it, including the legal and ethical issues in data management.  You will learn about big data is used in the real world.  The unit also covers artificial intelligence and machine learning, and future developments in IT.
  • Relational database design (Controlled coursework) – this unit covers relational databases, which are another using tools in data analytics, and are at the heart of many IT systems.  You will learn how to manipulate data stored in a database using queries and reports, and how to design a suitable user interface.
Computer Science students sat at their computers.

Assessments

  • 40% external exam – two 1hr 30-minute exams
  • 60% internally assessed controlled coursework – three controlled coursework units, which are marked internally then moderated by the exam board.

Course Support

  • Friendly, approachable tutor
  • Additional support on an individual basis
  • Regular group tutorials

Work Experience

You will receive help from our Work Experience Co-ordinator to find a placement. Placements can be during enrichment time or in the holidays. Examples include working at a software company, social media work, community based projects etc.

Progression

This course is an excellent grounding for further study in an IT-related subject or to seek an apprenticeship/employment.

Female student sat at computer doing btec computing

Destinations

Here are some examples of where our students have progressed to –

  • Edge Hill University – Information Technology Management for Business
  • Edge Hill University – Computer Security and Networks
  • The University of Liverpool – Computer Science with Software Development
  • Barclays – Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship
  • Liverpool John Moores – Accounting and Finance
  • The University of Liverpool – Film Studies
  • Manchester Met. – History
  • Liverpool John Moores – Law
  • Northumbria University – Computer and Information Technology
  • Lancaster University – Mechanical Design Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
BTEC IT course st helens

The best part about studying at Carmel college is the welcoming environment that both the teachers and students provided throughout my two years here. I knew that no matter the issue there would always be a member of staff that would help me when I needed them the most.

IT has been one of my favourite subjects ever since high school and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to handle the work load of the subject when I did it in college. However, the subject is laid out in an easy way, that allows you to balance all of your subjects and hobbies like gym or after school classes like chess club which I do on Fridays after school.

After leaving Carmel college I hope I’m able to go to edge hill university to get my PHD in psychology and become a clinical psychologist.

Now studying Psychology at Edge Hill University

Billy Frank Barrow

De La Salle School

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 4 in ICT or pass in equivalent ICT qualification (if studied). Additionally, a GCSE grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics.

Exam Board Specification

Click here to find out more

Apply