Information Technology

Qualification Level

OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Information Technology - Digital Administrator

What does the course involve?

Unit results are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. A mixture of practical assignments and on-screen tests which include: exploring current and emerging technologies, security protection and risk management, and using data analysis software.

Duration

One year

Requirements

You will be working towards Level 1 / Level 2 in Mathematics and English and have an interest in IT.

Where will it take me?

You may continue on to the Level 3 course or progress to an IT apprenticeship,


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Qualification Level

OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Information and Communication Technology (Certificate / Extended Certificate / Foundation Diploma / Diploma / Extended Diploma)

• Certificate: Equivalent to 0.5 of A Level Applied General - two mandatory units, of which one is external. Mandatory content 100%. External assessment 50%.
  
  
• Extended Certificate: Equivalent to one A Level - four units, three of which are mandatory and two are external assessments. Mandatory content 83%. External assessment 58%.
  
  
• Foundation Diploma: Equivalent to one and a half A Levels - six units, four of which are mandatory units and two are external assessments. Mandatory content 76%. External assessment 41%.
  
  
• Diploma: Equivalent to two A Levels Applied General - eight units, of which six are mandatory units and three are external assessments. Mandatory content 83%. External assessment 46%.
  
  
• Extended Diploma: Equivalent to three A Levels Applied General - 13 units, of which seven are mandatory units and four are external assessments. Mandatory content 67%. External assessment 42%.

What does the course involve?

Certificate: Two mandatory units
Extended Certificate: Three mandatory units plus one optional unit
Foundation Diploma: Four mandatory units plus two optional units
Diploma: Six mandatory units plus two optional units
Extended Diploma: Seven mandatory units plus six optional units

The units are as follows:

• Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT
  This unit introduces you to the essentials of IT, including hardware, software, networks, and the role of IT in business.
  
  
• Unit 2: Global Information
  This unit focuses on the use of information in the global context, data security, and ethical and legal considerations related to information.
  
  
• Unit 3: Cyber Security
  This unit examines the threats to IT systems and the measures that can be taken to protect against them.

Specialist pathway units for IT Infrastructure:

• Unit 4: Computer Networks
  This unit covers the principles of network design, implementation, and management, including network topologies, protocols, and troubleshooting.
  
  
• Unit 8: Project Management
  This unit provides an understanding of project management principles and techniques, focusing on planning, executing, and closing projects within IT.
  
  
• Unit 16: Developing a Smarter Planet
  This unit explores the use of IT in creating sustainable and smart solutions for global challenges, focusing on innovative applications of technology to improve quality of life and efficiency.
  
  
• Unit 12: Mobile Technology
  This unit focuses on the development and use of mobile technologies, including mobile application development, mobile networks, and the impact of mobile technology on society.
  
  
• Unit 17: Internet of Everything
  This unit looks at the interconnection of devices and systems and their impact on businesses and society, focusing on the role of IT infrastructure in supporting IT solutions.
  
  
• Unit 18: Computer Systems - Hardware
  This unit provides an understanding of computer hardware components, their functions, and how they are assembled and configured. There is a project based outcome through building high end gaming PCs.
  
  
• Unit 19: Computer Software
  This unit focuses on understanding different types of software, their purposes, and how they are installed, configured, and maintained within an IT infrastructure.
  
  
• Unit 20: IT Technical Support
  This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to provide IT technical support, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and customer service.

Duration

1-3 years

Requirements

You will have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English. 

Where will it take me?

This course provides an excellent start to a career or advanced-level apprenticeship in the IT sector, in roles such as Support Technician, Service Analyst, Software Developer, and Accessibility Officer.

You may also go on to Higher Education to complete degrees in IT or a related discipline, such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, etc.