BTEC Computing

Course overview

Computers and digital technology are pervasive in modern society, driving progress and development in every field. To study computing is therefore to comprehend and leverage the power of the technologies which are driving the changes we are presently seeing in the world, and to develop the skills and abilities required to further expand the capabilities of humans and society.

This qualification is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector. It allows learners to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in computing from which they can progress to broader or more specialist study at Level 3. Throughout this course pupils will develop a wide range of skills and abilities in such areas as critical thinking, solving routine and non-routine problems and the creative deployment of the systems and resources available to them. Pupils will also develop their intrapersonal and interpersonal skills through the completion of individual and group tasks and projects throughout the course.

Modules

Mandatory

• Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science
• Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption

With one module from the following:

• Unit 10: Human-computer Interaction
• Unit 11: Digital Graphics and Animation
• Unit 14: Computer Games Development
• Unit 15: Website Development
• Unit 17: Mobile Apps Development
• Unit 20: Managing and Supporting Systems
• Unit 22: Systems Analysis and Design

Assessment

• Unit 1: Externally assessed exam paper sat in May/June of Year 1
• Unit 2: Externally assessed exam paper sat in January of Year 2
• Unit 7: Internally assessed module in Year 2
• Selected module: Internally assessed in Year 1