Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate)

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate) gives students opportunities to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin computer programming and to develop computational thinking and programming skills that will enable them to solve problems.

Students will explore the critical components that safeguard information systems and data and will acquire knowledge and skills to comprehend and apply security and encryption principles and practices to computer networks in various situations. Students will also have the opportunity to examine the underlying principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) and develop a HCI solution to meet the requirements of a given brief. Students will draw synoptically on their programming learning and computational thinking skills to manage the development of a software solution to a problem.

What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies?

Students will develop the following knowledge and skills:

• Applied knowledge and understanding of programming design and methodologies and principles of software development in relation to solving specific problems
• Applied knowledge and understanding of how to detect and prevent different types of security threats and design user experiences and user interfaces to meet the diverse needs of users
• Technical skills to:
  • Create a design proposal for an accessible HCI solution to meet the requirements of a brief and develop and evaluate the solution
  • Manage the development of a software solution to meet the requirements of a brief
• Transferable skills such as problem solving, creativity and innovation, written
• communications and taking personal responsibility.

 

Which subjects will complement this qualification?

The following subjects would be suitable to combine with this qualification:

• Business
• Mathematics
• Photography
• Physics

What could this qualification lead to?

When combined with other qualifications within a two-year study programme, such as A Levels or T levels,  you can progress to higher education qualifications such as:

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Software Engineering
• BSc Computer Games and Animation

You should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate) consists of 4 units, of which all 4 are mandatory. The course is delivered via two external examinations which make up ⅔ of your final grade, with the final ⅓ being delivered via internal coursework. Please see the table below.

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate)
Unit (number and title)	Unit size (GLH)	Mandatory or Optional	Externally or Internally assessed
1 – Programming Fundamentals	120	Mandatory	External Exam
2 – Computer Network Security and Encryption	120	Mandatory	External Exam
3 – Human-Computer Interaction	60	Mandatory	Internal – coursework
4 – Practical Programming	60	Mandatory	Internal – coursework