This course is designed for students who are interested in a future within the Computing and IT industry and want to acquire the skills needed to succeed in the world of Technology. If you like working with computers, enjoy solving problems and lots of hands-on practical work then this course is for you. You will learn how to create websites, develop games, and database solutions. You will also develop practical skills in computer hardware and networking alongside the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics are recommended for entry onto the course. Although some students might have achieved a GCSE in IT (or Level 2 equivalent), the BTEC course does not assume that an IT qualification has previously been achieved.
Mode of assessment is spread over 4 units, of which 3 are mandatory and 1 are optional . Two of the mandatory units are a written examination that are externally assessed. The other 2 units are assessed internally through assignments. Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* (equivalent to A* at A level).
The course is ideal for those who love working with computers, having an appreciation of a variety of IT platforms, and a willingness to work hard and practice skills are all that is required.
Most importantly, you will learn to independently plan and complete a variety of projects effectively and efficiently. As part of these projects, you will develop websites, databases and a social media presence. You will acquire all of the skills required to master these technologies as well as the underpinning theory.
The Department of Digital and Creative Technology (DCT) comprises of two dedicated, fully equipped IT/Computing rooms, a workshop and an office within the College main building. The rooms are spacious and extremely well resourced – with pcs and Macs, games and animation technologies, up-to-date business and creative design packages. The pcs are all connected to the College network, which provides access to the Internet, and our Virtual Learning Environment (Godalming Online). The software includes Visual Studio, Unity, GameMake, Adobe suite, Blender, etc.
The department boasts its own dedicated technician who will be ready to assist students with a wide variety of equipment such as email scanners, colour laser printers, 3D printing, digital cameras, graphics tablets and webcams. Students are provided with their own secure IT storage and email account.
The workshop is available throughout the course, but particularly supports the technical units and 3D modelling. 3D modelling in particular can be used to produce some game characters/environments.
The course also provides the opportunity for ‘on-the-job’ training via a week of work experience in the first year. Students independently select their work placement.
Within the rapidly expanding IT industry web design employment opportunities are plenty, both locally and worldwide. Alongside this industry growth, we are witnessing an ever-expanding range of computer games, web and IT-related degrees and apprenticeships. These will extend your understanding and operation of the games industry.
In many cases, IT-based degree courses are combined with another subject to take advantage of the specialised industries that exploit the use of IT.