Digital Information Technology
Title of the qualification achieved at the end of the course
BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology (DIT)
What will you learn/How will you be taught?
This qualification gives you a real insight into the modern fundamentals of IT. Studying this gives you the opportunity to apply knowledge to everyday contexts and, as such, your learning will be a mix of creative design, practical application and technical knowledge. For example, you will explore different user interfaces and then go on to design and create your own - learning project management in the process.
The main focus is the:
- development of key skills proving your aptitude in digital IT, such as project planning, designing and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data;
- process that underpins ways of working in digital IT, such as project planning, the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct;
- attitudes that are considered most important in digital IT, including personal management and communication;
- knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector, such as how different user interfaces meet user needs, how organisations collect and use data to make decisions, virtual workplaces, cyber security and legal and ethical issues.
It will also enable you to develop transferable project planning skills that can be used across all areas of study and employment.
Internal coursework assignments make up 60% of this qualification, whilst 40% is a controlled assessment undertaken over 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is marked by the examination board at the end of the course of study.
Why study this subject?
This subject is ideal for learners who want to develop their digital skills or perhaps want a stepping stone to careers such as IT Project Management, Technical Support, Software Development and Cyber Security. It will build on your IT, reflective and communication skills and, as just about all careers require IT knowledge in some shape or form, it is a win:win situation to study DIT and have this qualification on your CV.
On completion, you will be in a great position to continue in the digital information technology sector whilst also being prepared for other technical and academic routes. The choices you can make post-16 will depend on your overall level of attainment.
Achieving Level 2 allows progression to:
- A Levels as preparation for entry to Higher Education (HE) in a range of subjects;
- study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in IT, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to HE by studying a degree.
Achieving Level 1 allows progression to:
- study at Level 2 post-16 in a range of technical routes designed to lead to work, to progression to employment, to apprenticeships or to further study at Level 3.
The Award will support you in progression to further training, whether that be an academic qualification, vocational study or an apprenticeship. BTEC is a recognised and well-known qualification suite, providing reassurance that those who study a BTEC meet the levels required by employers and Higher Education.