Exam Board: Edexcel
You will study four units over the duration of the course. Units 1, 2 and 3 are mandatory and also includes an optional unit. Unit 1 is a formal exam and Unit 2 is a controlled piece of assessment—both of these are marked externally. Unit 3 and Unit 4 are coursework-based and marked internally.
This is a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the vocational sector. As such the award offers a qualification which can extend study and provide vocational emphasis. They give you the knowledge, understanding and skills that you need to prepare for employment. It is broadly equivalent to one A-Level and is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction (P/M/D).
Typical units include:
Unit 1: Information Technology systems
Unit 2: Create systems to manage information
Unit 3: Social media
Unit 4: Spreadsheet modelling
60% examination / 40% coursework
General college entry requirements only plus a recommended grade 4 or above in a GCSE ICT qualification.
University courses
Computer Science/Information Communications Technology/Programming/Website design
Apprenticeships
Technical support/helpdesk / ICT technician / Multimedia designer
Career paths
PC sales support / Programmer / IT software trainer / Systems analyst / ICT consultant