Search

Starts

2 Sep 2024

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

1 Year

Level

Level 2

Awarding body

OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)

Course code

DIGIF2002A01

Fee Information

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Age 16-18

FREE (If meet residency criteria and not enrolled at another educational institution).

If you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course will be FREE. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips.

Age 19+

If you are aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, not enrolled at another educational institution and have been resident in the UK for the past 3 years, your course could be free dependant on the level of the course and your eligibility criteria. The rules regarding fee reduction are complicated, we would encourage you to contact our Advice, Support and Careers Team on 0191 375 4400, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect on live chat (bottom right of your screen).

Course details may be subject to change.

Computing & IT is at the heart of everyday life, at home, work and in our leisure time from computer graphics and control systems to communications and problem-solving, IT has an ever increasing role to play. This course has been developed in consultation with employers in the IT sector to allow you to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in industry. It includes practical activities in all units where you learn, do and review as well as development of your transferable skills for the workplace or your future studies.

Entry Criteria

You will hold four GCSEs at grade 3 or above (or equivalent), including maths and English.

Additional Costs

You will be required to pay £30 at the start of the course as a contribution towards enrichment activities.

What are the next steps?

You will meet with a course tutor to find out more about the course, discuss which course is right for you and see the facilities. Please bring your GCSE grades/predicted grades or any other relevant qualifications.

Study Aims

This course aims to:

  • Prepare you for further learning or training
  • Enhance your employability skills
  • Allow you to develop essential transferable and personal skills, such as planning, research and analysis skills
  • Develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject
  • Give you the skills to work with others to develop good communication skills.

Modules Studied

  • Communicating in the IT Industry
  • Working in the IT Industry
  • Website Development
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Spreadsheet Modelling.

Teaching and Assessment

You will have access to a wide variety of resources and course related materials in class and via on our online virtual learning environment. Your study programme will include preparation for employment and an expectation to complete relevant work experience and independent study.Teaching will be a variety of classroom based, self-study and workplace learning activities. Assessment is both formative and summative.Formative assessment of learning will be through a range of methods such as peer assessment, self-assessment and tutor assessment including observations, group work, written assignment, oral presentations and projects and aims to support your learning in preparation for summative assessment.Summative assessment is undertaken through assignments assessed internally and moderated by the awarding body.

Industry Links

The computing and IT curriculum area enjoys extensive links to industry, including:

  • Durham County Council
  • British Telecom
  • Hewlett Packard
  • NVIDIA
  • British Airways
  • Sage
  • Leighton
  • Waterstones
  • CA Group
  • Nissan
  • And many more.
Our employers work with us to support curriculum design, live projects, work placements, guest speaking, educational trips and visits and competitions.All of these activities help to enhance the teaching and learning experience and ensure relevance to curriculum content helping ensure our students gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected in the digital sector.

Placement

You will be required to complete a work placement of at least 70 hours (approximately 10 days) for each academic year of study. Wherever possible, we ask you to try and source a meaningful placement, however, if this is not possible, we do have limited opportunities sourced through the College. You will be expected to proactively engage with applying for a placement as they become available. All of our placement opportunities will be posted to your online learning system. You will always perform to the best of your ability and conduct yourself in a professional manner as if an employee of your placement organisation.

Where can it take me?