--- title: "AAQ in Information Technology" url: "https://aaasixthform.com/our-curriculum/btec-and-other-level-3-courses/aaq-in-information-technology" school: "St. Aidans & St Anthony's 6th Form" --- # AAQ in Information Technology **Awarding Body:** Pearson **Length of Course:** 2 Years ### About the Course The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution. Learners must achieve a total of four units. Units 1, and 2 assessed by exam and marked externally. Other units are internally assessed with external moderation. The units are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction\*. Can be taken in January and June, before the end of Year 13. UCAS points are equivalent to an A’ level. New UCAS points system up to 56 UCAS Tariff points available. **What will I study?** | **Unit 1 (Exam)** **Information Technology Systems** **GLH 120** | **Unit 2 (Exam)** **Cyber Security and Incident Management** **GLH 120** | | |---|---|---| | - Explore the concepts and implications of the use of, and relationships among devices that form IT systems - Understand Transmitting data - Understand Operating online systems and communities - Understand threats, protecting data and information - Impact of using IT systems online and manipulating data - Understand ethical, moral and legal issues to computer systems | - Cyber security threats, system vulnerabilities and security protection methods - Use of networking architectures and principles for security - Understand Cyber security documentation – internal policies - Understand Forensic procedures, forensic collection of evidence and Systematic forensic analysis of a suspect system | | | | ### ### ### ### ### ### | **Unit 3 Website Development** **GLH 60 Coursework** | **Unit 4: Relational Database Development** **GLH 60 Coursework** | |---|---| | - A - Understand how the principles of website development are used to create effective websites. - B - Explore website design skills and techniques to meet client requirements. - C - Develop a website to meet client requirements | - A Understand how the principles of relational database models, data storage and normalisation are used to create effective relational database solutions. - B Design a relational database solution to meet client’s requirements. - C Develop a relational database solution to meet client’s requirements | **Entry Requirements** 5 GCSEs including 3 at Grade 5 and 2 at Grade 4 or better. A qualification in IT would be advantageous but not required. **Relevance to Further Study** The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Digital sector and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Information Technology as part of a study programme alongside A Levels. The skills and developed in BTEC IT are an asset to any job role you choose, as in todays’ digital world any route or job role you decide on will need some form of IT skills, this is good subject to take if you unsure on what you want for your future career. Achievement of this qualification can support progression to go on and study relevant IT degrees in a Higher Education institution such as, Computing and IT, Cyber Security, Computing Science, Software Developments, Software Engineering, ICT and Computer Networks or Business Information Systems. 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