IT advanced

Bringing learning to life

AdvancedIN INformatIoN techNology

“ the new Diplomas have

the potential to be

one of the most exciting

developments in

education for young

people in a generation.

they provide

opportunities to engage

and stretch a wide range

of learners of all

abilities and to provide

universities with

students who will be

able to present a

range of new skills

and competencies.”

Julian Skyrme,

head of Undergraduate

recruitment & Widening

Participation,

the University of manchester

What is the Advanced Diploma

in Information Technology?

How is it different?

The Advanced Diploma is a new qualification offered alongside A levels and Advanced Apprenticeships. By 2011, there will be seventeen Diploma subjects available in England.

The Advanced Diploma in Information Technology is usually a two-year full-time qualification for young

The Advanced Diploma offers a unique blend of theoretical study and practical learning, and allows students to learn in a work-related setting – both real and simulated. Because it has been developed with employers and universities, the learning is put in context, and captures the relevance – and excitement – of the subject.

The Advanced Diploma in IT gives students an insight into the large and vibrant IT and telecommunications sector, and helps them develop their thinking, questioning, creative and communication skills. It also

people aged 16 and over. It introduces students to one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors in the UK, and gives them hands-on experience of key IT activities, like project management, IT support, website development and business solution design.

The Diploma also helps students develop other valuable skills such as working independently, managing their own time and working as part of a team.

equips them with the knowledge and understanding to take on different roles, providing the kind of flexibility that employers are often looking for.

Unlike other qualifications that focus on developing technical skills in isolation, the Diploma has a cross-disciplinary approach. This way, students learn to apply their skills in various business and organisational settings and get a good idea of their career options.

The Advanced Diploma in IT gives students a fully-rounded education. It provides them with the skills they need for further study or future employment in many areas, and doesn’t necessarily have to lead to an IT-related career or university course.

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Principal learning generic learningadditional or

Specialist learningequivalent

toMain subject

e.g. Engineering Project Functional skills

Work experience

Optional courses agreed with your teacher

foundation DiplomaPractical assessments + 1 exam

ProjectICT / Maths / English Level 1

Minimum 10 days Choose from a range of

qualifications including:

• BTECs

• GCSEs

• A levels

5 x GCSEs, (grade D – G)

higher DiplomaPractical assessments + 1 exam

ProjectICT / Maths / English Level 2

Minimum 10 days

7 x GCSEs, (grade A* – C)

advanced DiplomaPractical assessments + 2 or 3 exams

Extended Project

ICT / Maths / English Level 2

Minimum 10 days

3.5 A levels

How does it compare?

The Advanced Diploma is a level 3 qualification equivalent to 3.5 A levels – although it takes broadly the same time to complete as 3 A levels or a BTEC National Diploma. The Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) awards the qualification a maximum of 490 UCAS points (the same as 3.5 A levels).

All UK universities will accept the right Advanced Diploma at the right grade for entry onto a degree course. Some will also expect students to take a particular

A level or other qualification as their additional and specialist learning option to meet specific course entry requirements. Admissions criteria for 2010 (published by UCAS in May 2009) indicate that a Diploma is suitable for entry to about 80% of all UK undergraduate courses.

For details of individual college and university positions on the Advanced Diploma, go to www.ucas.ac.uk/students/beforeyouapply/diplomas/14-19diplomas/statements

03

What WIll StUDeNtS learN?

The Advanced Diploma is made up of three core elements: principal learning, generic learning and additional and specialist learning. These are described in more detail over the next few pages.

Principal learning

The principal learning is compulsory and consists of seven IT topics that teach students the main principles and practices for this sector. The topics are organised around three learning themes:

• business

• people

• technology.

The themes do not feature as individual parts of the Diploma and are not assessed separately – but they underpin what is taught in the IT principal learning.

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the PoteNtIal of techNologyStudents examine how IT helps businesses achieve their goals, what role IT plays in the global economy, and what benefits and risks come with technology innovation.

how? Students may investigate how organisations are supported by existing and emerging technologies. They could, for example, explain how databases are used in the health sector or explore the potential of online voting.

Why? Knowing how technology systems are used for efficiency, productivity and communication is essential for anyone considering a career in IT, business or management.

UNDerStaNDINg orgaNISatIoNSStudents look at how organisations are structured, and learn to detect and measure the factors that influence the success or failure of an organisation.

how? Students could create a mini-enterprise where they set themselves a project, like designing, manufacturing and selling gifts.

Why? Simulating a real organisation gives students experiences that are vital for understanding the organisational context that IT professionals work in.

ProfeSSIoNal DeveloPmeNtStudents explore and improve their communication techniques. They also learn to develop IT-based solutions to understand how statistical techniques are used to analyse business practices.

how? Students might look at the impact of good and bad practice in business communications, like handling a customer complaint or negotiating details of an IT contract.

Why? The skills developed in this topic, such as numerical analysis, problem-solving, and being able to communicate in a variety of situations, are essential skills for IT professionals and prepare students effectively for university.

makINg ProJectS SUcceSSfUl Students investigate what factors make projects succeed or fail, and learn how to use industry-standard software to create detailed project plans to manage, monitor and report the progress of a project.

how? Students might study real examples of business processes to understand how, for example, charities manage their various relationships or how IT companies provide IT support.

Why? Understanding what makes a project come together, such as planning, managing and being able to predict risks, is key to making projects successful.

creatINg techNology SolUtIoNSStudents learn to use industry-standard approaches to investigate, create, test and implement a technological solution that meets a particular organisation’s needs and requirements.

how? Students could, for example, design, develop, test and implement a small-scale solution like travel booking or online banking, using the three-tier architecture of user interface, program code and relational database.

Why? The skills taught in this unit: critical analysis, problem-solving, communication, self-management and documentation are essential skills in any typical business environment.

mUltImeDIa aND DIgItal ProJectSStudents learn about the role that different types of digital media can play in modern business practice – and how to make the best use of these.

how? Students could explore the leading-edge use of multimedia in computer games, movies, the internet and virtual worlds. They could also create a product, like a music website with graphics, movies and animation.

Why? Developing a creative multimedia project demonstrates a student’s understanding of the business requirements and audience needs as well as technical competence – important skills for delivering projects successfully.

maNagINg techNology SyStemSStudents learn to maintain a network system on a day-to-day basis by pre-empting and solving problems, upgrading the system without disruption, and testing and documenting all changes.

how? Students could, for example, create a download music storage system with search and retrieval functions.

Why? Knowing how to manage a network system effectively brings together a variety of vital skills useful at university and in employment such as technical, interpersonal, communication, logical thinking and documentation skills.

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“ microsoft enjoys a

great partnership

with e-skills Uk and

is pleased to have

supported the

development of the

new Diploma in It:

the next-generation

curriculum designed

for 14 to 19-year-

olds. the Diploma in

It offers an exciting

way for students to

learn and apply their

skills in business-

relevant ways.

at microsoft, we

welcome initiatives

that seek to increase

the level of It skills

for young people

leaving school

and entering the

workforce or moving

on to university.”

Steve Beswick,

Director of education,

microsoft ltd

Generic learning

As part of the generic learning, which is the same across all Advanced Diplomas, students will develop a number of transferable skills that are essential to their self-development. These include functional skills in maths, English and ICT as well as personal, learning and thinking skills. Students will also get the opportunity to do work experience as part of their generic learning.

fUNctIoNal SkIllS (mathS, eNglISh aND Ict)

Functional skills give students the practical ability to use maths, English and ICT in everyday life, work and study. Advanced Diploma students have to develop and apply these skills in all the work they do.

Functional skills are separately-assessed, stand-alone qualifications that all students have to complete at level 2 to achieve their Advanced Diploma. However, students who have already completed these qualifications before starting their Diploma do not need to repeat them.

Functional skills are also incorporated into the principal learning. Diploma in IT students will, for example:

• need to apply investigative and numerical reasoning skills when researching organisations

• carry out complex calculations to interpret and evaluate how a business is performing.

Developing a good standard of numeracy, literacy and IT skills is essential for all students – even if they do not choose an IT-related career.

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PerSoNal, learNINg aND thINkINg SkIllS

Throughout their Diploma, students will develop six personal, learning and thinking skills:

• teamworking

• creativethinking

• independentenquiry

• self-management

• effectiveparticipation

• reflectivelearning.

These skills are not separately assessed, but are integrated into the assessment criteria for the principal learning and the extended project. They are vital skills in both life and work, and are embedded in the secondary curriculum.

Work exPerIeNce

The Diploma gives students the opportunity to do at least 10 days’ work experience. They could, for example:

• workwithasoftwaremanufacturertolearnaboutsoftware development, but also spend a few days in other departments

• workwithadigitalagencythatofferscomputer-aided graphics and commercial website design

• workataglobalcorporationanddiscoverhowtheuse of IT impacts their success as a business

• workatthelocalcouncilandsetupablogto explore how young people can support their local community services.

Work experience is a great way for students to apply the knowledge and skills learnt on the course, and to further develop their personal, learning and thinking skills. It is one of the best ways to get insider experience, and may also help students develop project ideas.

Work experience does not, however, have to be within the IT sector, as IT skills are used in many different businesses. In fact, students who take on work experience in other industries will become more aware of other career paths and develop a broader understanding of how IT skills can be applied elsewhere.

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The extended project

As part of the Advanced Diploma, students will complete an extended project to demonstrate their ability to work independently. They are required to plan, prepare, develop and realise a project, and present the final outcome.

Students could either explore a subject in real depth or broaden the topic by making connections between different areas or subjects. Either way, they have to choose a subject that complements and develops the themes and topics related to their Diploma.

What tyPeS of ProJectS caN they Do?

The end result could be a written piece of work, either a report (with findings from an investigation or study) or a dissertation presenting an argument – for example:

• a study of local business needs for IT, such as faster broadband speeds, better local IT support and local IT training – where the student may design a survey to send to local businesses, and then follow up with interviews with those willing to participate

• a discussion highlighting the pros and cons of the classroom being opened up to technology that is usually banned, like mobile phones and websites with restricted access – with the student presenting arguments for both sides.

Or it could be a practical piece of work, either a design, an artefact or a performance where video, film, a database or another technology is used – for example:

• a charity website that uses a database to make it easier to recruit and retain members

• an animated art gallery website with short cartoons

• a video created together with a group of local actors or musicians to be uploaded on their website

• a face-to-face presentation about a technical solution suitable for a local business.

hoW DoeS the ProJect comPare?

The extended project is a qualification in itself – equivalent to half an A level in size and A2 in level. It is also available outside the Diploma to A level and other students.

The project is worth a maximum of 60 UCAS points and has been welcomed by universities as a great preparation for students who want to go on to higher education.

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Additional and specialist learning

The additional and specialist learning lets students choose between a wide variety of optional courses. This helps them develop their individual interests, abilities and career aspirations.

thIS coUlD Be:

• a specialist IT subject to develop their particular IT interests further, like a level 3 certificate or award in software design, interactive media or image generation and manipulation

• a subject that would help them get onto a specific university course, like an AS or A level in economics or statistics – an A level in maths could, for example, be useful to students who want to study computer science courses at university

• a subject that reflects a student’s other interests and career ambitions, like a language, a science or a creative subject like music.

There is a wide range of qualifications available, including A levels and BTECs. For a full list, see the National Database of Accredited Qualifications at www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk

hoW maNy caN they chooSe?

Students can choose more than one subject, depending on the size of the qualifications they select.

They would, for example, only be able to take one A level or one large specialist qualification. But if they choose to take a smaller qualification, like an AS level, they could take two or more.

What aBoUt extra qUalIfIcatIoNS?

Students are also able to complete extra qualifications outside the Diploma. They could, for example, take another A level if they want to pursue a particular interest in addition to their Diploma.

09

Where will it lead?

The Advanced Diploma is designed to develop a wide range of skills needed for work, further training or university. It can be a first step towards a career in IT – or in a range of other sectors.

goINg oN to fUrther eDUcatIoN

The Advanced Diploma is a great foundation for students choosing to continue to further and higher education. Students could take up an Advanced Apprenticeship, or do a foundation degree in areas like business studies, IT software or enterprise in IT.

The Diploma could also lead to a wide range of undergraduate degrees in subjects such as computing, business studies, software engineering, information systems, business and information technology, computer games software, multimedia or graphic design – either full time or part time combined with a job.

goINg INto emPloymeNt

There are opportunities for students going straight into employment. The Advanced Diploma could lead to work as an IT professional – for example, as a trainee at an IT helpdesk.

However, the majority of jobs in IT require applicants to have completed further or higher education. Students who have completed a degree can head for a career in areas like business analysis, project management, technical specialisms, application design, games design, business strategy, systems architecture, web development or sales and marketing.

PreParINg StUDeNtS for the fUtUre

Completing an Advanced Diploma in IT doesn’t mean that students have to choose a career or degree in the IT sector. Students may go on into an unrelated – or less related – area, like finance, psychology, French, economics or engineering.

Whichever path the student chooses, the Diploma provides them with skills that are relevant to the modern day workplace and degree-level study.

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Rachel Evans, 16, is studying an Advanced Diploma in Information Technology at Gleed Girls Technology College in Lincolnshire.

“ What I really like about doing this Diploma is that you get time to really understand the subject and try things out for yourself. Being treated like an adult makes a big difference to your confidence levels. We have lessons in how to behave at work, get regular careers advice and get to see real companies put IT into action.”

“When I finished my GCSEs last year I could have chosen to go on to A levels or maybe a BTEC. But I liked what I heard about the Advanced Diploma in Information Technology when the tutors explained it to me. The way we learn is not just about passing units and exams. Instead it’s like working for a real company most of the time.

I love IT and I chose this Diploma because it could give me an insight into the sector. I am already using the knowledge I have to produce websites for small businesses in the area. Building websites for companies helps with my Diploma, and the Diploma helps me to build websites – so it’s a great arrangement! I need to produce an extended project soon, to demonstrate how I have applied my Diploma learning, and I’m hoping to choose one of my online creations to do this!

The course is really interesting. We study all aspects of IT – hardware, such as networks and how a computer actually works, and software, like the Microsoft programs and others like Dreamweaver and Flash. There is a lot to learn but we find out quite a bit for ourselves. There is some teaching in the classroom but a lot of the time is spent in teams doing project work.

Recently, we were asked to create an enterprise. There were three of us in each team and we had to look at marketing, promotions, costs and planning. We chose to launch a Comic Relief charity enterprise and we set up a micro site too. We will next focus on project planning, which will give me a chance to use the latest commercial project software such as Microsoft Project.

I am finding the Diploma very flexible as well. I am working hard on a maths GCSE retake and am also studying for an English literature A level. Functional skills like maths and English are very important and everyone spends time on these as well as the IT work.

We went to a local company, Smedleys, and saw how they use IT in food packaging – it was really good. We also visited BT and they explained how they were completely dependent on IT for everything they do. I hope to do my ten-day work placement at Spalding Eco Centre, as I already help build their websites.

I am also involved with a link up to the National Space Centre for a virtual reality exercise. This involves young kids from local schools, and we get to act as tutors by delivering presentations and work with them. I love doing this. It’s great for my self-confidence!

I want to carry on building websites but I’d like to continue studying as well. I love travel and tourism and can easily combine that with IT, given the range of careers out there.

Case study

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©Crown Copyright 2009.

Want more information?

hoW to fIND oUt more

For more information about the Diploma in IT, go to: www.direct.gov.uk/diplomaswww.e-skills.com/diploma

For more information about:

• the new 14-19 curriculum, go to www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19

• the structure of Diplomas and resources to support their delivery by schools and colleges, including illustrations of how students might progress from an Advanced Diploma course, go to www.qca.org.uk/diploma

• individual university and college statements about the Diploma, go to www.ucas.ac.uk/students/ beforeyouapply/diplomas/14-19diplomas

• awarding body specifications:

• Edexcel – www.edexcel.com

• OCR – www.ocr.org.uk

• AQA/City and Guilds – www.diplomainfo.org.uk

hoW to DoWNloaD thIS leaflet

To download this leaflet, go to:

• www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas

• www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications and use the search reference DCSF-00075-2009

hoW to orDer more coPIeS of thIS leaflet

To order more copies of this leaflet:

• go to www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications

• call 0845 602 260

• textphone 0845 605 560

Make sure you quote the reference 00075-2009LEF-EN.

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