MCAST-BTEC Extended Diploma in IT
Or:
2 A-Level passes and 2 I-Level passes
Compulsory A-Level: Computing and one subject from Pure Mathematics and Physics
Compulsory I-Level: Pure Mathematics or Applied if Pure Mathematics is not presented at A-Level

This qualification aims to provide a foundation for a range of technical and management careers in computing and to enable students to make an immediate contribution in employment.

Students who complete the MCAST-BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development (Software Development) will find a number of career opportunities in the ICT Industry or in IT Departments in a wide range of work environments.

The course is based around an in-person training by qualified lecturers and is a mix of lectures and supervised practical work both in class and in specialised labs whenever necessary. A student is expected to do a significant amount of additional study work at home, since most of the specialised modules require a great deal of practice to master.

Assessment of each module is based on a system of continuous assessment through various numbers of assignments. The assignments can be home, class or practical work. Each assignment tests a number of criteria covered during lessons. To successfully complete the course a student must pass ALL Pass criteria from all assignments. Two attempts are allowed for each assignment. To achieve an overall grade of Merit the student must achieve all Pass and all Merit criteria. To achieve a Distinction additionally to the Merit requirements the student must also achieve all Distinction criteria.

× Expand the knowledge and experience in advanced .NET and Java technologies
× Implement advanced websites using different tools
× Apply methods of systems analysis and design
× Integrate database access in web applications.

Business Skills for e-Commerce
Computer Systems
Employability and Professional Development
Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation
Object Oriented Programming
Database Design Concepts
Quality Systems in IT
Systems Analysis and Design
Data Analysis and Design
Digital Image Creation and Development
Research Skills
Mathematics for Software Development
Programming in Java
Web Applications Development
Distributed Software Applications
Programming in .NET

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development

Software designer and developer
Web designer
Systems analyst
System designer