A BTEC Diploma at Level 3 is a nationally recognised qualification, equivalent to two A Levels, combining practical and theoretical study. It provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to progress successfully in the workplace and also provides a firm basis for higher education. Highbury College offers a variety of Level 3 BTEC Diplomas providing a wide range of opportunities to learn about the IT Sector. The rapid growth in Local Area Network and Internet usage has led to a significant shift in the overall range of skills required in providing for the successful implementation and use of IT. This programme is concerned with supporting the business IT infrastructure that is required to run the software systems used to meet business and organisational needs. In terms of the main areas of IT support, it centres on the network infrastructure and client-server system components required to meet business needs. Students focus upon the skills necessary for the design, deployment and support of such infrastructures. You should choose this programme if you are interested in computer and networking technologies as it provides valuable hands-on skills in a variety of areas including setting up computer networks, configuring switches and routers, all aspects of computer hardware and software including networking and IT support. Parallel to this specific path, students will study the broader aspects of IT, including essential hardware and software maintenance skills, the nature and characteristics of commonly available operating systems and web development. Students work on high spec computers using current operating systems, office applications and code using recognised standards. Students will benefit from the opportunity to download and install their own fully licenced copies of Microsoft software, all of which is provided free of charge thanks to our membership of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA)

On successful completion of this qualification you could progress to complete a second year at Level 3 with the BTEC Extended Diploma alongside an Extended Project qualification, study for a Foundation Degree or Honours Degree at university or go into employment in the industry in a variety of subject areas, such as: Network Manager: £24k-£47k per annum; Network Administrator: £18K-£39K per annum; Systems Support Analyst: Average £34K per annum; Systems Support Engineer: Average £23K per annum; Technical Support: £13k-£25k per annum; System Designer: £37K-£61K per annum; The networking industry is a very significant overall employer within the IT industry with around one third of the UK IT workforce employed in support roles. The industry is also becoming increasingly complex with demand in all areas of infrastructure and networking skills, with particular need for security, wireless and mobile specialist skills.