Digital

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Please select how you would like to attend your Hardware and Networking course:


Overview

Title: Hardware and Networking

Pathway: Digital

Available Study Options:
Apprenticeship, Full Time Print

Study Option

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What will I study?

You will be able to study the following qualifications in this subject:

  • Level 1 IT
  • Level 2 Digital Technologies
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma Hardware and Networking
  • T Level Foundation Digital
  • T Level Digital Infrastructure

Our courses prepare you for an exciting career in the Digital, IT and Creative industry. 

 BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recognises that these qualifications are fit for purpose towards a professional career in IT or towards continuing education in Computing and Information Technology.

After T Level and our level 3 course you can progress to degree courses and IT apprenticeships, preparing you to enter this lucrative and rewarding industry.

During your course, you will learn skills that will give you a broad base of knowledge whilst developing specialist skills in the pathway of your choice.

Building computers, installing operating systems, developing software and creating applications, websites and programs are just some of the elements you will cover.

 You will develop your skills in our CISCO Academy workshop and in our programming labs. You will learn to implement and design network and cyber security, network maintenance and how to set up operational systems, devices and cloud computing systems.

For practical work on computers, we have our specialist lab with a CISCO Academy to develop your skills across networking and cyber security. In addition to your Extended Diploma, you will have the opportunity to complete core Maths and/or CISCO certifications.

Developing your experience within your industry through work placements is important, especially for our T level students who have a 42 day placement during their course. We will support you with this - our tutors have brilliant industry links with many relevant employers.

We also invite employers and organisations to College, offering opportunities to complete projects and tasks with them. We also offer industry masterclasses and guest speakers from your industry specialism, which will broaden your understanding of different career routes available to you.

Our industry links ensure you are equipped with the best and most relevant knowledge. 

How will I be assessed?

Level 1: Portfolio-based assignments

Levels 2 : Assignments, Online Exams & Synoptic Projects

Level 3: Four examined units, rest are assignments and Synoptic Projects, employers set projects exams and Industry placements

Information Technology systems is assessed by exam in January along with a resit in June. Creating systems to manage information; Cyber security & incident management; IT service delivery are assessed by supervised assessment ranging from5 to 11 hours long. This is a mix of creating documents and practical assessment. Other units are assessed by coursework, presentations or observations of practical work in our computing labs depending on your course level and qualification.


What will this lead to?

Our Levels 1 and 2 courses are designed as a pathway onto our Level 3 or T Levels progression options include university, full time employment or IT Apprenticeship. Possible roles include IT Technician, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist and Computer Forensics.

Learners who choose to continue their studies at university generally choose higher education courses such as Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Computer Forensics.

Entry requirements

Entry Level Courses:


Skills for Life & Work/Preparing for Adulthood

No formal qualifications are required for this course.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a Special Educational Need (SEND).

 

Entry Level: Skills & Employability


No formal qualifications are required for this course.

Full Time ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)


No formal qualifications are required for this course.


Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study Course

 GCSE Grade 2 or 3 in Maths and English and / or Sciences.


Full Time Level 1 Course

 No formal qualifications are required for this course.


Full Time Level 2 Course

4 GCSEs at grade 3 or Vocational Level 1 in relevant subject area.

*GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths is required for the courses below:

Accounting

Electrical

Plumbing

Full time Level 3 Course

5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).

OR

Vocational Level 2 plus Grade 4-9 GCSE English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).

*A Vocational Level 2 is required for the following courses:

Accounting

All Construction Subjects

Hair & Beauty Subjects

Applied Science


T Levels

 

5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths will be accepted).

* Health T Levels require GCSE Grade 4 in Science.

 

How to apply

You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.

If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.

Cost

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits. We have a bursary scheme to assist with these costs.

  • If you're aged 19 or over, you may be eligible for funding towards your course fees. It will depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed at enrolment. You will be asked to bring documentation with you when you are invited to enrol.
  • If you are aged 19 and over and study Maths or English and do not already hold a C grade/4 or higher in the subject that you are studying, you will get the course for free.
  • If you have any queries please contact us on 0161 785 4039 or email admissions@oldham.ac.uk

What happens next?

It is important that you come along and speak to one of our staff about your choice/s.

Once we receive your application, you will be invited in to speak to a tutor or a member of the Apprenticeship team to discuss your application.

This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course/Apprenticeship and to see our facilities.

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