OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics (Extended Certificate)

This course is a Level 3 AAQ Cambridge Advanced National in IT, a two-year course that is equivalent to one A-Level.  This qualification will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills within the field of Information Technology.

You will explore Big Data and the differing methods of data visualisation. You will also learn how to use a range of tools and techniques used in spreadsheets to develop and complete processes to produce outputs. You will also learn how to create and test a relational database and the basics of digital marketing.

The qualification is made up of 40% examined content and 60% non-examined assessment (NEA) content. This approach supports you to develop both theoretical knowledge and understanding and the skills needed to apply it in a range of contexts, helping you to develop a broad and relevant set of skills and experiences.

This is a two-year course which contains five units. Two units are assessed through an exam, and the other three are assessed through externally set assignments, which are then marked internally. If you don’t achieve the mark needed for a Pass grade, in an exam you can resit each examined unit twice before you complete your qualification.

Overall, there are three mandatory units and two optional units. The mandatory units are Fundamentals of Data Analytics, Big Data and Machine Learning and Spreadsheet Data Modelling.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above. Computer Science at GCSE is useful, though not essential.

Most of our previous students of vocational IT have progressed to university. Many students progress to IT or Computing related degrees. Learners could also progress onto a Level 4 apprenticeship such as Network Engineer or Software Developer or into employment in the IT sector in areas such as technical support, digital technologies, application development or data analysis.