BTEC Level 3 IT (Legacy)
Unit 1 - Information Technology Systems
Unit 1 of BTEC Level 3 IT is all about understanding how IT systems work in real life. You’ll learn about digital devices, software, networks, online systems, data security, and the impact of IT on people and organisations. This unit helps you see how technology is used every day and gives you the knowledge you need to tackle the Unit 1 exam with confidence.
Unit 2 - Databases (Creating Systems To Manage Information)
Unit 2 of BTEC Level 3 IT focuses on how databases are used to store, organise, and manage information. You’ll learn how to design, create, and test databases, as well as how to retrieve and present information efficiently. This unit gives you practical skills to manage data effectively and helps you understand how businesses and organisations use databases in the real world.
Unit 4 - Programming
Unit 4 of BTEC Level 3 IT teaches you how to design, create, and test computer programs. You’ll learn computational thinking skills, how to use programming languages, and how to plan and develop software to meet real client requirements. The unit covers problem-solving, designing solutions, writing and testing code, improving programs, and evaluating software quality. By the end of this unit, you’ll have practical programming skills and understand how to develop reliable, efficient, and user-friendly software solutions — all essential for exams and future IT projects.
Unit 6 - Website Development
Unit 6 of BTEC Level 3 IT is about designing, developing, and improving interactive websites. You’ll learn key principles like usability, accessibility, and SEO. The unit covers planning, designing, and creating websites using tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, including interactive content and testing. You’ll also explore legal and ethical issues and how to optimise websites for performance and user experience. By the end, you’ll have the skills to build professional, user-friendly websites that meet client needs.
Unit 11 - Cyber Security and Incident Management
Unit 11 teaches you how to keep computer systems and networks safe. You’ll learn about common cyber threats like viruses, hacking, and social engineering, and how these can affect people and organisations.
The unit covers:
Protecting systems – using firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and access controls.
Network security – keeping different types of networks and devices safe.
Risk management – assessing threats, planning security measures, and responding to incidents.
Policies and procedures – creating IT policies, disaster recovery plans, and incident response strategies.
Forensics – collecting and analysing evidence after a cyber attack to prevent it from happening again.
By the end, you’ll have the skills to spot risks, protect systems, and respond to security issues in real-world situations.
Unit 14 - IT Service Delivery
Unit 14 explores how organisations use IT to support their services and operations. You’ll learn how to analyse an organisation’s needs and design IT solutions that help them work efficiently.
The unit covers:
IT service life cycle – planning, designing, delivering, and managing IT services using methods like Agile or PRINCE2.
Understanding organisations – how different types of organisations (services or products) have unique IT needs.
IT service design – defining the technical and software/hardware requirements for delivering effective IT services.
Information and data – understanding how organisations collect, store, and use data to support decisions and operations.
Managing IT services – handling infrastructure, users, and changes while considering security, scalability, and legal or ethical issues.
By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to design and manage IT services that meet organisational needs, improve productivity, and support users effectively.
Unit 16 - Cloud Storage and Collaboration
Unit 16 explores how organisations use cloud technologies to boost productivity, flexibility, and user experience. You’ll learn about cloud models and services like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, and how to assess IT needs for cloud adoption. The unit covers planning, designing, and deploying cloud-based collaboration solutions, managing users and resources, and testing and maintaining services. You’ll also focus on security, legal, and ethical requirements. By the end, you’ll have the skills to implement and manage cloud solutions that meet client needs and support effective teamwork.
Unit 18/19 - Internet of Things IoT
Unit 19 covers the Internet of Things (IoT) and how connected devices improve productivity, safety, and efficiency. You’ll learn how IoT systems collect and use data, design and prototype devices, and manage security and M2M communication. The unit also covers legal, privacy, and sustainability considerations. By the end, you’ll be able to develop, test, and evaluate IoT solutions for real-world problems.