Qualification: BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
Level: 1 & 2
Exam Board: Pearson

What you learn about:

The BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology empowers students to develop vital digital skills and applied IT knowledge through real-world, vocational contexts. At a time when digital literacy is as essential as English and maths, this qualification fosters both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving in areas such as user interfaces, data visualisation, project planning, cybersecurity, and digital ethics 

During the course, students will study:

• Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques – Understanding how to design accessible interfaces and plan digital projects effectively 

• Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data – Learning how organisations collect and use data, building dashboards, and drawing meaningful conclusions 

• Effective Digital Working Practices – Developing awareness of modern technologies, cybersecurity threats, virtual collaboration, legal and ethical considerations, and ways to communicate using digital notation 

Assessment:

The qualification includes three integrated components:

• Component 1 & Component 2: Internally assessed through Pearson-set assignments and externally moderated (60% combined). These components assess practical application of knowledge in user interface design and data management 

• Component 3 – Effective Digital Working Practices: Externally assessed via a 1 hour and 30-minute supervised exam (40% of the qualification), testing synoptic understanding across digital practices, cybersecurity, and systems analysis 

Other Information:

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 150 hours (including 120 Guided Learning Hours) 

• First teaching began: September 2022; first external assessment available from 2024 

• Designed to complement GCSE Computer Science, the Tech Award helps students progress to Level 3 IT qualifications or apprenticeships; strong performers can go toward IT-related employment or Further Education pathways 

See the full information here.