Pearson BTEC Level 3 · Extended Diploma in IT

Units 5–13: Specialist IT Options

Nine specialist optional units—programming, mobile apps, web development, games, project management, and more—assessed through lab projects and coursework.

Unit Explanation

What are Units 5–13 — Specialist IT Options?

The Units 5–13 specialist portfolio allows learners to tailor the Extended Diploma in Information Technology toward development, infrastructure, or digital creative pathways.

Options commonly include programming, mobile applications, website development, computer games development, IT project management, and technical support management—delivered as internal assignments and lab projects.

Centres at ICT Business School configure the optional mix to align with industry demand, university entry requirements, and student career aspirations.

Core Strategic Value

  • Technical Depth: Build portfolio projects demonstrating coding, design, or support skills.
  • Industry Tools: Use professional IDEs, engines, ticketing systems, and DevOps basics.
  • Career Alignment: Target software engineering, web dev, gaming, or IT operations roles.
Granular Curriculum

What You Will Study

This unit develops practical, industry-aligned competencies across 4 core learning modules:

1. Programming & Software Development (Example Pathway)

Write procedural and object-oriented code in taught languages

Apply testing, debugging, and version control workflows

Design algorithms for validation, searching, and sorting problems

Deliver functional applications meeting client brief specifications

2. Web & Mobile Application Development

Build responsive websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks

Implement UX/UI principles and accessibility standards

Develop mobile prototypes with platform-appropriate components

Deploy and document applications for user acceptance testing

3. Games Development & Interactive Media

Design game mechanics, narratives, and player progression systems

Use game engines for 2D/3D assets, physics, and scripting

Test gameplay balance, performance, and user experience

Present playable builds with design justification reports

4. IT Project Management & Technical Support

Plan IT projects with Gantt charts, risk registers, and agile boards

Coordinate resources, stakeholders, and change requests professionally

Operate service desks with ticketing, escalation, and SLA monitoring

Compile lab project portfolios for units 5–13 external verification

ASSESSMENT METRICS

Structure & Parameters

Official UnitsUnits 5–13 (Specialist Mix)
QualificationBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT
Assessment TypeInternal Assignments / Lab Projects
Options9 Specialist Pathways
ExamplesProgramming, Web, Games, PM
GradingPass / Merit / Distinction
EvidenceCode, Designs, Support Logs
Lab Project StandardsVersion-control all source files, include testing evidence, and write technical documentation that explains design decisions for distinction criteria.

Assessment Policies & Logistics

Submission Windows

Internal and external assessment deadlines follow Pearson BTEC session calendars. Confirm key dates with ICT Business School at enrollment.

Academic Integrity

All coursework and exam submissions must meet Pearson authenticity standards. Plagiarism checks and verification apply to every unit.

Learner Support

Access tutor feedback, assignment briefings, and resubmission guidance through our structured BTEC support pathway at ICT Business School.

Need Assignment Briefs or Fee Information?

Our academic advisors can guide you through unit enrollment, portfolio requirements, and Pearson assessment preparation.