Open College Network Northern Ireland · RQF Level 3

OCN NI Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology Applications

You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.

LevelRQF Level 3
Total credits52
Guided learning364 hours
Units in this qualification29

Awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland · on the Ofqual register

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What you’ll learn

What each unit actually teaches you to do

Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) is a Nationally Recognised Awarding organisation which offer high quality flexible, credit based qualifications

These are the units Open College Network Northern Ireland registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.

Bespoke SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll develop the ability to input and combine information accurately using bespoke software applications. This unit also covers creating and modifying data structures to organise and retrieve information efficiently, and exploiting software functions to process and present information.

What you'll be able to do

Input and combine information accurately using bespoke software applications.
Create and modify appropriate data structures within bespoke software to organise and retrieve information efficiently.
Exploit the full range of functions of the bespoke software effectively to process and present information in a clear and professional manner.

Capturing and Editing Audio SequencesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit covers the use of audio hardware and software to capture audio sequences with good sound quality. You'll develop skills in editing, enhancing, and manipulating audio sequences using software tools, and will be able to play and present audio sequences effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Use audio hardware and software to capture audio sequences effectively, ensuring good sound quality.
Use audio software tools to edit, enhance, and manipulate audio sequences, achieving desired effects.
Play and present audio sequences in a suitable format, considering the intended audience and purpose.

Capturing, Editing and Presenting Video SequencesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll learn to capture video sequences using appropriate hardware and software. This unit covers combining and editing video sequences with software tools and techniques, and presenting the final video product to a specified audience.

What you'll be able to do

Use video hardware and software to capture video sequences effectively.
Use video software tools and techniques to combine video sequences.
Use video software tools and techniques to edit video sequences.
Play video sequences to a specified audience.
Present video sequences to a specified audience.

Computer Animation TechniquesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit covers the characteristics and uses of different types of animation, including 2D, 3D, and stop-motion. You'll understand animation applications across industries and develop skills to design and implement digital animations using appropriate software techniques.

What you'll be able to do

Understand the different types of animation, including 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation.
Understand the various uses of animation in different industries, such as entertainment, education, and marketing.
Know the software techniques used in animation, including keyframing, rigging, and rendering.
Design digital animations that meet specified requirements.
Implement digital animations using appropriate software and techniques.

Computer NetworksReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit provides learners with knowledge of network types, protocols, and key components. You'll understand network services and be able to construct, configure, and secure a basic network to meet specified requirements.

What you'll be able to do

Know the different types of network systems, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks.
Know the common network protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and DNS.
Understand the key components used in networking, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
Be aware of the services provided by network systems, such as file sharing, email, and web hosting.
Construct a basic network using appropriate hardware and software.
Configure a basic network to meet specified requirements.
Secure a basic network against common threats.

Computerised Accounting SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to access, enter, and edit accounting information using computerised accounting software. You'll process business transactions, set up accounting systems, and develop and interpret management information reports.

What you'll be able to do

Access, enter and edit accounting information accurately and efficiently using computerised accounting software.
Process business transactions accurately from source documents using computerised accounting software.
Develop and interpret management information reports generated from computerised accounting software.
Set up a computerised accounting system ready for use, configuring settings and parameters as required.

Database SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll plan, create, and modify relational database tables to meet requirements using database software. The unit also covers entering, editing, and organising data, as well as creating and running queries and reports to present information effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Plan, create and modify relational database tables to meet specified requirements, considering data types and relationships.
Enter, edit and organise structured information accurately and efficiently in a database, maintaining data integrity.
Use database software tools to create, edit and run data queries and produce reports that effectively present the required information.

Design SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to obtain, insert, and combine information for design purposes using design software. You'll create, manipulate, and edit designs, developing proficiency in using software tools to produce original and modified design work.

What you'll be able to do

Obtain, insert, and combine various types of information for use in designs
Use design software tools to create new designs, manipulate existing designs, and edit designs to achieve desired outcomes

Desktop Publishing SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll develop the ability to create publications using desktop publishing software by selecting suitable designs and page layouts. The unit covers inputting and combining text and other information, applying design principles, and editing and formatting publications to meet audience needs.

What you'll be able to do

Select appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, considering factors such as target audience and purpose.
Use selected designs and page layouts effectively in the creation of publications.
Input text accurately into publications using desktop publishing software.
Combine text with other information, such as images and graphics, within publications.
Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit text within publications, including formatting and proofreading.
Use desktop publishing software techniques to format publications, ensuring consistency and visual appeal.

IT Communication FundamentalsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll select and use a variety of information sources, including Internet-based resources, to meet specific needs. This unit also covers safe and effective use of IT tools to communicate and exchange information responsibly.

What you'll be able to do

Select and use a variety of information sources to meet specific information needs
Access, search, select, and use Internet-based information effectively
Select and use IT tools to communicate and exchange information safely, responsibly, and effectively

IT Software FundamentalsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll select and use appropriate software applications to meet specific needs and solve problems. This unit includes entering, developing, combining, and formatting information accurately, and presenting it clearly for intended audiences while evaluating IT tool effectiveness.

What you'll be able to do

Select and use appropriate software applications to meet specific needs and solve problems effectively.
Enter, develop, combine, and format different types of information accurately to suit its meaning and purpose.
Present information clearly and concisely in ways that are fit for purpose and audience.
Evaluate the selection and use of IT tools and facilities to present information effectively, considering factors such as accessibility and impact.

IT User SecurityReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll be able to identify potential security risks to IT systems and select appropriate procedures to minimise these risks. This unit also covers the use of security software tools to monitor systems and the development of procedures for responding to security incidents.

What you'll be able to do

Select, use and develop appropriate procedures to monitor and minimise security risks to IT systems, in line with organisational policies.

Imaging SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit equips learners with skills to obtain, insert, and combine various types of information to create and manipulate images using imaging software. You'll develop proficiency in creating new images, editing existing ones, and applying software tools effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Obtain, insert, and combine various types of information for use in images
Use imaging software tools to create new images, manipulate existing images, and edit images to achieve desired outcomes

Improving Productivity Using ITReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll develop the ability to plan, select, and use appropriate IT systems and software to improve productivity. The unit includes evaluating IT tool effectiveness and devising solutions to enhance IT use for self and others in various contexts.

What you'll be able to do

Plan the use of appropriate IT systems and software for different purposes, considering factors such as functionality and cost.
Select appropriate IT systems and software for different purposes based on identified needs.
Use selected IT systems and software effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
Evaluate the selection of IT tools to ensure they meet the needs of the activity.
Evaluate the use of IT tools to determine their effectiveness in achieving successful outcomes.
Devise solutions to improve the use of IT tools and systems for self, enhancing personal productivity.
Devise solutions to improve the use of IT tools and systems for others, promoting collaborative efficiency.

Mobile Application DevelopmentReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit provides learners with knowledge of mobile phone hardware, operating systems, and security features. You'll understand the mobile application development environment and be able to design, develop, and test functional mobile applications.

What you'll be able to do

Understand the capabilities of mobile phones, including their hardware and software features.
Understand the mobile application development environment, including the tools, platforms, and processes involved.
Understand how to develop mobile applications, including design principles, coding techniques, and testing methods.
Create mobile applications that meet specified requirements and function effectively.

Optimise IT System PerformanceReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to maintain and optimise IT system performance through routine hardware and software maintenance, file management, and troubleshooting. You'll plan and monitor maintenance activities and review hardware and software to improve system efficiency.

What you'll be able to do

Keep computer hardware and software operating efficiently through appropriate maintenance and optimisation techniques
Manage files effectively to maintain and improve IT system performance
Troubleshoot and respond to IT system problems quickly and effectively to minimise disruption
Plan and monitor the routine and non-routine maintenance of hardware and software components
Review and modify hardware and software configurations to maintain optimal performance levels

Presentation SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to input and combine information within presentation slides accurately. You'll use presentation software tools to structure, edit, and format slideshows, including preparing interactive multimedia presentations.

What you'll be able to do

Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
Use presentation software tools to structure, edit, and format presentations, creating a logical flow and visually engaging content.
Prepare interactive slideshows for presentation, incorporating multimedia elements and engaging features to enhance audience participation.

Project Management SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll use project management software to define project objectives and scope, create and update project plans, and manage tasks and resources. This unit covers selecting tools and techniques to display and report on project status effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Create a project plan with clearly defined objectives and scope.
Define a project by outlining its key deliverables and timelines.
Enter information about project tasks into project management software.
Edit information about project tasks within project management software.
Enter information about project resources into project management software.
Edit information about project resources within project management software.
Update information about project progress within project management software.
Select appropriate tools to display project status.
Use appropriate tools to display project status.
Select appropriate techniques to report on project status.
Use appropriate techniques to report on project status.

Set Up an IT SystemReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll safely select and connect personal computers, associated hardware, and storage media to meet needs. This unit also covers connecting IT systems to communication services, installing and configuring operating systems and applications, and verifying system functionality.

What you'll be able to do

Select and connect a personal computer safely, along with associated hardware and storage media, to meet specified needs
Select and connect an IT system to a communication service successfully to meet specified needs
Install and configure an operating system and application software for use within the IT system
Check that the IT system and communication service are working successfully after setup and configuration

Specialist SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit develops learners' skills in using specialist software to input and combine information accurately and efficiently. You'll create and modify structures to organise information and exploit software functions to process and present data effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Input information into specialist software accurately and efficiently.
Combine different types of information using specialist software.
Create appropriate structures within the specialist software to organise information effectively.
Modify existing structures within the specialist software to improve organisation and retrieval of information.
Exploit the functions of the specialist software effectively to process information according to requirements.
Present information clearly and effectively using the functions of the specialist software.

Spreadsheet SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit equips learners with skills to use spreadsheet software for data management and analysis. You'll enter, edit, and organise data accurately, apply appropriate formulas and data analysis tools, and present spreadsheet information using formatting and publishing techniques.

What you'll be able to do

Use a spreadsheet to enter data accurately and efficiently.
Edit data within a spreadsheet to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Organise data within a spreadsheet using appropriate techniques such as sorting and filtering.
Select appropriate formulas for data analysis within a spreadsheet.
Use selected formulas to analyse data and generate meaningful results.
Select appropriate data analysis tools within a spreadsheet to support decision-making.
Use tools and techniques to present spreadsheet information clearly and effectively.
Format spreadsheet information to enhance readability and visual appeal.
Publish spreadsheet information in a suitable format for sharing and distribution.

Use Collaborative TechnologiesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll gain knowledge and skills to use collabourative technologies safely and securely. The unit covers planning and setting up IT tools for collabouration, adhering to security protocols, protecting personal data, and managing tasks using collabourative technologies.

What you'll be able to do

Stay safe when working with collaborative technologies by adhering to security protocols and best practices.
Ensure security when working with collaborative technologies by protecting personal and organisational data.
Plan the use of IT tools and devices for collaborative working, considering the specific needs of the task.
Set up IT tools and devices effectively for collaborative working, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
Prepare collaborative technologies for use by configuring settings and ensuring accessibility for all participants.
Manage tasks effectively using collaborative technologies, including assigning responsibilities and tracking progress.

Using Digital Imaging and Printing ToolsReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll understand principles of digital imaging and printing, including file formats, resolution, and colour management. The unit develops skills to produce digital images and prints using relevant software and hardware while following safe working procedures.

What you'll be able to do

Understand the principles of digital imaging and printing, including file formats, resolution, and colour management.
Produce digital images and prints, demonstrating proficiency in using relevant software and hardware.
Understand and apply safe working procedures for digital imaging and printing, adhering to health and safety guidelines.

Using EmailReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

This unit develops learners' skills in using email software to compose, format, and send professional messages. You'll manage emails effectively by organising messages, managing contacts, and utilising software features for efficient communication.

What you'll be able to do

Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages that are clear, concise and professional.
Manage the use of email software effectively, including organising messages, managing contacts and utilising advanced features.

Using Multimedia SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to plan, create, and present multimedia products using appropriate software. You'll learn to obtain, input, combine, edit, and format multimedia content, as well as test and present the final multimedia outcomes effectively.

What you'll be able to do

Plan multimedia products, considering target audience and purpose.
Obtain content for multimedia outcomes from appropriate sources.
Input content into multimedia software.
Combine content to build multimedia outcomes that meet specified requirements.
Use multimedia software tools to edit multimedia content effectively.
Use multimedia software tools to format multimedia content appropriately.
Play multimedia outcomes to test functionality and appearance.
Present multimedia outcomes to a specified audience.

Using Social Media to Market and Promote Events, Products and ServicesReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll understand the opportunities and threats of using social media for marketing and promotion. This unit covers effective use of social media platforms and tools to market and promote events, products, and services while managing reputational risks.

What you'll be able to do

Understand the opportunities presented by using social media for marketing and promotion, including increased reach and engagement.
Understand the threats associated with using social media for marketing and promotion, including reputational damage and security risks.
Understand the application of social media platforms and tools for marketing and promotion purposes.
Use social media platforms effectively to market and promote events, products, and services.

Using the InternetReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll select and set up appropriate internet connections and configure browser software for effective online navigation. This unit covers searching for information efficiently, communicating online, and applying appropriate security and privacy measures.

What you'll be able to do

Select an appropriate connection to access the internet based on given requirements.
Set up an appropriate connection to access the internet.
Set up browser software to navigate web pages effectively.
Use browser software to navigate web pages efficiently.
Use browser tools to search effectively for information from the Internet.
Use browser tools to search efficiently for information from the Internet.
Use browser software to communicate information online in a clear and concise manner.
Develop appropriate safety practices when working online.
Apply appropriate safety practices when working online.
Develop appropriate security procedures when working online.
Apply appropriate security procedures when working online.

Website SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

It teaches you to create multi-page websites using appropriate coding languages and website software tools. You'll develop website structures and styles, integrate multimedia and interactive features, and publish and test websites to meet specified requirements.

What you'll be able to do

Create website structures using appropriate coding languages.
Create website styles using appropriate coding languages.
Use website structures and styles to produce websites.
Select website software tools to develop multiple page websites.
Use website software features to develop multiple page websites with multimedia features.
Use website software features to develop multiple page websites with interactive features.
Publish multiple page websites with multimedia and interactive features.
Test multiple page websites with multimedia and interactive features to ensure functionality.

Word Processing SoftwareReal unit · Open College Network Northern Ireland

You'll learn to accurately enter and combine information within word processing documents. The unit covers creating and modifying layouts, styles, and formatting to produce clear and effective documents.

What you'll be able to do

Enter and combine text and other information accurately within word processing documents, ensuring clarity and coherence.
Create and modify appropriate layouts, structures, and styles for word processing documents to enhance readability and visual appeal.
Use word processing software tools and techniques to format and present documents effectively to meet specific requirements and audience needs.

The honest bit

You’ve started things before

Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.

There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.

And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.

Your passport

Every credit is a stamp you keep

Level 3 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.

Bespoke SoftwareCapturing and Editing Audio SequencesCapturing, Editing and Presenting Video SequencesComputer Animation TechniquesComputer NetworksComputerised Accounting SoftwareDatabase SoftwareDesign Software

Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.

Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator

Assessor

Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.

Meet all twelve tutors

Where this connects

Where these credits take you

A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.

See Your Progress GrowIllustration

OCN NI Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology Applications

Design and develop mobile applications for digital content
Implement Information Assurance Under Supervision
Monitor and use social media to promote venues and events

This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →

Skills it covers

What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.

Design and develop mobile applications for digital contentImplement Information Assurance Under SupervisionMonitor and use social media to promote venues and events

How you’ll actually learn this

One-to-one, on your own real work

A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.

One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.

Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.

Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.

Bespoke SoftwareLevel 3

Applied to your own work

Learners will develop the ability to input and combine information accurately using bespoke software applications. This unit also covers creating and modifying data structures to organise and retrieve information efficiently, and exploiting software functions to process and present information.

How the thinking builds

Remember
Understand
Apply
Analyse
Evaluate
Create

An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

Your PlanIllustration

Built for OCN NI Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology Applications

29 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open College Network Northern Ireland.

Bespoke Software
Capturing and Editing Audio Sequences
Capturing, Editing and Presenting Video Sequences
Computer Animation Techniques
Computer Networks
Computerised Accounting Software

and 23 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

One to one, not one to many

No two people run this the same way

A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.

Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.

See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.

Why it sticks

Most courses stop at remembering

There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.

6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
4AnalyseThe Analyst
3ApplyThe Coach
2UnderstandThe Connector
1RememberThe Builder

Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you

Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with you, on your real work, is for.

The value

Why the companion is worth £70 a month

You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.

That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.

Earned on your own work, taught to the top.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.

Build my plan, free

No card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.