IT (Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma) — Full-time
Course outline
If you enjoy figuring out how things work and have a curious mind, a computing course could be just what you are looking for.
The course aims to help students develop the skills required to work in the IT industry through a range of practical and skills-based study methods.
The course also aims to enable students to develop both personally and professionally by providing opportunity to enhance enquiry and investigation skills in solving complex problems both individually and in collaborative environments.
The academic qualities of students can be enhanced through a series of contextual written tasks which relate directly to IT industry situations. These tasks also provide insight into how IT companies work.
For students wishing to progress onto higher levels of study, we aim to develop all the necessary qualities required and offer direct routes of progression.
You will learn a wide range of subjects, covering the diverse aspects of computing, including programming, analysis, design, computer architecture, networking, business communication, social media, cyber security, database design and professional practice.
Examples of units you may study include:
- Information Technology Systems
- Creating Systems to Manage Information
- Using Social Media in Business
- Cyber security and Incident Management
- Programming
- IT Project Management
- Website Development
- Computer Games Development
- IT Technical Support and Management
- Data Modelling
You can expect to become fully prepared for the IT industry and business world, by learning key industry skills from experienced tutors. We offer you a clear progression route on your journey to become a qualified computing engineer, with support from staff who have industry experience in their specialist area.
Our courses are designed with you in mind, with progression available through the levels up to Higher National Diploma (HND) at Level 5. It also fully meets entry requirements for progression to a degree course in IT
This course is equivalent to three A Levels.
How to apply for this course
Apply online to start in 2025/26.
Want to find out more first?
Get in touch by hitting the button below and filling out our enquiry form.
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Location:
111 Canal Street
Nottingham NG1 7HB |
Date:Start: Monday 1st September 2025 |
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Course code: C000418 / Q002278 |
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| Qualification | Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT |
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| Duration | 2 years |
| Level | Level 3 |
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9–5 (A*–C), including English, Maths and IT, or a relevant Level 2 IT qualification with GCSE English and Maths at grades 9–5 (A*–C). You also will need to attend an interview, to ensure you have the sufficient IT knowledge and skills required to enrol on this course. Relevant industry experience would also be considered. |
| Teaching & assessment | There are 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 6 are optional. Externally assessed units: The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the Information Technology suite are: Examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task. Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information. External assessments are available twice a year. Synoptic assessment: Synoptic assessment must take place after the teaching and learning of other mandatory units for learners to be able to draw from the full range of content. Synoptic tasks may be in internally or externally assessed units. Internally assessed units: Most units are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means that you will be assessed by the assignments that provide the final summative assessment of each unit. |
| Progression | The qualification is designed to be studied over two years and carries UCAS tariff points. It fully meets entry requirements for progression to a degree course in IT and related areas such as: digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks security , business computing and entrepreneurship. It also meets entry requirements to study such as an HNC or HND in Computing and after completing these, you could top up your qualification to a degree at a range of universities. The point of entry (eg. second or third year of a degree) will depend on the chosen institution, modules studied, and the grades achieved at HND. |
| Additional information | Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more! If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.
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