IT - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

This qualification is designed to support learners who wish to study IT as a one-year, full-time course, or for those wishing to take it alongside another area of complementary or contrasting study as part of a two-year, full-time study programme. It supports progression to higher education if taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

This course focuses on developing your transferable skills in a variety of business and IT work-related scenarios. You will develop program design and practical programming skills, a well as covering mathematics, data security, web and multimedia design, employability skills, and understanding the role of IT in Business. You will use software tools such as Microsoft Access, Excel and Microsoft Project to solve complex business problems.

The second year of the course focuses on developing your analytical, design and evaluative skills. You will cover advanced programming concepts and techniques and will have the opportunity to create a simple game using Apple`s X Code software for the iPad. You will also work on a project to meet a specific business need. This will involve producing a specification and design, which you will use to create either a website, database, spreadsheet, or complex multimedia presentation.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

Year One

• Information Technology Systems
• Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Using Social Media in Business
• Programming
• Website Development
• Computer Games Development

Year Two

• Data Modelling
• IT Project Management
• Cyber Security and Incident Management
• Software Testing
• IT Service Delivery
• Digital Animation and Effects

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above)

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of - external, internal and synoptic.

Externally-assessed units
External assessment are to allow you to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. You are permitted to resit (x3) external assessments during their programme. 

Internally-assessed units
Most units in the qualification are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means the college sets and assesses the assignments.

Synoptic assessment
Synoptic assessment requires you to demonstrate that you can identify and use effectively, in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole sector as relevant to a key task.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

On successful completion of this course, you could progress to higher education, an apprenticeship or other employment.

This course focuses on developing your transferable skills in a variety of business and IT work-related scenarios. You will develop program design and practical programming skills, a well as covering mathematics, data security, web and multimedia design, employability skills, and understanding the role of IT in Business. You will use software tools such as Microsoft Access, Excel and Microsoft Project to solve complex business problems.

The second year of the course focuses on developing your analytical, design and evaluative skills. You will cover advanced programming concepts and techniques and will have the opportunity to create a simple game using Apple`s X Code software for the iPad. You will also work on a project to meet a specific business need. This will involve producing a specification and design, which you will use to create either a website, database, spreadsheet, or complex multimedia presentation.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

Year One

• Information Technology Systems
• Creating Systems to Manage Information
• Using Social Media in Business
• Programming
• Website Development
• Computer Games Development

Year Two

• Data Modelling
• IT Project Management
• Cyber Security and Incident Management
• Software Testing
• IT Service Delivery
• Digital Animation and Effects

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above)

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of - external, internal and synoptic.

Externally-assessed units
External assessment are to allow you to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. You are permitted to resit (x3) external assessments during their programme. 

Internally-assessed units
Most units in the qualification are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means the college sets and assesses the assignments.

Synoptic assessment
Synoptic assessment requires you to demonstrate that you can identify and use effectively, in an integrated way, an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole sector as relevant to a key task.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

On successful completion of this course, you could progress to higher education, an apprenticeship or other employment.