Information Technology - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

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This course focuses on developing your transferable skills in various business and IT work-related scenarios. You will develop program design and practical programming skills, as well as cover mathematics, data security, web and multimedia design, employability skills, and understanding of 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 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 is to allow you to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade is 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 employment.

This course will be delivered at the new Centre for Applied Technology in Soho, in the heart of London's Digital and Creative economy.  This is an exciting new addition to Westminster Kingsway College, opening in September 2024.

Our bespoke building will provide unparalleled facilities tailored for the creators and innovators of tomorrow, enabling learners to hone their craft on industry-standard equipment and develop the skills that the industry desperately needs.

The centre boasts industry-leading equipment and state-of-the-art training spaces including:

• Green Screen Studio
• Animation Studio
• Virtual Production Suite
• Edit, Grade, Dub and Voice-Over Studio
• Podcast Studio
• TV Studio
• Control Room
• Lecture Theatre
• Comprehensively equipped Alienware animation studio

The repurposed Soho Centre will act as a beacon for world-class Creative and Digital sector provision, providing a talent pipeline of qualified and experienced individuals to access the fantastic career opportunities in these sectors.

This course has been carefully developed to provide you with the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to specialise in creative computing, procedural programming, and IT. It will provide you with a solid foundation in computer science, network intelligence and user experience technologies, laying the groundwork for a related pathway at university or in the workplace.

The content of the course has been developed in collaboration with employers, ensuring that the content is up to date. You will be using our state-of-the-art computer facilities. Our academic staff have a vast working knowledge of computer technology in the industry. We work closely with AWS (Amazon Web Services), taking part in their enterprise activities and competitions and visiting the renowned AWS Summit every year. We also collaborate with tech companies such as Microsoft and Google, learning how they use IT systems, and attending masterclasses and QandA sessions with industry experts.

In addition, we visit cutting-edge exhibitions and network with industry partners and former students to learn from their career, apprenticeship and university experiences. You will have the opportunity to visit leading universities and the possibility of work experience placements.

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

You will learn:

• Programming
• Cyber Security
• Computer Games Development
• IT Service Delivery and Technical Support
• 2D and 3D Graphics
• Social Media in Business
• Website and Mobile Apps Development among other units

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and Math or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit

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

The course is delivered as a combination of theory and practical so, you will be assessed through external exams for core units set by the exam board, coursework, and presentations.

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.

This course will help you to move on to higher-level courses, such as university degrees, apprenticeships, or a job. Many of our students go on to a degree level course such as software engineering, computer science, cyber security, app development, among others.