IT - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Transform your passion for technology into a powerful career! This comprehensive two-year program—equivalent to three A Levels—supports progression to higher education when taken alongside other appropriate qualifications.

In year one, you'll master Information Technology (IT) systems, creating systems to manage information, using social media in business, programming, website development, and computer games development.

Year two advances your skills with enterprise in IT, including project management, cybersecurity, incident management, software testing, service delivery, cloud storage and collaboration tools and the internet of things.

You'll develop transferable skills for business and IT scenarios, including program design, practical programming, mathematics, data security, web design, and employability skills. Using industry-standard tools like Microsoft Access, Excel, and Microsoft Project, you'll solve complex business problems while developing your analytical and evaluative abilities.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year, 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.

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

• Enterprise in IT
• IT Project Management
• Cyber Security and Incident Management
• Software Testing
• IT Service Delivery
• Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools
• The Internet of Things

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 allow you to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your 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 your programme.
• Internally-assessed units are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means the college sets and assesses the assignments.
• 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 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

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

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Adults - Level 3

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional 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.