IT Software Development - Level 3 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, as well as cover 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.

You will learn:

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: These assessments 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: This 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.

This course will help you to move on to course subjects such as:

• Cyber Security
• Information System Analysis 
• Software Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence