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Computing Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Progress to higher education in computer science or prepare for IT-related careers such as IT support, web design, graphical animation and systems analysis.

  • Study Mode

    Full-time

  • Duration

    2 Years

  • Location

    Banbury and Bicester College

The use of IT is transforming the way we do business, access recreation and enjoy culture. This Level 3 Diploma will prepare you for careers in the specialist IT world, or for moving on to higher education studies. You will learn a mixture of business, technical, interpersonal and project skills needed in modern IT and telecommunications roles.

We do recognise that there are different streams of learning IT professionals and would like to follow and offer flexible qualifications, allowing us to offer distinct pathways including:

  • “Networking and System Support” for those that want to become network administrators and technicians
  • “Software Development” for those that chose to go either the route of web design/development or any job in software development

You work on a series of individual and group projects which cover subjects such as:

Core units include:

  • communication and employability skills for IT
  • computer systems
  • information systems
  • networking and systems support
  • managing networks
  • computer networks
  • communications technologies
  • IT technical support
  • IT systems troubleshooting and repair

Software development:

  • software design and development
  • systems analysis and design
  • event driven programming

Complemented by:

  • website production
  • client side customisation of web pages

The Computing Level 3 National Extended Diploma, has strong links to industry, reflected through guest speakers and outside clients. The course team invites industry practitioners for master classes and there is a strong element of online learning. Your independence will grow in line with your subject knowledge and technical skills.

As part of your programme, you will also have to do work experience and work to improve on your English and Maths where necessary. We do offer the opportunity of working in our own IT or ILT Learning Companies. All students are expected to work a minimum of 4 days a week on their course.

Formal assessment is set at regular intervals throughout the course and includes:

  • assignments – testing your theory knowledge
  • live brief projects – for instance, some students make websites for real clients
  • presentations – to panels of experts and your peers
  • practical assessments – of your own work

The Computing Level 3 National Extended Diploma is assessed through coursework, there is no exam element for this programme but additional qualifications in areas such as English or maths are assessed by an external exam.

Networking may also have an element delivered through online Cisco units. Individual learning targets are set and reviewed each term with your tutor and you receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.

You need to have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and maths, with a keen interest and evidence in the subject (example of work).

Explore your career progression options

If you are considering applying for this programme, why not explore your potential career progression routes using our handy tool.

You can explore live job vacancies, next level qualifications and apprenticeship standards in your local area. Not only this but you can also watch videos of real people talking about their experiences of working in your specific industry or occupation of interest.

Why not visit us at an Open Event and find out more about this pathway.

Why Banbury and Bicester College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 150+

    Courses available

  • 2018

    Rated "good with outstanding areas" by Ofsted in 2018

  • 79+

    years of teaching experience

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