IT and computing

About our IT and computing programmes

Our IT and computing programmes will develop your technical skills in areas including cyber security, programming and web development, as well as soft skills in project management and communication.

You will learn to design algorithms, use logical reasoning to debug errors, create programmes, and understand the differences between data and information. You will build an understanding of different operating systems and learn to evaluate the quality of solutions when recommending improvements.

Students have the opportunity to gain industry insights and experience through employer visits and projects set by external mentors. Our students have gained experience in programming VEX robots, inspiring local school children in the use of Raspberry Pi computers, and the use of Lego Mindstorm, as well as enjoying guest lectures and cyber security curriculum design from IBM.

With our programmes, students can progress from Level 1 (Foundation), all the way to a university-level qualification with our HND Computing (Security) Level 5, which is available at Reading College.

What is a career pathway?

Education takes time and money. By giving you a clear view of what qualifications you need to get the job and the salary that you want, we take the stress out of learning.

Our career pathway maps show you the entry requirements for each qualification and how long they take to achieve. With each new qualification, you have the option to continue studying at the next level or explore your employment options with a guide to the jobs and salaries you can expect at that stage. Each step of the way, our career advisors are there to help you make the right choice for you.

By focusing on your future employability and opportunities, we hope to inspire in you the drive to succeed and make the most of your investment in education. 95% of students that completed a course with us progressed directly into employment or onto higher-level learning such as a higher-level course, apprenticeship or university study.*
*AL destination data for 16-19 year olds

While the right qualifications can get you a job interview, it’s the attributes that we teach alongside your chosen programme that will get you the job. Click here to find out more about our Attributes and Learning Philosophy.

What could my future job look like?

Here are some examples of the tasks that you may be carrying out:

• Helpdesk operator: help staff at your company or a client's company solve their hardware or software issues
• Business analyst, IT: work closely with managers to improve an organisation's effectiveness, focusing on its hardware, software and IT services
• Senior IT manager: manage an organisation's IT policies, projects and any IT supply chain issues
• Director of IT operations: manage IT operations for a company, making recommendations for improving its IT processes, security and network systems

The IT and computing industry

The turnover of digital tech businesses in the UK has reached £170 billion, an increase of £30 billion in just five years.

Key growth areas within the IT and computing industry include social and digital media, data protection, cyber security, games design, website development, and cloud/mobile technologies. The south east of England is home to many global IT companies, so you will be well placed for job opportunities and career prospects

search our IT and computing programmes

Industry partnerships

Our ICT students gain employability skills and industry insights through working in projects set by external mentors, employer visits and masterclasses. Examples include programming VEX robots and inspiring school children to use Raspberry Pi computers, Scratch programming and Lego Mindstorm.

Through employer visits and projects set by external mentors, you will gain industry insights that will help set you apart from the competition.