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BTEC AAQ Information Technology Extended Certificate
BTEC AAQ Information Technology Extended Certificate
Course Overview
Course Code
P00987
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
1 year
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 3
This is a one-year level 3 extended certificate and is aimed at students who want to explore the information technology sector. It provides a foundation for progression to a broad range of higher education courses, including those not directly related to IT. This course is the equivalent of one A-level intended to be studied alongside maths or English retakes as part of a wider study programme.
The qualification includes two externally examined units and two units assessed internally through practical assignments, giving students the opportunity to apply and strengthen their information technology knowledge and skills.
This qualification was created in collaboration with higher education professionals and industry specialists to ensure that students develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to succeed at university level.
It includes four compulsory units that focus on the following key areas:
- Information Technology Systems: exploring how hardware and software interact, and examining the challenges and considerations involved in managing IT systems.
- Cyber Security and Incident Management: understanding different forms of cyber attacks, identifying weaknesses in networked systems, and learning how to plan for and respond to security breaches.
- Website Development: applying tools, methods, and processes used in building websites, with an emphasis on testing for usability, functionality, and suitability for purpose.
- Relational Database Development: studying data structures, principles of data design, and the use of database management systems (DBMS).
In addition there the development of transferable skills that are fully integrated into the unit’s teaching, learning, and assessment design. They are considered ‘naturally occurring,’ meaning they are an inherent part of the unit content and do not require additional or separate activities to develop their interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Standard entry to this course requires a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 3 (D) or above is required or equivalent Functional Skills Level 1 in both English and maths. Additionally, this course requires one reference and it’s desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance.
Applications from students who have a level 2 ICT/IT Diploma will be considered. If you have a real interest in ICT and are currently working on any of the subjects that we will be covering, we would welcome an application.
- Material fee: £40
- Annual Tuition fee: £2583
You may have to top up your printing credits during the year to print your workout. Trip fees will be payable during your course as and when the trips are organised.
Once you have successfully completed and passed this course you can progress on to the AAQ in computing, coding, computer network security and encryption, which is another A-level equivalent.
Should you achieve your maths and English at grade 4 you could be considered for a T level. Alternately, you could progress on to another AAQ in another area such as engineering.
Apply online via the College website, or if your school uses the Positive Steps @16 (PS16) application system please apply through this and speak to your careers advisor if you are unsure. You will need details of your qualifications and employment history, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application. Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be sent a conditional offer and be invited to a Welcome Event at the College to meet your tutors, learn more about your chosen course of study and tour the facilities. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the course offered to you.
Course Overview
Course Code
P00987
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
1 year
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 3