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Computer Systems and Coding Extended Diploma level 3
Computer Systems and Coding Extended Diploma level 3
Course Overview
Course Code
P00704
Start Date
08/09/2025
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 3
This is a two-year diploma course. It builds skills in coding, web development, and networking. You'll be ready for jobs in software or web development. You will learn to use popular software, like Visual Studio and Adobe Creative Suite.
If you are 16 to 18 years old, you’ll join a study program. This includes a work experience placement and an employability program.
You will gain knowledge in the following subjects:
- Principles of Computer Science - Explore code, flow charts, and algorithms.
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems - Learn about hardware, software, binary, and network IP addresses.
- IT Systems Security Encryption
- Business Application of Social Media
- Digital Graphics and Animation
- Web Development
You will complete both exams and assignments for your portfolio as part of this course.
You will learn to install and upgrade software. You will plan installations and ensure data integrity. In computer systems architecture, you’ll see how data is represented and how processors work.
In network security, you'll explore cyber threats and apply security practices.
You will examine how IT impacts business systems, including new technologies. You’ll learn about the benefits and effects of these changes. E-commerce technologies and their impacts are also covered.
You will create a fully functioning website using HTML and JavaScript.
You will study how businesses use social media for various applications.
Finally, you’ll learn about computer graphics. This includes the hardware and software needed to work with images. You will understand graphic types and file formats, and learn to create and modify images to meet user needs.
The following year you will cover the following subjects:
- Planning and Management of Computing Projects
- Software Design and Development Project
- Relational Database Development
- Computer Networking
- Systems Analysis and Design
There is a mix of exam based units and the rest are portfolio based on assignments.
We ask that you have at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including maths and English. This could be in the form of a Functional Skills Level 2 or a GCSE grade 4 (old grade C). Additionally, a level 2 in IT subject or equivalent is desirable as you will programming and code at level 3 when you start with us.
- Material fee: £40
- Annual Tuition fee: £8583
Trip fees will be payable in year as and when trips are organised.
After completion of this course, you can either go into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education like an Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). There is also the vendor certification route. Vendor certifications are an invaluable addition to BTEC qualifications, as they give learners the skills they need to progress as IT professionals. Employers regard vendor certifications as the industry standard, and they’re much sought-after by learners seeking employment and by professionals already working in IT and telecoms.
The vendor certification routes are CompTIA A+ for the IT support industry, Cisco CCNA for anyone wanting to specialise in computer networks; Linux professional institute certification for anyone wanting to seek a career in environments that require a complete understanding of any Linux system. There are also certification through Oracle in databases and Microsoft with their office specialist modules.
You will need details of your qualifications 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
P00704
Start Date
08/09/2025
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
St Margaret's Campus
Level
Level 3