Computing Level 3 Applied
Course Overview
Our Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing provides a practical and applied way of learning about Computer Science, Network security and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). This course will prepare you for progression into a wide range of pathways at university, apprenticeships, and employment.
This course is available to study as an Extended Certificate (60-credit course, equivalent to 1 A Level).
Within the course you will discover the core principles that underpin all areas of computer science, developing computational-thinking and coding skills which will be put to the test as you solve problems. You will deepen your knowledge by studying computing concepts and their application through programming and design methodologies.
With the ever-growing importance of IT network security, we will give you relevant and contemporary knowledge about IT system security threats, methods used to protect against them and data encryption.
Former students have successfully progressed to study university courses in specific areas, such as Computer Science, Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, Computer Games Development and Mechanical Engineering. Others have joined local organisations for their apprenticeship schemes, including the companies AstraZeneca and Amazon. Whatever progression route you choose, this course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to follow a career path in the Computing and IT industry.
Year 1 Modules
- Programming Fundamentals
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Year 2 Modules
- Computer Network Security and Encryption
- Practical Programming
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:
- Grade 5 in GCSE Maths
- Grade 5 in GCSE Computing if taken
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
Assessment
- 66% Exam
- 34% Coursework
- Exam Board: Edexcel
Why choose this course?
As part of the Computing course students will have the opportunity for trips and visits including a taster visit to a university computing department, World Skills – an annual event at the NEC where students get to showcase their skills in a range of industries including IT. We also have visiting speakers talking about cybersecurity and the Games industry.
You will enjoy and benefit from Computing if you:
- are keen to develop your problem-solving and programming skills,
- are considering following a career in IT, Software Development/Support, Games or the Cybersecurity industry,
- want to study Computer Science, Computing or Software Engineering at university.
Skills you'll gain
Our Computing course will help you understand the core principles that underpin all areas of computer science and develop computational-thinking and coding skills using a range of programming languages, including Python, JavaScript and scripting languages HTML5 and CSS3.
You will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of how computer systems work. Investigate the current threats to IT security systems and identify ways to protect them.
Finally, you will gain a greater understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) by looking at the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles and completing a project on this topic.
After Long Road
Students who have progressed onto Higher Education courses focused in specific areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity​
- Computer Games Development
- Mechanical Engineering
Whatever progression route you choose, this course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to follow a career path in the Computing and IT industry.
Computing allows me to be creative whilst also learning and using logic in order to solve problems which I find really rewarding.
