Extended Certificate in Computing (BTEC)

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 8th June 2026 (Applications will still be considered after this date)

Other Information:- Please select a minimum of three A-Level courses. Contact Mark.Shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk for further course information

Entry Requirements: Some courses have additional entry requirements. These can be found on the prospectus.

Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher including English and Mathematics.

Transition - 5 GCSEs at grade 3 or higher. Either English or Mathematics must be at a grade 4.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Questions/Queries:-Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Site Tours:- Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Why study this subject?

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing is an Applied General qualification. It gives students the opportunity to develop core knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin computer programming and also develops computational thinking and programming skills that will enable them to solve problems. Students will explore the critical components that safeguard information systems and data and will acquire knowledge and skills to comprehend and apply security and encryption principles to examine the underlying principles of human-computer interactions and develop this into solutions to meet the requirements of a given brief. Students will draw synoptically on their programming and learning and computational thinking skills to manage the development of a software solution to a problem.

The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and links to learning in other A Levels such as Mathematics, Physics and Business.

Units that will be studied

The course comprises of the 4 mandatory units:

Unit 1 – Programming fundamentals

Unit 2 – Computer Network Security and Encryption

Unit 3 – Human Computer Interaction

Unit 4 - Practical programming

Assessment

Unit 1 Programming fundamentals External Exam 33% 120GLH

Unit 2 Computer Network Security and Encryption External Exam 33% 120GLH

Unit 3 Human Computer Interaction Internal 17% 60GLH

Unit 4 Practical programming Internal 17% 60GLH

LEVEL 3 ROUTE OF STUDY

STS Sixth Form offers a broad range of A Level and Applied general qualifications that will prepare you for university or employment. To access this route, you will need to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths; however, some subjects have specific entry criteria. You will study a programme that can be tailored to meet your interests and future aspirations to give you the best chance of academic success. This programme is a two-year linear course. To study four level 3 courses, you must have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 7 or above. All courses are subject to change and are not set in stone.