ICT Extended Diploma Level 3

This course is designed to offer students an opportunity to undertake high quality, employment related learning with a focus on Information and Computing Technologies. Students who are considering this course should have an interest in how computers work, how technology can help to solve world problems, software development, cyber security, website and mobile app design, and social media.

Students will develop the skills and understanding that they will find useful in a career in the IT and Computer Science industries, preparing them for progression to Higher Education, into employment or apprenticeships. The course has been designed to offer a variety of pathways into ICT including cyber security, programming, Are there any special expenses? game design, web design, digital marketing and digital graphics.

The course offers a wide range of units covering core areas of IT such as digital devices, networking, databases and cyber security, alongside a number of digital production units where students will produce a website, a mobile app, a video game, a social media campaign, and digital graphics.

All students must complete a relevant work experience placement during the course.

Students will undertake one paper-based exam, and three other practical externally assessed assignments. The remainder of the course is assessed internally using work-based scenarios.

At least four to five GCSEs graded 9-4 including English or Maths.

Students completing this course would be well equipped to enter directly into the technology sector, either through direct employment, or an apprenticeship. Students would also be able to continue education at degree level in technical and creative IT courses such as software engineering, cyber security, game development or digital marketing.