Information Technology Level 3 National Extended Certificate (1 x A Level Equivalent) Edexcel

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT. Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information.

*Please note that due to the ongoing DfE curriculum review that these subject specifications are subject to change. The review is schedule to conclude in January 2025.

The course is made up of four units, three of which are mandatory and two of which are externally assessed.

The core units for the course are:

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems

In this unit you will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. You will examine issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals.

This unit is externally assessed through a written examination. The examination is two hours in length and you will be assessed on your understanding of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information

In this unit you will learn about the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information. This unit is externally assessed through a controlled assessment.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business

In this unit you will explore how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. You will also implement social media activities in a business to meet requirements. This unit is internally assessed through coursework.

The final unit that you will study is:

Unit 6: Website Development

In this unit you will investigate website development principles. You will design and develop a website using scripting languages. This unit is internally assessed through coursework.

We would recommend grade 4 at GCSE in English Language and mathematics and BTEC Level 2 ICT.

You could apply to work in a range of IT based industries, or you could use your qualification for further study at university.