JW6 Advanced Pathway - Level 3 AAQ Cambridge Advanced National in Computing

Applications Open: Thursday 6th November 2025

Applications Close: Tuesday 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: Please see specific course details.

If you're interested in tech, this qualification is for you! It's a great way to learn practical skills that will help you in university and beyond.

What will you learn?

· Real-world skills: You'll learn how to design and create digital solutions, from understanding client needs to presenting your ideas.

· Transferable skills: You'll develop skills like problem-solving, creativity, and time management, which are valuable in any field.

· Independent learning: You'll learn to work on your own, using software tools to bring your ideas to life.

The qualification has three mandatory units and four optional units.

These are the mandatory units – you must take all these units:

F160: Fundamentals of application development

This unit is assessed by an exam.

In this unit you will learn about the about the different stages that developers go through to produce a working software application, how developers scope application requirements, and the design features which make applications intuitive for users.

Topics include:

o Topic Area 1 Types of software used in application design

o Topic Area 2 Software development models

o Topic Area 3 Planning application development projects

o Topic Area 4 Application design scoping

o Topic Area 5 Human computer interface and interaction

o Topic Area 6 Job roles and skills

F161: Developing application software

This unit is assessed by an exam.

In this unit you will learn about implementation methodology and the areas that need to be considered when applications are being developed for different platforms. You will also learn about how data moves in applications and beyond, and how to make sure applications are safe to use and the data they hold is secure. You will also learn how developers deploy finished applications to users, how they’re installed on devices, and maintained in the future.

Topics include:

o Topic Area 1 Application software considerations

o Topic Area 2 Data and flow in application software

o Topic Area 3 API and protocols

o Topic Area 4 Application software security

o Topic Area 5 Operational considerations

o Topic Area 6 Legal considerations

F162: Designing and communicating UX /UI solutions

This unit is assessed by an assignment.

In this unit you will learn the principles of UX/UI design and what makes an interface easy to use. You will learn tools and techniques to plan UX/UI solutions and how to design high-fidelity prototypes of UX/UI solutions. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with clients.

Topics include:

o Topic Area 1 Principles of UX and UI design

o Topic Area 2 Plan UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 3 Design UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 4 Communicate UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 5 Review and improve UX/UI solutions

The optional units include, from which you will study 2 of them:-

F163: Game Development

F164: Website Development

F165: Immersive Technology

F166: Software Development

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education computing study. In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to application development. In the non examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing a practical assignments. More information about the knowledge and skills you will develop is below.

Externally assessed (Examinations): 40% weighting

Internally assessed (NEA): 60% weighting

The qualification has three mandatory units and four optional units.

These are the mandatory units – you must take all these units:

Grade 4 in Mathematics

Grade 4 (or Level 2 Pass) in one of: Computer Science, Business Studies or Creative iMedia (or equivalent)

This course will help you prepare for the world of work as it can be useful for any job. The roles this qualification could lead to specifically include to careers or higher education courses in:

· Computer Science

· Computer Games Development

· Computing

· Creative Computing

· Web and Mobile Development

· Web and User Experience Design

You should take this Extended Certificate qualification if you want a Level 3 qualification that builds applied knowledge and skills in application development. This qualification is an Alternative Academic Qualification that is the same size as an A Level.

It will also give you UCAS points for a degree course at university or a degree apprenticeship.