Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
Computers are an essential part of our lives, and the computing industry is growing and changing. This course, developed with industry experts, covers looking at how computers work in lots of different areas. These include computer science, foundations of computer systems, IT security, social media, website development, planning of computer projects, software development, computer game development, the impact of computing, mobile app development, and computer networking. The course includes a mixture of theory and practical elements.
Entry Requirements
Achieve 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the two years of intensive study you will gain a qualification equivalent in size to 3 A levels and recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.
Objective
The objective of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in managing networks, the design and development of websites, the development of mobile apps and computer games, enabling you to progress to further study of the sector.
Assessment
Over the 2 years, students will take 13 Units.
Four of the units are externally assessed (exam) but the rest are assessed by teacher marked assignments.
Grading for each unit is Pass / Merit / Distinction and these are combined to give a final year 3 letter grade (from PPP to DDD*).
Progression
You could progress to university to study a degree based program in a computing based subject, or a level 4 apprenticeship. Please be aware that many HE courses require a GCSE Maths Grade 5.
Career Progression
You could also progress to employment in the computing sector, such as: a software engineer, business analyst, systems analyst, network engineer, technical consultant, web developer and software tester.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
