This course is for you if you are planning to study for a career in IT or Computing. Equivalent to three A Levels, you'll gain the skills, knowledge, and industry connections to take your next step - whether that’s straight into work or onto university.
It will develop your core knowledge, skills and understanding of many different aspects of IT and computing, and is designed to meet employer requirements in contemporary IT-related industries and careers.
Extended Diplomas are made up of two separate qualifications - to earn the maximum UCAS points for university acceptance, you must achieve both. After you've successfully completed Year 1, you'll be enrolled onto Year 2.
You will need:
- Four GCSEs grade 4 or above, including English and maths
or - A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2
You will also have an interview with our course tutors at enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.
Your assessments are designed to match what you’ve learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.
You’ll be graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. This grading system helps you see how well you’re doing and where you can improve.
You’ll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors. Some mandatory units may be assessed by external exams.
After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for employment, an apprenticeship, or further study, such as degrees at university.
In Year 1*, units covered can include:
- Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (Externally assessed via exam)
- Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (Externally assessed via exam)
- Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business
- Unit 4: Programming
- Additionally, you will complete two further internally assessed units
In Year 2, units covered can include:
- Unit 9: IT Project Management
- Unit 11: Cyber Security and Incident Management (Externally assessed via exam)
- Unit 14: IT Service Delivery (Externally assessed via exam)
- Additionally, you will complete four further internally assessed units
*Some students choose to study the 1-year Extended Certificate qualification; in which case, you would complete Units 1, 2 and 3, plus one further internally assessed unit.
School Leavers (16-18)
If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.
You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs â please click here for more information.
