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Key details

Course area
Computing, IT and Esports
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Course code
Parent course code:C032974 Child course code: Q032975
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Course introduction

If you enjoy figuring out how things work and have a curious mind, a computing course could be just what you are looking for.

The course aims to help students develop the skills required to work in the IT industry through a range of practical and skills-based study methods.

The course also aims to enable students to develop both personally and professionally by providing opportunity to enhance enquiry and investigation skills in solving complex problems both individually and in collaborative environments.

The academic qualities of students can be enhanced through a series of contextual written tasks which relate directly to IT industry situations. These tasks also provide insight into how IT companies work.

For students wishing to progress onto higher levels of study, we aim to develop all the necessary qualities required and offer direct routes of progression.

Our courses are designed with you in mind, with progression available through the levels up to Higher National Diploma (HND) at Level 5.

You will learn a wide range of subjects, covering the diverse aspects of computing, including programming, analysis, design, computer architecture, networking, business communication, social media, cyber security, database design and professional practice.

Examples of units you may study include:

  • Information Technology Systems
  • Creating Systems to Manage Information
  • Using Social Media in Business
  • Cyber Security and Incident Management
  • Programming
  • IT Project Management
  • Website Development
  • Computer Games Development
  • IT Technical Support and Management
  • Data Modelling

You can expect to become fully prepared for the IT industry and business world, by learning key industry skills from experienced tutors. We offer you a clear progression route on your journey to become a qualified computing engineer, with support from staff who have industry experience in their specialist area.

This course is equivalent in size to two A Levels.

A group of people standing around a banner stating 'Nottingham College - you're in good hands'.

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

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Course information

2 years

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Information Technology

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

8 units, of which 6 are mandatory and 2 are optional.

Externally assessed units:

The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the Information Technology suite are:

  • examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome
  • set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.

Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information. External assessments are available twice a year.

Synoptic assessment:

Synoptic assessment must take place after the teaching and learning of other mandatory units for learners to be able to draw from the full range of content. Synoptic tasks may be in internally or externally assessed units.

Internally assessed units:

Most units are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means that you will be assessed by the assignments that provide the final summative assessment of each unit.

The qualification is designed to be studied over two years and carries UCAS tariff points. It meets entry requirements for some courses in IT or related study such as an HNC or HND in Computing and after completing these, you could top up your qualification to a degree at a range of universities. The point of entry (eg. second or third year of a degree) will depend on the chosen institution, modules studied, and the grades achieved at HND.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

IT Network Professionals

Potential Earnings

£80,063.87

Average Earnings

£47,963.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Information and Communication Technology

People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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