Free BTEC Level 3 Computing Course in Dartford

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Computing Course in Dartford. Classes run at The Leigh Academy, full-time over two years.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above to join. These include grade 4 in English, Maths, and a science subject, plus grade 5 in Computing or Computer Science. The course covers how computer systems process data. You'll study programming, algorithms, and how to design and evaluate code. You'll also explore how to solve real computing problems using accepted programming approaches.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Computing.

Who this course is for

Whilst studying for examinations, students will explore a range of areas within Computing such as the logical and structured ways that computer systems process data to develop programs, processes and systems that solve specific problems. Students will examine the features of effective computer programming and apply accepted computing and programming paradigms whilst analysing, developing and evaluating algorithms and computer code, and propose and apply solutions to ensure that computer systems are fit for purpose. Candidates will develop the computational-thinking skills to effectively analyse a problem, break it down into its component parts, and design and evaluate solutions. Explore the relationship between hardware and software as part of a computer system and examine the way computer components work both individually and together to store and process data, and the way in which data is transmitted and used in computer systems. As part of their internal assessments, students will investigate the many different types of security attack, the vulnerabilities that exist and techniques that can be used to defend the IT systems of organisations. They will learn about the complexities of configuring and supporting networks within an organisation. Explore how encryption can be used to protect data and plan and apply suitable protection to an IT system and test it to ensure the protection is effective. Candidates will learn to configure an IT systems access control settings to control user access to various IT system resources, including files, folders and printers. As part of their final internal assessment, students will explore different social media websites and analyse the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for organisational purposes. Students must then develop a plan to use social media strategies within an organisation to achieve its specific business aims and objectives.

Entry requirements

5+ GCSE 9-4 grades Grade 4 in English Language or Literature Grade 4 in Mathematics Grade 4 in a Science related subject. Grade 5 in Computing or Computer Science.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how computer systems process and manage data.
  • You'll study programming concepts and accepted computing paradigms.
  • You'll design, write, and evaluate algorithms and computer code.
  • You'll analyse problems and propose structured computing solutions.
  • You'll develop skills in software development and systems thinking.
  • You'll explore how to test and improve programs and processes.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The Leigh Academy. The BTEC combines coursework assignments with written examinations. Some units are assessed through set tasks completed under timed conditions. Others are assessed through portfolios of work you build up over the course. You'll get feedback on your work throughout to help you improve.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Leigh Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT support technician, helps users and maintains computer systems.
  • Software developer, builds and tests applications and programs.
  • Junior web developer, creates and maintains websites and web tools.
  • Systems analyst, reviews and improves how organisations use technology.
  • Network technician, sets up and supports computer networks.
  • Technical support analyst, troubleshoots software and hardware issues.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Computing, a larger qualification covering more units and subject depth.
  • A-Level Computer Science, useful if you want to apply to university alongside this BTEC.
  • Higher National Certificate in Computing at Level 4, a strong next step into higher education or specialist IT roles.
  • A degree apprenticeship in software engineering or IT, combining work and study at degree level.

Related courses at The Leigh Academy

More courses near you