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BTEC Level 3 IT Course in Birmingham for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See IT Courses in Birmingham.

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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 IT Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Fairfax Academy, full-time over two years.

The course covers IT systems, database design, systems management, and the use of social media in business. You'll build practical skills alongside the theory. Units include creating and testing relational database systems and exploring how technology supports organisations. The course is equivalent to one A Level.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths. You finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology.

Who this course is for

The National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is equivalent to one A Level. It runs over 2 years and give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors. YEAR 12: TOPICS STUDIED: Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information. Students study the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information. Students are set a supervised task, where they are required to design, create, test and evaluate a relational database system. Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business explores how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. Learners also implement social media activities in a business to meet requirements. It is an internally assessed assignment where students complete a series of tasks set in a work-related scenario, which you can tailor to local industry needs. ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE: Unit 2 is externally assessed 10 hour supervised exam over a 2 week period. Unit 3 is an internally assessed assignment. These units count as 50% of the A Level and gives students a Level 3 Certificate in IT. YEAR 13: TOPICS STUDIED: Unit 1: Information Technology systems, students are required to sit a two hour exam, which is worth 90 marks. The exam will assess students understanding of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations. Optional Units: Unit 5: Data Modelling is where students study how data modelling can be used to solve problems. They will design and implement a data model to meet client requirements. OR Unit 6: Website Development, is where students investigate website development principles. They will design and develop a website using scripting languages. ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE: Unit 1 is an externally assessed 2 hour exam. Unit 5/6 is an internally assessed assignment.

Entry requirements

Applicants will need to have a minimum of 5 grades 9-4 (or A*-C) GCSEs, including English and Mathematics. Internal applicants who meet the minimum academic entrance requirements will be offered a place automatically (subject to availability of courses). All successful applicants will be required to sign a sixth form code of conduct in recognition of the Academy's expectations of sixth form students in terms of their behaviour, punctuality and attendance.

What you will learn

  • You'll design, build, and test relational database systems.
  • You'll explore how IT systems support and manage business operations.
  • You'll study how social media is used in a business context.
  • You'll develop skills in systems management and IT infrastructure.
  • You'll learn how to evaluate and improve digital systems.
  • You'll build knowledge that supports progression into IT or related sectors.

How you will learn

The BTEC format combines coursework assignments with external assessments. You'll complete unit-based assignments that are marked internally, alongside externally assessed units set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Classroom sessions at Fairfax Academy support your learning throughout. You'll develop skills through practical tasks, research, and written work.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT support technician, resolves hardware and software issues for users.
  • Helpdesk technician, handles technical queries and troubleshooting in an office or call centre.
  • Web designer, builds and maintains websites for businesses or clients.
  • Junior network administrator, supports the day-to-day running of an organisation's network.
  • IT administrator, manages systems, accounts, and software across a business.

What you could study next

  • HNC or HND in Computing or IT, a higher-level qualification for those wanting to deepen technical knowledge before entering work.
  • Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, for those aiming for graduate-level roles in software, networking, or data.
  • Level 3 CompTIA A+ or similar vendor certification, valued by employers for IT support and helpdesk roles.
Apply on fairfax.bham.sch.uk →
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