BTEC Level 4 Computing Course in Chester

Cost£6,185 with co-funding
Duration300 hours
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

£6,185 if you're eligible for co-funding. Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact Cheshire College South and West to check if you're eligible and for the full price.

About this course

BTEC Level 4 Computing Course in Chester. Classes run at Cheshire College South Chester Campus, full-time during the day. The course is free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though funding options may be available.

This Level 4 BTEC computing qualification covers programming, networking, data management, cyber security, and systems development. You'll study around 300 hours in total. Units draw on real computing practice, building the technical knowledge employers look for in digital and tech roles.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing for England.

Who this course is for

HTQ Computing for England BTEC HNC (2022) RQF - Level 4 - EDEXCEL is suitable for adult learners.

Entry requirements

"You must be at least 18 years old (with 120 UCAS points) and have GCSE English and maths at grades 9-4/A*-C. You should also hold one of the following: A BTEC National (Level 3) Diploma in IT, at least one A Level pass and supporting passes in GCSE at grade 4/C or above, an Access to Higher Education qualification or related work experience."

What you will learn

  • You'll write and test code using industry-standard programming languages.
  • You'll analyse and manage data using database and data management tools.
  • You'll apply cyber security principles to protect systems and networks.
  • You'll configure and troubleshoot computer networks.
  • You'll design and develop software solutions to meet business needs.
  • You'll understand the legal, ethical, and professional context of working in computing.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Cheshire College South Chester Campus. Assessment is assignment-based, with units assessed through written work, practical tasks, and projects. There are no formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the course, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in each unit.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cheshire College South Chester Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Software developer, builds and maintains applications and software systems.
  • Cyber security analyst, protects organisations from digital threats and attacks.
  • Data analyst, interprets data to support business decisions.
  • Network technician, installs and maintains computer networks.
  • Penetration tester, tests systems for security vulnerabilities.
  • IT support specialist, resolves technical issues for users and organisations.

What you could study next

  • BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing, the Level 5 step up from this Certificate, often studied at the same college.
  • Computing degree top-up, many universities accept an HNC or HND for entry into the second or third year of a BSc in Computing or Software Engineering.
  • Specialist certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, which strengthen your profile for cyber security and networking roles.

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