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Free Level 3 90-credit Diploma in IT Course in Gateshead

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 90-credit Diploma in IT Course in Gateshead. Classes run at Gateshead College Baltic Campus, full-time during the day. The course runs for 9 months and covers the fundamentals of cyber security: how encryption works, how hackers penetrate systems, and how to build strong defences against attacks. You'll need GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above (A* - C) to apply. This level 3 90-credit diploma in IT qualification is awarded by Pearson Edexcel.

Who this course is for

How do you secure your life online and trust others to do the same? In the coming year, hackers will launch increasingly sophisticated attacks on everything from critical infrastructure to medical devices. This exciting study programme will arm you with the vital skills and knowledge to protect you from these types of attacks.

It will teach you the fundamentals of encryption, investigate how hackers penetrate systems and provide strong cyber-defence tactics. Starting with the basics of building computer systems to supporting and maintaining network technologies. You should have a basic knowledge of PC systems either through use of your computer at home or the subjects you have studies at school.

What will I study? You can choose to specialise in the following pathways: Cyber Security and Infrastructure Support Networking and Telecoms. You will complete the following commercial projects set by our employer partners:

Project1:-Specify and Build a computer system, learn how to plan, monitor and implement a project using IT to help you to specify and build a computer system for a client. Project 2:-Design and Build a Network Infrastructure Working alongside Perfect Image, you will design and virtually build a network infrastructure to suit the needs of a client. This will involve consideration of a range of network system devices and network operating systems. Project3:- Cyber Security, there are now more than 120 separate families of ransomware, said experts studying the malicious software. This project takes an in depth look a the cyber security issues organisations face in securing their network infrastructure.

In addition to your projects you will have the opportunity to complete: -Microsoft MTA Networking Fundaments -MTA Security Fundaments -MTA Operating Systems -MTA Server Administration -MTA Cloud Fundaments Cisco Networking Academy Program for CCNA -CCNA intro to Cyber Security

Entry requirements

Qualifications Needed: GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 9-4 (A*-C)

Required Experience: We welcome applicants without prior experience.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn the fundamentals of encryption and how it protects data.
  • You'll investigate how hackers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems.
  • You'll develop cyber-defence tactics to protect networks and devices.
  • You'll build knowledge of how to secure digital infrastructure against attacks.
  • You'll study how to assess and manage cyber risk in real environments.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Gateshead College Baltic Campus, full-time across the week. The Pearson Edexcel 90-credit Diploma in IT is assessed through a combination of assignments and practical tasks. You'll build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and knowledge across the units covered during the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Gateshead College Baltic Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Cyber security analyst - monitor and defend systems against threats
  • IT support technician - troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues
  • Network administrator - manage and maintain organisational networks
  • Junior penetration tester - test systems for security weaknesses
  • IT security officer - implement and oversee security policies
  • Systems administrator - keep servers and infrastructure running securely

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT - a larger qualification covering broader IT disciplines if you want to deepen your studies before entering work.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing - a Level 4 qualification that takes your IT knowledge further and is recognised by many universities.
  • Degree-level study in Cyber Security or Computer Science - for those aiming toward specialist or senior technical roles.
Apply on gateshead.ac.uk →
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