Free Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology Course in Ealing. Classes run at Featherstone High School, with full-time daytime study over 18 months. The course covers three mandatory units: IT Systems, Creating Systems to Manage Information, and Using Social Media in Business. You also choose one optional unit from areas including Programming, Data Modelling, Website Development, Mobile Apps Development, and Computer Games Development. To join, you'll need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 3, including at least a grade 3 in English Language and Maths.
Who this course is for
BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Information Technology
Consists of three mandatory units: Information Technology Systems; Creating Systems to Manage Information; and Using Social Media in Business.
Plus one optional unit from: Programming; Data Modelling; Website Development; Mobile Apps Development; and Computer Games Development.
Assessments: externally assessed - two hour exam; 10 hours controlled assessment task; and internally assessed coursework.
CAREER PATHWAYS:
Office administration, IT support, data analyst, web development and systems development and programming, junior administrator, receptionist, IT assistant, office support, trainee merchandiser, buyer or stock controller.
Entry requirements
Level 3 Entrance Criteria 5A*-D/9-3 required including a D/3 in English Lang and Maths. Level 2 BTECs accepted at Pass level. min APS 3.5
What you will learn
You'll study how IT systems work and how they're used in organisations.
You'll design and build systems to store and manage information.
You'll explore how businesses use social media as a tool.
You'll develop skills in at least one specialist area: Programming, Data Modelling, Website Development, Mobile Apps Development, or Computer Games Development.
How you will learn
Assessment combines external and internal methods. You'll sit a two-hour written exam and complete a 10-hour controlled assessment task, both externally assessed. Some units are assessed internally. Teaching is classroom based, full-time and daytime at Featherstone High School.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Featherstone High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
IT support technician: troubleshoot hardware and software for organisations
Junior web developer: build and maintain websites and web applications
Junior software developer: write and test code for apps or systems
Data analyst: work with data to support business decisions
IT administrator: manage systems, networks, and user accounts
Social media coordinator: manage online presence for businesses
Junior games developer: contribute to games design and development
What you could study next
Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Information Technology (Level 3): a larger qualification if you want to go deeper before university or employment.
HNC or HND in Computing or IT (Level 4/5): a higher-level technical route into specialist IT roles.
BSc in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity (Level 6): a full degree for those aiming at graduate-level roles in tech.
CompTIA A+, Network+, or similar vendor certifications: industry-recognised credentials that complement academic qualifications.
