Free Level 3 Information Technology Course in Barnsley

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Information Technology Course in Barnsley. Classes run at SciTech Centre. The course runs full-time over two years, covering a wide range of IT topics including computer systems, software, networks, and databases. You'll need four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and maths at grade 4 or above, and will normally take part in an interview and taster session before enrolling. This is a substantial information technology qualification that takes you well beyond the basics and into the kind of technical knowledge employers in the IT sector look for.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you want a career within the IT sector. IT professionals enjoy installing computer systems, using software and maintaining networks and databases, while computer scientists will enjoy mathematics and software design. BTEC Certificate consists of 4 units completed in one year. BTEC Diploma consists of 8 units completed over two years and includes a wide range of IT topics. Units are designed to give you an insight into the varied careers in computing and IT, helping you to identify areas of interest and your future specialism. The learning programme blends technical and academic skills that are valued by higher education and the workplace. You will take part in completing coursework, online learning, presentations, demonstrations and practical work.

Subjects studied may include: -Information Technology Systems -Creating Systems to Manage information -Using Social Media in Business -Cyber Security -Mobile Apps Development -Computer Games Development -IT Project -Programming Having a BTEC Level 3 Qualification in IT can open up a world of opportunities in both university choices and career options. If you wish to progress onto HE within an IT related area such as Digital Technology, Creative Technology, Business Information Systems this course would be ideal. You might progress onto, for example, onto a Foundation Degree or HND with the option to top up to a BSC Honours degree. Or you may wish to seek employment in a Digital/IT role. The BTEC Diploma is recognised by both universities and employers as the equivalent of two A Levels.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and maths at grade 4 or above A good personal reference Students will normally take part in an interview prior to being enrolled on the programme and must attend a taster session

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how computer systems are installed and maintained.
  • You'll study network infrastructure and database management.
  • You'll develop practical software skills used across IT roles.
  • You'll gain an understanding of mathematics as it applies to computing and software design.
  • You'll cover a broad range of IT topics across eight units over two years.
  • You'll build knowledge of the varied careers available in computing and IT.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time, five days a week during daytime hours. The BTEC National Diploma is made up of eight units completed over two years. Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments and externally assessed units, as is standard for Pearson Edexcel BTEC National qualifications at Level 3.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. SciTech Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT support technician: diagnosing and fixing hardware and software issues
  • Network administrator: managing and maintaining computer networks
  • Database administrator: organising and maintaining data systems
  • Junior software developer: writing and testing code for applications
  • Systems analyst: reviewing and improving IT systems for organisations
  • IT helpdesk analyst: first-line technical support for users
  • Web developer: building and maintaining websites and web applications

What you could study next

  • Pearson Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing (Level 4): a natural next step if you want to specialise further and move toward degree-level study.
  • Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology: many universities accept the BTEC National Diploma for entry onto computing degrees.
  • IT apprenticeship at Level 4 or above: combine work experience with a higher-level qualification in a specific IT specialism.

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