Free Level 3 Information Technology Course in Portsmouth

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start8 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Information Technology Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at COPC Sixth Form Campus, full-time over two years.

The course is free for eligible 16 to 18 year olds. You'll study information technology systems, cyber security and incident management, website development, and relational database development. These units give you both technical knowledge and practical skills for working in tech.

You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, to join. You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Information Technology.

Who this course is for

Are you tech-savvy with a passion for innovation and problem-solving? Look no further than the Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology to kickstart your journey into the dynamic world of IT. Tailored for aspiring IT enthusiasts, this qualification offers a gateway to exciting opportunities in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

The BTEC National in IT is designed to give you a range of specialist knowledge and transferable skills, providing you with the opportunity to enter an apprenticeship, move directly into employment, or progress to a related higher education course.

Stay ahead of the curve with a curriculum that reflects the latest trends and advancements in the IT industry. From website development to cybersecurity, our programme covers a wide range of topics essential for success in today's tech-driven world. You'll learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how IT systems work and how they're managed.
  • You'll learn the principles of cyber security and how to respond to incidents.
  • You'll build and develop websites using current tools and techniques.
  • You'll design and work with relational databases.
  • You'll develop problem-solving skills applied to real IT challenges.
  • You'll gain transferable skills valued across the tech industry.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at COPC Sixth Form Campus, starting at 9.55am each day. Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments and externally set exams, as is standard for this BTEC qualification. The centre expects 90% or higher attendance and engagement across all aspects of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. COPC Sixth Form Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT Support Technician, diagnoses and fixes hardware and software issues for organisations.
  • Web Developer, designs and builds websites and web-based applications.
  • Software Developer, writes and tests code for apps and systems.
  • Cyber Security Analyst, monitors systems and responds to security threats.
  • Database Administrator, manages and maintains an organisation's data systems.
  • IT Technician, provides day-to-day technical support across a business.

What you could study next

  • A Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Computing or IT, a natural next step into higher-level technical study.
  • A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Cyber Security, for those aiming at graduate-level roles.
  • A degree apprenticeship in IT or digital, combining work and study at degree level.
  • Professional certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco qualifications, valued by employers in IT support and networking roles.