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Level 3 Information Technology Course in Bolton for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

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

You'll study eight units covering information systems, databases, social media, programming, IT project management, and cyber security. Two optional units may include web development or mobile app development. Three units are externally examined and five are internally assessed. You'll need a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Maths.

The course carries UCAS tariff points and leads to the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology.

Who this course is for

Shape the digital future. This exciting and practical qualification develops the knowledge, technical skills and problem-solving abilities needed for success in today's rapidly evolving IT industry. You'll explore how technology powers organisations, create digital solutions, manage data, develop software and investigate cyber security challenges while building real-world employability skills. The course meets entry requirements in its own right for some courses in IT or related study such as an HNC or HND in Computing, Engineering or Business Management. For progression to a degree course, learners should normally study this qualification alongside other qualifications, such as an A Level or V-Level Digital Systems and Data in a different or complementary subject area.

Entry requirements

Double Vocational subjects can be studied alongside A Levels and/or Single Vocational courses. Students studying three A Levels or a mixed programme will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Mathematics.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how technology powers organisations and supports business operations.
  • You'll create and manage databases to store and retrieve information.
  • You'll study how social media is used in a business context.
  • You'll write and test programs using programming languages.
  • You'll manage IT projects from planning through to completion.
  • You'll investigate cyber security threats and incident management.
  • You'll develop optional specialisms such as web development or mobile app development.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The Sixth Form Bolton. The course includes three externally examined units and five internally assessed units. Internal assessment is based on coursework and projects completed throughout the two years. External exams are sat at set points during the course.

What you will need to bring

The Sixth Form Bolton will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT Support Technician, provides technical help to users and organisations.
  • Helpdesk Technician, resolves hardware and software issues for businesses.
  • Web Designer, builds and maintains websites for clients.
  • Junior Programmer, writes and tests code as part of a development team.
  • IT Administrator, manages systems and networks within an organisation.
  • Cyber Security Analyst, a step toward this role, which typically needs further study or experience at a higher level.

What you could study next

  • HNC in Computing (Level 4), a natural next step after this BTEC, focusing on technical computing skills.
  • HND in Computing (Level 5), builds on an HNC and can lead to a degree with one further year.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or IT (Level 6), for those aiming at graduate-level roles in software, networks, or cyber security.
  • A Level Digital Systems and Data, can be studied alongside this qualification to strengthen university applications.
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