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Free Level 3 IT Course in Birmingham – Washwood Heath Academy

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free BTEC National Extended Diploma in Information Technology in Birmingham. Classes run at Washwood Heath Academy, full-time over two years.

You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects to join. The course covers networking, programming, cyber security, data management, and IT systems. You'll work on assignments and sit external exams across the two years.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for anyone considering a career in business including running one of your own. It will give you a broad overview of the business sector and the chance to apply your learning to the kinds of situations faced in business today. The course is a useful stepping stone to business related courses in higher education, or to business jobs and apprenticeships. It will also give you transferable skills that can be used across a range of careers. Equivalent to 3 A levels, it is more coursework focused than a traditional A level business course, so would suit you if you prefer being assessed on projects and assignments rather than a final exam.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how computer networks are designed and managed.
  • You'll write and test code using programming languages.
  • You'll study cyber security principles and how to protect systems.
  • You'll work with databases and learn how data is stored and used.
  • You'll develop web development skills, including building and maintaining websites.
  • You'll analyse IT systems and recommend improvements.
  • You'll understand project management techniques used in IT roles.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Washwood Heath Academy. Assessment combines coursework assignments and externally set exams. Some units are assessed entirely through assignments, while others include a timed exam set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of work across the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Washwood Heath Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT Support Technician, helps users fix hardware and software problems.
  • Software Developer, builds and maintains applications and systems.
  • Web Developer, designs and codes websites and web-based tools.
  • Cyber Security Analyst, monitors systems and protects against threats.
  • Network Engineer, sets up and manages computer networks.
  • Data Analyst, collects and interprets data to support business decisions.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, for those wanting to deepen technical knowledge at university.
  • A degree in Cyber Security, building on the security units in this BTEC.
  • A Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in IT, a shorter higher-education route into specialist roles.
  • A degree-level Apprenticeship in Software Development or IT, combining work and study.
Apply on qualifications.pearson.com →
Apply now →

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