Level 3 IT Course in Bristol for 16 to 18 Year Olds – The Olympus Academy Trust Abbeywood Community School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Software Development Courses in Bristol.

About this course

Free Level 3 IT Course in Bristol. Classes run at Abbeywood Community School, full-time over two years.

The course covers the core areas of IT, including software development, data management, networking, and digital systems. You'll study alongside other Level 3 subjects and build practical knowledge that employers in tech value. You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or a relevant Level 2 qualification, to enrol.

You'll finish with a Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT.

Who this course is for

This work related course is an alternative to A level business and is suitable for you if you are considering a career in business, studying a business related degree or thinking of running your own business in the future. It will give you a broad overview of the business sector and the chance to apply your learning to some real business situations. It's roughly equivalent to 1 A level and is generally taken over 2 years alongside other level 3 subjects.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 3 (C) or above or a relevant level 2 qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore software development principles and how applications are built.
  • You'll study data management and how organisations store and use information.
  • You'll learn how IT networks and infrastructure are designed and maintained.
  • You'll develop skills in digital systems and how they support businesses.
  • You'll practise problem-solving techniques used in IT support and technical roles.
  • You'll understand cybersecurity fundamentals and how to protect digital systems.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, practical tasks, and project-based assignments. OCR's Cambridge Technical qualifications are assessed through a mix of coursework and external exams. Your coursework will involve applying IT knowledge to realistic scenarios, and exams will test your understanding of core topics.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Olympus Academy Trust Abbeywood Community School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Application Developer, builds software and apps for businesses or clients.
  • Data Analyst, works with data to help organisations make decisions.
  • IT Support Technician, troubleshoots technical problems for staff or customers.
  • IT Infrastructure Technician, sets up and maintains networks and systems.
  • Junior Web Developer, creates and maintains websites and web-based tools.
  • Digital Support Analyst, helps teams use technology effectively day to day.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (OCR Cambridge Technical), a larger qualification covering more specialist topics if you want to go deeper before employment or university.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing, a Level 4 qualification recognised by employers and a stepping stone toward a degree.
  • Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, for those aiming at graduate-level roles in development, data, or systems engineering.

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