Level 3 IT Course in Maidenhead for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
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.

About this course

Free Level 3 IT Course in Maidenhead. Classes run at Desborough College, full-time during the day.

The course covers networking, systems, software, and digital communication. You'll also study IT project management and technical support. It typically takes 18 months to complete. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and at least a grade 4 in ICT.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Subsidiary Diploma in IT.

Who this course is for

The BTEC level 3 ICT offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter. These learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a general qualifications such as GCE AS levels, additional specialist learning (for example through another BTEC qualification) or a complementary NVQ. These learning programmes can be developed to allow learners to study related and complementary qualifications without duplication of content. Unit 1 - Communication and Employability Skills for IT: understand both the personal attributes valued by employers and the principles of communicating effectively whist developing effective communication skills and addressing your own personal development needs. Unit 2 - Computer Systems: understand the components of computer systems and develop the skills needed to recommend appropriate systems for business purposes and set up and maintain computer systems. Unit 3 - Information Systems: understand how organisations use information and the surrounding use of information, know about information systems and develop the skills necessary to produce management information. Unit 8 - E-Commerce: know the technologies involved in e-commerce, understand the impact of e-commerce on organisations and on society, and be able to plan e-commerce strategies. Unit 18 - Database Design: understand the features of relational databases and develop the skills necessary to design, create, populate and test a relational database incorporating advanced features Unit 28 - Website Production: understand web architecture and the factors that affect its performance and to be able to design and create interactive websites.

Entry requirements

5 9-4 including English and at least a grade 4 or Pass in ICT.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in computer networking and infrastructure.
  • You'll learn how to support and maintain IT systems.
  • You'll study software development and digital applications.
  • You'll explore data management and information security.
  • You'll practise IT project planning and delivery.
  • You'll build technical communication skills for a professional environment.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Desborough College. Assessment is mainly through coursework and assignments rather than exams. Each unit has its own assessment tasks, which your tutors will mark and grade. You'll build a portfolio of work over the 18 months.

What you will need to bring

Desborough College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT Support Technician, provides technical help to users and organisations.
  • IT Helpdesk Analyst, handles first-line support queries and troubleshooting.
  • Junior Network Technician, assists with setting up and maintaining networks.
  • IT Administrator, manages systems and user accounts for a business.
  • Technical Support Advisor, resolves hardware and software issues for customers.

What you could study next

  • HNC in Computing (Level 4), a natural next step into higher technical study.
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing (Level 5), leads toward degree-level IT roles.
  • Degree in Computer Science or IT (Level 6), opens graduate-level careers in software, networking, or cybersecurity.
  • CompTIA A+ or Network+ certification, vendor-recognised credentials valued by IT employers alongside or after this Diploma.

Related courses at Desborough College

More courses near you