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Free Level 3 IT Course in Portsmouth

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 IT Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at COPC Highbury Campus, full-time during the day.

The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds and for 19 to 24 year olds who hold an Education, Health and Care Plan. You'll study a broad range of IT topics over one year, including computer systems, website production, programming concepts, digital graphics, and object-oriented development. Learning happens through projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations.

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

Who this course is for

During the programme you will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you will develop the skills you need to start a career as a software engineer. Candidates for this programme study a variety of topics including:- Communication and Employability, Computer Systems, Website Production, Programming Concepts, Digital Graphics, Object-oriented and Event-driven Programming, Human-Computer Interaction, e-commerce, database management and Digital Graphics for interactive media (all units are subject to change).

Developing the vocational study skills of English, Maths and ICT is crucial to your success on this programme and in your future career. Employers and higher education institutions now recognise the value of these qualifications and look for evidence of competence in applications and at interview. Level two Functional Skills qualifications will be recognised by universities as evidence of your competence in these subjects.

It is important that you have achieved Functional Skills qualifications at appropriate levels if you wish to progress to higher level programmes at Highbury College. Your skill levels will be assessed during the first two weeks of your programme and you will be assigned classes or workshops to help you develop these skills at the levels most appropriate for you. Attendance at these classes or workshops is compulsory for students under the age of 19.

There are a number of work experience opportunities available to students at Highbury College for those who want to experience what it is like to work in the computing industry.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade A* to C including English and either Mathematics or a Science or ICT based subject. An Intermediate GNVQ qualification at Merit/Distinction plus a Level 2 Certificate in Numeracy and Literacy; or a BTEC First Diploma (distinction/merit) in appropriate subjects; plus Level 2 Key Skills in Number and Communication and a good report from lecturers; or Consideration may be given to mature students or those not having all.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how computer systems work and how to maintain them.
  • You'll build websites using industry-standard production techniques.
  • You'll write code using programming concepts and object-oriented methods.
  • You'll create digital graphics for professional use.
  • You'll develop communication and employability skills for the workplace.
  • You'll apply your learning through project work based on real workplace scenarios.

How you will learn

You'll learn through projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations. Classes are delivered in a classroom at COPC Highbury Campus. Assessment is coursework-based, with tasks tied to practical IT scenarios. There is no written exam for most units; your work is assessed as you complete each project.

What you will need to bring

COPC Highbury Campus will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT Support Technician, provides technical help to users and organisations.
  • Data Technician, collects and processes data for business use.
  • Web Developer, builds and maintains websites and web applications.
  • App Developer, creates software applications for desktop or mobile platforms.
  • Junior Software Engineer, writes and tests code as part of a development team.
  • IT Administrator, manages systems, networks, and user accounts for an employer.

What you could study next

  • Higher National Certificate in Computing (Level 4), a natural next step into higher-level technical study.
  • Higher National Diploma in Computing (Level 5), builds on the HNC and can lead to a degree top-up.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering (Level 6), for those aiming at senior development or engineering roles.
  • Apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web and Telecoms, lets you earn while you develop specialist skills with an employer.
Apply on copc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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