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Free Level 3 IT Course in Dartford

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 IT Course in Dartford. Classes run at North Kent College Dartford. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers a broad base of IT knowledge, from networking and systems to software development and data management. At 1080 guided learning hours, it carries the same weight as three A Levels. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you. The course is designed for learners planning to go on to an IT-related degree or higher-level study.

Who this course is for

Who is this qualification for? The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification covering 1080 GLH and is equivalent in size to three A Levels. It is designed to be offered to 16-19 learners who are interested in progressing to further study in higher education IT-related disciplines. The qualification gives learners a broad base of knowledge of the IT sector. The optional units enable learners to explore their own choice of areas for further study. Learners could also progress to employment in the IT sector. What does this qualification cover? The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT. Learners study the relationship between hardware and software, managing and communicating information and data, and the principles of designing and developing digital technologies and processes to support organisations. The additional mandatory unit that this qualification includes is Unit 14: IT Service Delivery (synoptic). This qualification also includes a choice of optional units, covering areas such website development, cloud computing, digital graphics and enterprise for IT.

Mandatory Units- learners complete and achieve all 7 units Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (External Exam) Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (External exam) Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Core) Unit 4: Programming( Core) Unit 9: IT Project Management( Core) Unit 11: Cyber Security and Incident Management( External Exam) Unit 14: IT Service Delivery( External Exam)

Optional units - learners complete 6 units Unit 6: Website Development 60 Optional Internal( Optional) Unit 12: IT Technical Support and Management ( Optional) Unit 16: Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools ( Optional) Unit 17: Digital 2D and 3D Graphics( Optional) Unit 19: The Internet of Things ( Optional) Unit 20: Enterprise in IT ( Optional)

What you will learn

  • You'll develop a broad understanding of IT systems, infrastructure, and how organisations use technology.
  • You'll study networking concepts, including how data is transmitted and how networks are managed.
  • You'll explore software development principles and programming logic.
  • You'll learn about cybersecurity, data protection, and managing digital risk.
  • You'll examine database design and how data is stored, retrieved, and used.
  • You'll investigate emerging technologies and their impact on business and society.
  • You'll choose optional units to focus on areas that match your interests and career direction.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based at North Kent College Dartford, with full-time daytime attendance across two years. BTEC qualifications are assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams or tasks set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of work through projects and assignments linked to real IT scenarios, alongside timed assessments for certain units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Dartford will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • IT support technician: diagnosing and resolving technical issues for users
  • Junior software developer: writing and testing code for applications
  • Network administrator: managing and maintaining organisational networks
  • Data analyst: working with datasets to support business decisions
  • IT systems administrator: overseeing servers, hardware, and software
  • Cybersecurity analyst: monitoring systems and responding to threats
  • Junior web developer: building and maintaining websites and web apps

What you could study next

This qualification is designed as a stepping stone to higher education. You could go on to:

  • A BSc in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity at university
  • A Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing or IT
  • A degree-level apprenticeship in software engineering or IT solutions

If you want to move into work sooner, a Level 3 IT apprenticeship can also build on the knowledge you've gained.

Apply on northkent.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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