Free Level 3 IT Course in Stratford-upon-Avon. Classes run at Stratford-upon-Avon College. This is a two-year, full-time daytime course that combines technical computing knowledge with advanced work-related IT skills. To enrol, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths, or a Pass or higher in a Level 2 OCR Diploma or BTEC Extended Certificate alongside those GCSE grades. The course is equivalent to three A Levels and opens routes into higher education, degree apprenticeships, and IT careers.
Who this course is for
Information technology is important for a wide variety of jobs in the modern world. This course is ideal for you if you are a young person with no experience, planning a career in IT or an adult seeking to build on your knowledge and skills for career change or development. Equivalent to three A Levels, it combines technical academic content with advanced work-related computing skills. This is a two year course which leads on to, higher education, a level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or into employment.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 4 / grade C including English Language and Maths, or a Pass or higher in a Level 2 OCR Diploma or BTEC Extended Certificate and grade 4 / grade C GCSEs in English Language and Maths .
What you will learn
You'll develop technical skills in networking, systems, and IT infrastructure.
You'll learn how to identify and respond to cyber security threats.
You'll study programming and software development principles.
You'll work with data management and database systems.
You'll explore IT project management and professional working practices.
You'll build knowledge of cloud computing and digital systems.
You'll apply IT skills to realistic workplace scenarios.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Stratford-upon-Avon College, with a mix of taught sessions, practical tasks, and project-based assignments. Assessment is through coursework and portfolio evidence rather than traditional exams, reflecting the work-related focus of the qualification. Your progress is assessed continuously across the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Stratford-upon-Avon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Cyber Security Analyst: monitor and protect systems from threats
IT Support Technician: troubleshoot hardware and software issues
Network Administrator: manage and maintain organisational networks
Junior Software Developer: write and test code for applications
Data Analyst: interpret data to support business decisions
IT Project Coordinator: support delivery of technology projects
Systems Administrator: oversee day-to-day IT infrastructure
What you could study next
Degree in Computer Science or Cyber Security: a natural next step after this Level 3, building deeper specialist knowledge.
Level 4 IT Apprenticeship: earn while you learn in a tech role, applying your qualification in a workplace setting.
Degree Apprenticeship in Digital Technology Solutions: combines university study with paid employment in the sector.
CompTIA Security+ or similar vendor certification: short professional certifications that strengthen your cyber security credentials alongside or after a degree.
