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Level 3 Data Analytics Course in Preston for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Free Level 3 IT: Data Analytics Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, to enrol. Over two years of full-time daytime study, you'll build analytical and technical skills across data modelling, programming, information systems, and cyber security. The course develops the practical abilities employers look for in data and technology roles.

Who this course is for

This course equips students with a solid understanding of the principles that drive modern technology. The course focuses on developing both your analytical skills and technical abilities, preparing you for challenges in software development.

You'll gain a thorough grounding in various programming languages and software engineering methods, essential for crafting sophisticated software solutions.

Entry requirements

Five Grade 4s at GCSE with a 4 in Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll analyse and model data to support business and technical decisions.
  • You'll develop skills in computer programming and software engineering methods.
  • You'll work with information systems and learn how organisations manage data.
  • You'll explore cyber security principles and how to respond to incidents.
  • You'll apply IT project management techniques to plan and deliver work.
  • You'll learn how social media and digital tools are used in business contexts.
  • You'll practise software testing to identify and resolve technical problems.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time over two years. Learning combines taught sessions with practical assignments and project work. Assessment is through coursework, projects, and written tasks rather than traditional exams alone. The OCR Cambridge Advanced National structure means your work is assessed against set criteria throughout the course, not just at the end.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Data analyst: interpret datasets and report findings for organisations.
  • Junior software developer: build and test applications using programming skills.
  • IT support analyst: troubleshoot systems and support business technology.
  • Cyber security technician: monitor systems and respond to security incidents.
  • Business intelligence analyst: turn data into insights for decision-making.
  • Systems administrator: manage and maintain an organisation's IT infrastructure.

What you could study next

  • Degree in Data Science or Computer Science: the natural next step if you want to deepen your analytical or software skills at university level.
  • Degree in Cyber Security: builds directly on the security and systems knowledge from this course.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in IT: a shorter higher-education route if a full degree isn't your immediate goal.
  • Apprenticeship in Data Analysis or Software Development: combines further study with paid work experience.
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