Home > Courses > Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, Programming & Creative Computing

Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, Programming & Creative Computing

Course Code

Programming & Creative Computing

Course Type

School Leaver Course

Course Duration

2 years

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

2 September, 2025

This Level 3 Programming & Creative Computing course is designed to give you an introduction to a range of IT units from programming and website production to mobile app development, to enhance your higher education progression and employment potential. The course brings together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills.

The objective of this qualification is to allow learners 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 qualification carries UCAS tariff points. It fully meets entry requirements for progression to a degree course in IT and related areas such as: digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks security or business computing and entrepreneurship.

5 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and English.

Year 1 Units:

Information Technology Systems
Creating Systems to Manage Information
Using social media in Business
Programming
Website Development
Mobile Apps Development

Year 2 Units:

Cyber Security and Incident management
IT Technical Support and Management
IT Project Management
Computer Games Development
Software Testing
IT Service Delivery
Digital Animation and Effects

The course offers trips to Disneyland Paris, residential trips to London as well as amusement parks. In addition, students have the chance to join challenges such as:

Robotics Club
Experience Ai challenge
Rasberry Pi competition
Arduino Challenge
Employers and guest speakers

Links to employers:

At Sandwell College, we work closely with a range of respected employers to help prepare you for the world of work. Through our industry connections, you’ll gain valuable insights and experience that reflect real workplace expectations.

Some of the employers we collaborate with include Hydropower, Edge Creative, The Webtech Ltd, and IVEO Group — all offering opportunities to learn from professionals, understand industry trends, and develop the skills that matter most to employers today.

You are assessed using a variety of styles to help you develop a broad range of transferable skills such as:

written reports
Exams
projects
practical assessments
recordings of performance

This Level 3 Programming & Creative Computing qualification provides you with the opportunity to progress to an HNC, HND and a full time BSc or BA undergraduate programme at university.

You could then progress to entry-level employment, vocational apprenticeships and trainee junior roles in a variety of Computing fields, for example:

Data analyst
Systems analyst
Computer sales support worker
Data base administrator
IT support analyst
Web developer
UX designer
Systems developer
Software developer
Mobile developer
IT consultant
Cyber security specialist

How does the qualification provide employability skills?

In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give

learners practice in developing employability skills. Where employability skills are referred to in this

specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:

cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology

intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

Course Details

Qualification

Exam Board

Study Mode

Department

Sandwell Successes: Mukesh Jassal

January 23, 2025

It’s time to turn the spotlight on a successful former Computing student from Sandwell College, Mukesh Jassal, who has just...

Apply for this course or find out more

Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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