Computing and ICT Level 3 National Foundation/National Extended Diploma
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
COMPUTING AND ICT
Level 3 National Foundation/National Extended Diploma
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
2 years full-time
Placement
Multiple placements
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Department of Digital
Overview
Gain a strong foundation through focusing on developing practical computing and ICT skills
Learn from expert lecturers with a wide range of computing and ICT experience
Technology is seriously big business. Six of the world’s seven most valuable companies are technology firms and spending on Information Technology (IT) services has soared in recent years to almost $4 trillion in 2019.
Understanding of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital skills are now in huge demand and have become almost universal requirements in today’s job market. Jobs requiring such skills offer higher salaries too, paying as much as £8,000 a year more than roles which do not. Students taking their first steps towards a career therefore need the right blend of technical and academic abilities that employers and universities are looking for.
Our Level 3 Computing and ICT college course will help you develop today’s sought-after digital skills, giving you a BTEC National qualification widely recognised by both industry and higher education. Covering subjects from IT Systems Security and Encryption to Business Applications of Social Media, our ICT course will enable you to progress onto higher-level study or enter employment, with career opportunities ranging from technical support to database administration or even the creative industries.
You will enrol on the National Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels) in year 1 before progressing onto the National Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A-Levels).
Why choose this college course?
- BOOST YOUR SKILLS – Study computer science and systems and develop a range of digital and ICT skills, as well as high-level skills such as teamwork, presentation and creative thinking
- WORK PLACEMENTS – Gain valuable real-life experience while you study by undertaking two work placements in each year of your course
- RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION – Our BTEC Level 3 IT course gives you a recognised work-related qualification to open the door to higher education and professional careers
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This college computer course will give you skills to support your progression to degree level
Course breakdown
Year 1
- Principles of Computer Science
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems
- IT Systems Security and Encryption
- Business Applications of Social Media
- Human-computer Interaction
- Website Development
Year 2
- Planning and Management of Computing Projects
- Software Design and Development Project
- The Impact of Computing
Only 4 units will be delivered from the following list (subject to uptake):
- Object-oriented Programming
- Mobile Apps Development
- Relational Database Development
- Computer Networking
- Virtualisation
- Systems Analysis and Design
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Entry requirements
Our computing lecturers are looking for students who are committed, enthusiastic and have a desire to succeed in the IT industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) including English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent.
English and maths
As applicants are required to achieve English and Maths at grade 4 (grade C) prior to entering this course, University College Birmingham will not offer English or Maths alongside the Computing and ICT course.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You will be assessed through coursework assignments and projects, some of which will involve industry-related visits and external assessment.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy.
This course is delivered in partnership with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Percentage
70 %
of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Each year of our BTEC ICT and computing course requires you to undertake two placements, completing ten full working days over two separate one-week blocks.
This specialist, two-year, work-related qualification with 13 units is equivalent to three A-levels and is assessed either internally or externally. There is an opportunity to develop industry standard programming skills in C# and Python, for example, as well as learn about aspects of computing such as networking, web design and cyber-security.
Edward Bird Assistant Dean of the Business School
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
- IT support technician
- Average salary: £19,000 – £29,000
- IT service engineer
- Average Salary: £21,000
- IT trainer
- Average Salary: £30,000
- Systems developer
- Average Salary: £31,162
- Database administrator (DBA)
- Average Salary: £30,000
- Project manager, information technology
- Average Salary: £41,775
Aspiring to a higher level career? Complete this course and you could progress onto our Computer Science or Cyber Security degree courses.
Program Outline
Outline:
Year 1:
- Principles of Computer Science: Explores fundamental concepts of computer science, including data structures, algorithms, and programming.
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems: Provides an understanding of hardware and software components, operating systems, and networks.
- IT Systems Security and Encryption: Covers the principles of IT security, encryption techniques, and risk management.
- Business Applications of Social Media: Analyzes the use of social media in business contexts, including marketing, customer relationship management, and communication.
- Human-computer Interaction: Examines the principles of designing user interfaces and ensuring usability.
- Website Development: Provides hands-on experience in building websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Year 2:
- Planning and Management of Computing Projects: Develops skills in project planning, management, and resource allocation.
- Software Design and Development Project: Requires students to design and develop a software application using object-oriented programming.
- The Impact of Computing: Explores the social, ethical, and environmental impact of computing technologies.
Optional Units:
- Object-oriented Programming: Deepens the understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and principles.
- Mobile Apps Development: Introduces mobile app development using platforms like Android or iOS.
- Relational Database Development: Teaches how to design and manage relational databases.
- Computer Networking: Covers the principles of computer networks, protocols, and network security.
- Virtualisation: Explores the concepts and technologies related to virtualization and cloud computing.
- Systems Analysis and Design: Introduces the principles of systems analysis and design methodologies.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Coursework assignments: Individual and group projects, essays, and presentations.
- Exams: Written exams testing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
- Industry-related visits: Practical application of learning through visits to companies and organizations.
- External assessment: Some modules may involve external assessment by industry experts.
Teaching:
- Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions.
- Faculty: Experienced lecturers with expertise in computer science, information technology, and related fields.
- Unique approaches:
- Emphasis on practical skills development through projects and industry placements.
- Access to industry-standard software and technologies.
- Opportunities for collaboration with students from other disciplines.
Careers:
- Potential career paths: IT support technician, IT service engineer, IT trainer, systems developer, database administrator, project manager (information technology).
- Career opportunities: Employment in various sectors, including IT, software development, telecommunications, and finance.
- Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue further studies in computer science or related fields.
Other:
- Work placements: Two work placements per year, providing real-world experience and enhancing employability.
- Guaranteed progression: Students achieving 56 UCAS points from this qualification are guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham.
