Level 3
Computing National Foundation / Extended Diploma Level 3
This is the computing qualification to get you into university / an apprenticeship / employment. It has been developed for students who are leaving school to further their studies in the area of computing. The…
Quick info
- Qualification
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- Awarding Organisation
- OCR
- Course type
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- Duration
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- Centre
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- Course level
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- Course code
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- Dates
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Course overview
This is the computing qualification to get you into university / an apprenticeship / employment.
It has been developed for students who are leaving school to further their studies in the area of computing.
The course explores the latest technologies:
Year One
- Software Development
- Hardware and Security Principles
- Responsive Website Development
- Game Development (yes you will be developing your own games)
- Social Media
Year Two
- Mobile App Development
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Programming
- Virtualisation
- Research Project
- Software Development Life Cycle
You will be assessed through a combination of assessment styles (assignments, practicals and exams).
Many of our students go on to university to complete degree courses, such as Game Development, Software Engineering, Computer Science and Network Security.
How to apply
Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone aged 16 to 18 school leavers. If you have an interest in studying Computing and IT, and wish to pursue a career in this industry then this is the right course for you. You will experience more than you will have covered at school and it will help prepare you for working or studying further in this area.
By studying on this course, you will also learn to work as part of a team and to feel confident about your ability to work in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.
What you’ll learn
Year One
- Principles of Computer Science
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems
- IT Systems Security
- Social Media
- Website Development
- Game Development
Year Two
- Planning and Management of Computing Projects
- Software Design and Development Project
- Mobile Apps Development
- The Impact of Computing
- Virtualisation
- SDLC
- Human Computer Interaction
Entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language and Maths.
We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You will need to provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional, this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.
Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report. We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.
Future career and study
The world of High-Tech is rapidly growing, and in the West of England, it is a key priority area. More jobs are being created in these fields, and students completing courses in Computing are best placed to take advantage of this high-growth area.
By completing the 2-year Extended Diploma, you will have the option of studying further at Higher Level in the form of a Foundation Degree or a BSc (subject to grades and UCAS (Points).
Completion of just the year 1 Foundation Diploma will still allow students to access further study and gain employment.
The course adequately prepares learners for employment and many students have moved straight into the industry.
There will also be the option of higher level apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships for those who have shown they have successfully completed a level 3 programme.
As part of the programme, you will support you in searching and applying for the best progression routes for you.
Additional costs
The course is free to anyone between the age of 16-18 at the start of the programme.
There is no formal kit list for consumables, but financial support is available through the learner support fund.