Computing Certificate Level 3

The BTEC Nationals in Computing are designed for school leavers who want to go onto university, an apprenticeship or the world of work.

You will need an interview for this course to discuss your past education and also to help you identify if this is the right pathway for you. You will be contacted after making an application with an arranged date. If the date and time are not convenient, you can contact to rearrange.

Please bring with you a report from your school, if you have one available. At your interview, you will be given an opportunity to discuss your personal progression route and given impartial advice and guidance on how to achieve your goals.

The course is provisionally a 1-year programme, and you have the option of studying for one year only and leaving with a qualification equivalent to 0.5 A-levels.

There is an option for a second or third year to achieve an Extended Certificate or Diploma in Computing. 

This qualification is designed to be an introduction to the computing sector through applied learning. The qualification supports progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other vocational or general qualifications. 

Over the year, the following units and projects will be undertaken, with a clear vocational scenario and focus, designed to simulate working in the industry and provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. 

Year one 

• Fundamentals of Computer Systems 
  • Hardware, Software, Systems Architecture, Binary, Transmitting of data 
• IT Systems Security 
  • Security threat types, Cryptographic principles, Strategies to protect systems  

Alongside the Computing Certificate, if required, you will complete your GCSE Maths and English to help you progress onto further studies. 

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.

Assignments 

• Students complete a series of activities set in a work-related scenario which may be tailored to local industry needs
• Students generate relevant evidence, drawing on their knowledge, understanding and skills to complete an assignment over a period of time, working either individually or in a team

Written exams 

• There is only one exam as part of the course
• Students draw on essential information to create written answers to practical questions in test conditions
• Students can confidently recall and apply technical knowledge, a skill that provides a solid foundation for working life and further 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. 

Completion of just the year 1 Certificate will still allow students to access further study and gain employment. 

Typical pathway for our students: 
Computing Certificate > Extended Certificate > Diploma > Higher Education/Apprenticeship/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 the 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. 

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. 

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.