Exam Board

PEARSON

Head of Department

Entry Requirements

Five grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including at least a grade 4+ in a literate or numerate subject

Please note:

A literate subject includes any GCSE English qualification or any other GCSE essay-based subject, such as History, Geography or Sociology (these are not exclusive).
A numerate subject includes GCSE Maths or ANY GCSE Science course. If students are doing double Science, then just one of the grades being at 4 will be sufficient.

Assessment Breakdown

Extended Certificate Computing

· Coursework – 40%

· Examination – 60%

Apply Now 2025
Apply Now 2026

Computing

Pearson BTEC Advanced Applied Qualification (AAQ) in Computing
(Level 3 Vocational – Equivalent to 1 A Level)

The Pearson BTEC AAQ in Computing is a modern, career-focused qualification that equips learners with the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours required in the rapidly evolving digital and computing industries. This qualification blends theoretical understanding with hands-on technical practice, making it an excellent choice for students seeking progression to university, apprenticeships, or directly into employment in the computing sector.

Assessment is a blend of externally assessed examinations and internally assessed coursework, offering learners multiple opportunities to demonstrate both academic and practical capabilities.

What Skills Will I Develop?

By completing this qualification, learners will:

Develop a broad understanding of computing principles including programming, systems architecture, cybersecurity, and data management.
Gain technical proficiency in creating and testing software, with real-world applications across business and industry contexts.
Learn to think logically and analytically through computational thinking and problem-solving exercises.
Build transferable project planning and evaluation skills relevant to IT and computing careers.
Understand the legal, social, and ethical implications of computing practices in society.

What Topics Will I Study?

This qualification is composed of a set of core and optional units, including but not limited to:

Programming Fundamentals (External Exam) – Covers algorithms, programming paradigms, computational logic, and systems theory.
Computer Network Security and Encryption (External Exam) – Explores risks, threats, encryption techniques, and mitigation strategies in cybersecurity.
Practical Programming (Internal Coursework) –
Human-Computer Interaction ( Internal Coursework) – Develops skills in interface design or full-cycle web development with user experience considerations.

Where Does the Course Lead?

This qualification supports a wide range of academic and professional progression routes:

Higher Education: Degree pathways in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Systems.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships: Opportunities in roles such as IT Technician, Network Engineer, Digital Support Technician, or Cyber Security Analyst.
Employment: Entry-level positions in the IT sector including junior developer, systems support assistant, or database administrator.