Exam Board
AQA / Pearson
Head of Department
Entry Requirements
Five grades 4-9 (or equivalent), including at least a grade 4 in English Language and/or Mathematics
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Certificate IT (1 A-Level)
- Coursework – 40%
- Examination – 60%
Diploma IT (2 A-Level)
- Coursework – 75%
- Examination – 25%
Information Technology
AAQ in Information Technology
(Equivallent to 1 A-Level)
This Level 3 qualification is designed to equip learners with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required to thrive in the digital economy. Learners explore modern computing concepts, software development, digital communication, and data-driven decision-making—developing a strong foundation for both higher education and career entry into the IT sector. The qualification is designed with input from industry professionals and integrates real-world applications to support student progression into areas such as cybersecurity, system analysis, and enterprise computing.
What Skills Will I Develop?
- Proficiency in IT systems, databases, and information management.
- Ability to design, build, and evaluate computing solutions using industry-standard tools.
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles and incident response strategies.
- Critical thinking and digital literacy skills relevant across business and technology sectors.
Course Content Includes:
- Unit 1: Information Technology Systems -External
- Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident- External
- Unit 3: Website Development- Internal
- Unit 4 Relational Database Development- Internal
Assessment Methods:
- External Examinations
- Internally Assessed Coursework
Progression Opportunities:
Students typically progress to university courses in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Business Information Systems, or directly into employment and digital apprenticeships in the tech sector.
Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology
(Level 3 – Equivalent to Two A Levels)
Develop Your Digital Future Through Practical and Professional IT Education
Course Overview
The Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology is a comprehensive, career-focused qualification designed for students aspiring to pursue further study or employment in the dynamic and evolving field of IT. Equivalent to two full A Levels, this course balances theory and practical application, offering a curriculum rooted in real-world scenarios and contemporary digital practices.
What Skills Will I Develop?
- Technical Proficiency: Build, maintain, and evaluate IT systems using industry tools.
- Cybersecurity Awareness: Understand risks, preventative measures, and incident response techniques.
- Data Analysis and Management: Use data effectively to inform business and system decisions.
- Digital Project Leadership: Manage IT projects, from planning through implementation and evaluation.
- Professional Communication: Present technical ideas clearly and collaborate within digital teams.
- Problem Solving and Innovation: Apply creative thinking to design digital solutions for real-world problems.
What Topics Will I Study?
The BTEC National Diploma in IT includes eight core and optional units, offering both breadth and depth across IT disciplines:
- Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (External Exam)
- Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (Externally Assessed Controlled Task)
- Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Coursework)
- Unit 4: Programming (Coursework)
- Unit 5: Data Modelling (Coursework)
- Unit 6: Website Development (Coursework)
- Unit 11: Cyber Security and Incident Management (Coursework)
- Unit 9: Project Management (Coursework)
Assessment is delivered through a combination of externally assessed units (exam or supervised task) and internally assessed coursework, providing learners with a balanced learning experience.
Assessment Methods:
- External Examinations and Supervised Tasks: These test your understanding of key theoretical knowledge.
- Internally Assessed Coursework: Projects and assignments based on practical IT applications.
Progression Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the BTEC National Diploma in IT, students will be equipped with the qualifications and expertise to progress into:
- Higher Education: Degree pathways in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Digital Business, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships: Opportunities with leading employers in areas such as digital marketing, network engineering, technical support, and application development.
- Employment: Entry-level roles in IT support, web development, data administration, and IT project coordination.
Past students have secured placements at universities such as Portsmouth, Brunel, and Surrey, or gained employment with firms in the tech, finance, and public sectors.
Exam Board
AQA / Pearson
Head of Department
Entry Requirements
Five grades 4-9 (or equivalent), including at least a grade 4 in English Language and/or Mathematics
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Certificate IT (1 A-Level)
- Coursework – 40%
- Examination – 60%
Diploma IT (2 A-Level)
- Coursework – 75%
- Examination – 25%
