Exam Board

Pearson

Head of Department

Entry Requirements

Four 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 IT (1 A-Level)

Coursework – 40%
Examination – 60%

Diploma IT (2 A-Level)

Coursework – 75%
Examination – 25%

APPLY NOW 2027

Information Technology

Name: Woking College | Surrey | Information Technology
Availability: InStock

AAQ in Information Technology
(Equivalent to 1 A-Level)

This course is changing for 2027. To find out more, click here: CHANGE OF COURSE DETAILS 2027click for details

(The course below, Pearson BTEC National Diploma in IT, remains the same for 2027)

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)

(This course remains for 2027; it is NOT changing)

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.