Computing
Information technology has taken root in our day-to-day lives and can be found everywhere, from desktops and laptops through to mobile phones, automated machinery and even smart home devices like cameras and doorbells. During your time on this course, you will learn a variety of computing skills that will help you to create a sturdy career foundation in this fast-moving industry. As a learner on our Level 1 programme, you’ll get to study a wealth of topics including photography, graphics, TV and games design, as well as computing, creating a stepping stone to our Level 2 and 3 pathways. At Levels 2 and 3 you will go on to learn valuable interpersonal skills, business and project management, object-oriented programming and app development, 3D modelling/motion graphics, database administration, cybersecurity and wide-area networking, along with other additional options available such as masterclasses. By the end of the course, you will have a portfolio of work to professional standards. This portfolio will show your knowledge on computing, and this can be used to take to interviews for either higher education or employment.
Study at Level:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
- Web design
- Digital graphics
- Programming
- Software development
- Networking
- Cyber security
- Game design
- Hardware building
- Human computer interfaces
- Written/verbal communication
- Teamwork
- Independence
- Reliability
- Work ethic
Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.PLEASE NOTE IN SOME AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGHER MATHS, ENGLISH OR SCIENCE CONTENT, OR WHERE TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED, THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN STATED BELOW. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES AT THEIR INTERVIEW AND THIS IS CHECKED AT ENROLMENT. FOR CREATIVE COURSES A PORTFOLIO REVIEW OR AUDITION MAY BE REQUIRED AT INTERVIEW.
Entry Level 3 ProgrammesNo formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.
Level 1 ProgrammesGCSEs grades1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.
Level 2 ProgrammesMinimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 (previously D) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 1 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.
Level 3 ProgrammesMinimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 (previously C) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 2 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2.
Progressing to each level of studyOnce you successfully completed your course you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a Tutor. If you’ve finished your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.
Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally last one year; Level 3 courses will usually last for two years.
During your Computing course, work experience will be available at various placements within the IT sector.
A variety of helpful trips, visits and guest speakers will be made available to you during your time on the Computing course including a visit to Comic-Con and talks from GCHQ computing and cybersecurity specialists.There will also be a talk from computing professionals from the Royal Corps of Signals.
Career Opportunities:
- IT support technician
- IT project manager
- Cyber security specialist
- Software developer
- Software engineer
- Web designer
- Web developer
- Game designer
- App developer
- Network developer
University & Further Studies:
- Software development
- Digital technology solutions
- Computer science
- Computing
- Software engineering
- Computer science for games
- Secondary computing with qualified teacher status
- Computer networks
- Cyber security
- Cyber security with forensics
- IT project management
