Computing - Information Technology - Level 3 - Dartford

Applications Open - 26th September 2025

Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.northkent.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.

How to Apply - Apply through Careers East Sussex

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

There are two primary forms of assessments for the programme: External exams, two for the first year and another two for the second year, and ongoing assignments.

Who is this qualification for? The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification covering 1080 GLH and is equivalent in size to three A Levels. It is designed to be offered to 16-19 learners who are interested in progressing to further study in higher education IT-related disciplines. The qualification gives learners a broad base of knowledge of the IT sector. The optional units enable learners to explore their own choice of areas for further study. Learners could also progress to employment in the IT sector.

What does this qualification cover? The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT. Learners study the relationship between hardware and software, managing and communicating information and data, and the principles of designing and developing digital technologies and processes to support organisations. The additional mandatory unit that this qualification includes is Unit 14: IT Service Delivery (synoptic). This qualification also includes a choice of optional units, covering areas such website development, cloud computing, digital graphics and enterprise for IT.

Mandatory Units- learners complete and achieve all 7 units Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (External Exam) Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (External exam) Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Core) Unit 4: Programming (Core) Unit 9: IT Project Management (Core) Unit 11: Cyber Security and Incident Management (External Exam) Unit 14: IT Service Delivery(External Exam)

Optional units - learners complete 6 units Unit 6: Website Development 60 Optional Internal (Optional) Unit 12: IT Technical Support and Management (Optional) Unit 16: Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools (Optional) Unit 17: Digital 2D and 3D Graphics(Optional) Unit 19: The Internet of Things (Optional) Unit 20: Enterprise in IT (Optional)

There are two primary forms of assessments for the programme: External exams, two for the first year and another two for the second year, and ongoing assignments.

5 GCSEs at grades 9- 5 including English and Mathematics or equivalent qualification. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology or equivalent.

As this qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels, it fully meets the requirements for progression to a wide range of degree programmes in IT and related areas. These include: BSc in Business Information and Technology BSc in Digital Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons) in Creative Technology BSc (Hons) in Information Technology Management for Business * BSc in Computing Forensics BSc in Computer Networks and Security.