Information Technology/Computing - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2026
End date: 2nd June 2028
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

Step into the world of technology with this exciting two-year full-time course designed for students who want to develop real digital skills, progress to university, or begin a career in the fast-growing tech industry.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology/Computing is equivalent to three A-Levels, making it a highly respected qualification for university entry, higher-level apprenticeships, and employment.

Whether you are interested in cyber security, software development, games design, project management, or digital media, this course provides the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence needed to succeed in a technology-driven future.

Over two years, you will develop a broad range of technical, creative, and professional IT skills through a combination of written exams, practical assessments, and coursework projects. (Unless stated, the modules below are assignment/portfolio based)

Year 1

You will build strong foundations in core computing knowledge and digital skills, studying:

• Information Technology Systems (written exam)
• Creating Systems to Manage Information (practical exam)
• Programming
• Website Development
• Project Management
• Social Media in Business

This year focuses on understanding how IT systems operate, learning to code, designing websites, and developing the organisational and communication skills required in the modern workplace.

Year 2

You will progress into more specialist and career-focused areas, including:

• Cyber Security (practical exam)
• IT Service Delivery (practical exam)
• Enterprise in IT
• Games Development
• Data Modelling
• IT Technical Support
• Software Testing

These modules develop industry-relevant technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and professional skills, preparing you for university, apprenticeships, or employment in the IT sector.

Additionally, students will work towards professional qualifications through the Microsoft Office Specialist programme, with the option to undertake further Microsoft certification.

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification.  This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

Course Aims

The course aims to provide students with a nationally recognised qualification in the fields of Information Technology/Computing which meets the needs of employees and employers. The course is a two-year full-time programme carrying UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A Levels.

This course has been designed to give students the opportunity to learn the technical and practical skills within the main areas of the Computing industry.

You will study in modern computing suites using industry-standard software, equipment, and cloud technologies, supported by experienced lecturers with strong sector knowledge.

Students benefit from:

• Expert teaching and career guidance
• One-to-one academic and pastoral support
• Preparation for university, apprenticeships, and employment
• Opportunities to engage with employers, live projects, and industry activity

Our focus is on helping every student grow in confidence, technical ability, and professional readiness.

Special Features

This course offers more than classroom learning. You may have opportunities to take part in:

• Employer talks and industry visits
• Work-related learning and live client projects
• Team challenges, competitions, and showcases
• Portfolio building for university or job applications

You will leave with real skills, real experience, and real opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Students are encouraged to develop entrepreneurial projects and business ideas alongside core IT skills, supported by work-based learning and employer engagement to enhance employability within Northern Ireland’s growing digital economy.

Learning takes place through in-person teaching, practical workshops, and real-world theory, supported by interactive e-learning resources for independent revision outside of class. Students also receive access to free Microsoft software for home use.

Depending on campus availability, you may have the opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise NI Start Up Programme, where you will create and run a real student business, trade at local markets, and enter enterprise competitions during Year 2.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma provides clear progression to Higher Education or employment in the IT sector.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is designed to reflect how skills are used in the real IT industry, combining theory with practical and project-based learning.

Across the two years, you will be assessed through a mixture of:

• Written examinations to test understanding of key IT concepts
• Practical examinations involving real computing tasks using industry-standard software
• Coursework assignments and projects where you design, create, test, and evaluate digital solutions
• Presentations and portfolio development demonstrating technical, creative, and professional skills

This balanced approach ensures you build evidence of achievement over time while developing the confidence, independence, and problem-solving ability needed for further study or employment.

Please note, successful completion of all units is required to be awarded the overall qualification at the end of the two years.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSEs grade C or above (Maths and English desirable), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma with Merit Grades will be required.  If the course is oversubscribed preference will be given to applicants with more than 5 GCSE grade C or above including English and Mathematics.

Progression

Successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma can lead to:

• University degrees in Computing, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Games Development, Digital Media, and related fields
• Higher Education courses such as Foundation Degrees or Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
• Higher-level apprenticeships within the IT and digital sector.
• Direct entry into junior IT roles across a wide range of industries

Discover our range of Higher Education Computing courses at Northern Regional College, including Foundation Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships, designed to help you take the next step in your tech career. (Link to Computing HE Courses)

The qualification is widely recognised by universities and employers, providing a strong foundation for future study or career progression.

Career Options

This course prepares you for a variety of in-demand digital careers, including:

• IT Support Technician
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Software or App Developer
• Web Designer or Web Developer
• Network Technician or Systems Administrator
• Games Developer or Digital Designer
• Data Analyst or Database Administrator
• Cloud or Infrastructure Technician

The technical, creative, and professional skills developed throughout the course support long-term progression within the modern digital economy.