Computing Extended Diploma Level 3

You will learn new skills through lectures, demonstrations, e‑learning, private study, practical workshops, investigative work, case studies, guest speakers and group work.

5 GCSEs at grades 4/​C or above, including English, and a grade 6/​B in maths, or a relevant Level 2 Diploma at Merit or above.

Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/​C in GCSE maths or English, you’ll resit the exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.

Worried about your grades?

Whatever your results, we want to assure you that extenuating circumstances will be considered should you not have the grades indicated above. 

We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.

One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ​‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):

• Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks
• Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy /​too hard
• Incorporating English and maths GCSE resits in to your timetable if you don’t meet the grades you need
• One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well

Our course enquiries and admissions team are available remotely throughout this unprecedented period. They can be contacted at enquiries@​stamford.​ac.​uk should you have any further questions.

There are four externally set and marked assessments, two are written examinations and two are controlled assessments. The remaining assessments consist of internally set and marked assignments.

On successful completion of this course you can progress on to the HND in Computing and Information Systems at University Centre Stamford or other degrees at University. You could also enter employment as a:

• Web designer
• Network administrator
• Help-desk analyst
• Software developer
• Systems analyst
• Teacher

You will study a range of units including:

• Principles of Computer Science
• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Planning and Management of Computing Projects
• Software Design and Development
• IT Systems Security and Encryption
• Business Applications of Social Media
• The Impact of Computing
• Human Computer Intervention
• Computer Games Development
• Website Development
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Computer Networking
• Managing and Supporting Systems

You will have the opportunity to take part in external trips, such as Alton Towers, Bletchley Park Computer Museum and Amazon amongst others. You will meet a range of guest speakers from the industry to give you top tips for advancing your career in IT.