The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in
Computing (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ)
designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Digital sector and aiming
to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to
develop their applied knowledge and skills in Computing as part of a study
programme alongside two A Levels.
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Computing Extended Certificate AAQ
Level 3 - Advanced
Computing Extended Certificate AAQ
The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topic
areas: Unit 1: Programming Fundamentals – Computing concepts and
their application through programming and design methodologies Unit 2: Computer Network Security and Encryption – Types and
origins of security threats, relevant regulations, methods and tools to detect
and prevent threats, and concepts Unit 3: Human-Computer Interaction – User experience (UX)
and user interface (UI) design principles and their application in creating
interfaces; key principles of HCI design, including meeting diverse needs of
users Unit 4: Practical Programming – Principles of computer
science related to software development and their application in developing and
managing a software solution.
and algorithms of encryption
Location
Entry
Fees
When
Sutton Coldfield College
01-09-2025
Free*
TBC
* Courses are free for 16-18s. Students aged 19 or over could be charged fees and is subject to a fee assessment. Learners on benefits in the majority of cases courses are also free. Fee assessments are completed at enrolment.
Course Length: 35 Weeks
Minimum Entry Criteria of 5 x Grade 4s at GCSE including Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English Language.
66% of the total qualification GLH is made up of external assessment.
Unit 1 and Unit 2 are both assessed with a 90 mark external examination set and marked by Pearson.
This qualification can lead to progression onto a number of degree programmes including, but not limited to: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, AI, IT, Information Systems, Network Engineering, Games Development, Web Development and Digital Media.