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Computing Level 3 Extended Certificate (equivalent to 1 A Level)

Long Road Sixth Form College

Long Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 8PX

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Information and Communication Technology

Available start dates

Thursday, 03 September 2026

Long Road Sixth Form College

2 Year(s)

Part of a full time programme

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

Our Level 3 Extended Certificate in Computing provides a practical and applied way of learning about Computer Science, IT security and the Games Industry. This course will prepare you for progression into a wide range of pathways at university, apprenticeships, and employment.

This course is available to study as an Extended Certificate (60-credit course, equivalent to 1 A Level).

Within the course you will discover the core principles that underpin all areas of computer science and develop computational-thinking and coding skills which will be put to the test as you solve problems. You will deepen your knowledge by studying the fundamental principles of how computer systems work, including the role of hardware and software, the way components of a system work together and how data in a system is used.

With the ever-growing importance of IT security, we will give you relevant and contemporary knowledge about IT system security threats, methods used to protect against them and data encryption.

Ever fancied yourself as a professional gamer? You will have the chance to investigate the computer games industry, its impact on technological and social trends and to design and develop a computer game using one of the main game engines.

Former students have successfully progressed to study university courses in specific areas, such as Computer Science, Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, Computer Games Development and Mechanical Engineering. Others have joined local organisations for their apprenticeship schemes, including the companies AstraZeneca and Amazon. Whatever progression route you choose, this course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to follow a career path in the Computing and IT industry.

Course Details

Year 1 Modules

Principles of Computer Science

IT Systems Security and Encryption

Year 2 Modules

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Computer Games Development

How will it be delivered and assessed?

66% Exam

34% Coursework

Exam Board: Edexcel

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:

Grade 5 in GCSE Maths

Grade 5 in GCSE Computing if taken

Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature

Your next steps...

Students who have progressed onto Higher Education courses focused in specific areas such as:

Computer Science

Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity

Computer Games Development

Mechanical Engineering

Whatever progression route you choose, this course will give you the skills and knowledge needed to follow a career path in the Computing and IT industry.

Additional information

https://www.longroad.ac.uk/page/?title=Computing+Level+3+Applied&pid=103

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