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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
Available start dates
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
For more courses like this, check our courses page.