Level 3 AAQ in Information Technology (Extended Certificate)

The Level 3 AAQ in Information Technology (Extended Certificate), equivalent to half an A Level in size, provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the digital sector in order to progress into the sector through degree or degree apprenticeship pathways. It also allows for progression onto degree programmes with significant IT content, which is the case in many sectors. 

This course can be studied as a discrete one year programme alongside GCSE resits or, as part of a two or three A-Level equivalent study programme. This will include the AAQ in Computer Science plus a complimentary A-Level.

You will develop the ability to apply digital concepts to different sectors which is beneficial to the analytical approach included in many degrees. The ability to take personal responsibility and written communication skills will develop students’ ability to manage their own work and independently create extended writing tasks which is a good foundation for academic success.

You need five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C).

You must have achieved at least a grade 3 in Maths and a grade 4 in English.

The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives and sector experts to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in, higher education. The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics: 

• Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems 

• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks 

• Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose

 • Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS).

What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies? 

Students will develop the following knowledge and skills: 

• Knowledge of digital technologies and how organisations plan digital projects and follow a project lifecycle

 • Understanding of organisation structures and processes and how to embed digital safety to keep data and assets secure

• Transferable skills such as creativity and innovation, written communications, critical thinking and taking personal responsibility.

• Technical skills to: 

o design and build a website to meet user requirements using relevant tools and techniques, including testing for usability, functionality and fitness for purpose 

o follow a design methodology to create and develop a database design to meet user requirements, including testing the solution.

You will be studying theoretical and practical elements of the course in classrooms onsite. Opportunities will be embedded on the course to engage with employers via webinars or face to face. 

• All resources required for this course are provided. You will be expected to have access to IT to further your study away from college.

You will be assessed internally and externally as follows:

Unit 1 – Information Technology Systems;

• An external examination set and marked by Pearson
• 90 marks
• Assessment Availability: January and June

Unit 2 – Cyber Security and Incident Management:

• An external examination set and marked by Pearson
• 90 marks
• Available January and June

Unit 3 – Website Development (Internal)

• Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit (PSAB)
• The PSAB will take approximately 20 hours to complete, and consists of 3 tasks
• The PSAB will be marked by your teachers and verified by Pearson

Unit 4 – Relational Database Design (Internal) 

• Pearson sets the assignment for the assessment of this unit.
• The PSAB will take approximately 36 hours to complete and consists of 2 tasks
• The PSAB will be marked by your teachers and verified by Pearson

This qualification is perfect for moving into higher education onto our HTQ in Software Development or continuing in further education on a T-Level.

Where you have yet to decide which university and/or degree you wish to progress to, it is worth asking your main recruiting universities for their views on your proposed combination or contact careers team for further information. 

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk