IT – Multimedia Computing & Security – Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level: 3 | Duration: 2 Years | Details: September

What is this course about?
IT and Computing is an exciting and ever evolving subject, with a job market that is expected to grow exponentially over the next 10 years, and with Liverpool City Region having the second fastest growing Digital and Creative sector in the UK, it is an exciting time to get involved in the subject.

You will study a range of subjects enabling you to develop highly sought-after skills throughout different Multimedia and Computing careers including Game Development, Web Development, Software Development, Cyber Security, Technical Support and Project Management. You will have the opportunity to use and develop for current technologies, such as considering the impact of Virtual Reality and see Computing in action through trips and guest speakers.

What will I learn on this course?
During your two years on the course, you will have the opportunity to learn skills across a wide range of IT and Computing areas to improve your skills to design, create, and test a range of projects including key digital skills through practical projects.

You will be able to create interactive websites using the latest web technologies and be introduced to programming languages such as Python. You will also learn how to use digital graphics software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and software to be able to create 2D and 3D graphics. In Games Development you will examine game design techniques and combine your programming and creative skills to develop a game.

You will also develop your understanding of technical areas of the industry, these include learning how to maintain and upgrade computer systems, designing a secure computer network and understanding different cyber security threats, and how to protect a business from them.

You will discover the skills required to become a valued employee in the sector and learn transferable skills that will be important for your future career in IT by completing your assignments with work-based scenarios and focussing on skills such as teamwork, time management, and presenting your work.

Entry requirements:
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 9 – 4 including English and Maths.

What will this course lead on to?
By completing this qualification, you will put yourself in an excellent position to advance to a related higher education course at University our continue to study with us on our HND Computing and BSc Computer Science top-up degree.

This qualification is also highly valued by employers with many of our students opting to progress onto apprenticeships with local and national employers, recently including BT and KPMG.

How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed using a variety of assessment methods. For internally assessed work, themes will be used for assignment briefs to cover the assessment criteria for a range of units; these may include written reports, presentations, working in groups and creating products.

Enrichment Opportunities:
There are a variety of Enrichment activities that you can get involved in ran by the team including; competing in local and national competitions such as the Bebras Computing Challenge, Cyber Discovery and Cyber Centurion and also other academic enrichment activities including access to Cisco IT Essentials, Cisco CCNA and Adobe Certified Associate exams. We also run enrichment activities including Virtual Reality Club and Missing Map Mapathons.

Our students also enhance their studies by taking part in different trips including: EGX – UK’s largest computer game convention, National Media Museum and Bletchley Park – the home of the codebreakers. We also organise international trips with our most recent one being to Disneyland Paris for Computing Live!

Any additional costs?
Standard course materials such as, pen, pencil, and paper will be needed. All students will have their own OneDrive cloud storage that will allow them to access work outside of the classroom. We use the most current software used in industry, but we ensure students will have access this for free when working from home. You will be required to pay for trips and visits.

What have previous students said about this course?
“I’ve learned a lot about computer hardware and components. Learning is well-paced. You are kept engaged and involved.”
Michael Abbott L3 IT

“The teachers are very welcoming and we are all treated as equals, and no question is a stupid question.”
Daniel McHutchinson L3 IT