Computing - Level 3 (Extended Diploma)

A Level 3 qualification in Computer Science offers access to one of the fastest growing and best paid career sectors.

Computer science skills are also in demand far beyond the tech industry. Over half of tech professionals now work in non-tech sectors including healthcare, finance, logistics, retail, legal services, creative media, and education because organisations everywhere rely on data analytics, automation, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity expertise.

Do you want an insight into current and future business activity from both a theoretical and practical perspective? If so, this course is for you.

What will I study?

This is a two year programme, during which you will study the following topics:

• Programming, Algorithms & Data Structures
• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Systems Security & Encryption
• Graphics & Animation
• Website Development

• Business Applications of Social Media

• Software Design & Development

• Project Planning & Management
• Database Design
• Games Development
• Computer Networks
• Virtualisation (& Cloud Computing)

This is a demanding course and requires commitment to spend around 15 hours per week self-study outside of classroom sessions.

We strive to offer places to all genuine applicants on Computing courses at both our King's Lynn and Wisbech sites. However, to ensure a place is available to all applicants (at the level of study suited to them), we may have to confirm the alternative campus for their choice of study, where 'home to college' travel distances would otherwise exclude some learners.

The qualification also enables excellent long term progression.

Many careers offer rapid advancement into leadership and specialist roles, supported by continuous innovation in fields such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain.

Two of the first year modules are examined. All other modules are assessed via coursework (a range of technical reports and project based work).

Coursework will be either externally or internally assessed.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

BTEC extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit, distinction or distinction star (with distinction star being the highest grade) with the overall grade being a combination of three grades which represent an aggregation of your performance on mandatory and optional units on the course.

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a BTEC extended diploma:

| BTEC grade | UCAS Points |
| --- | --- |
| DDD* | 168 |
| DDD | 160 |
| D*DD | 152 |
| DDD | 144 |
| DDM | 128 |
| DMM | 112 |
| MMM | 96 |
| MMP | 80 |
| MPP | 64 |
| PPP | 48 |

Depending on your circumstances, you may study a smaller qualification, such as a subsidiary diploma (for example, if you only complete one year) or general diploma which may carry less UCAS tariff points.

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.

You will need:

• 5 or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher, including English and maths

Or:

• A Merit or higher in a full level 2 computing qualification studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 2 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs.
• GCSE grade 4 or higher in English and maths

https://cwa.ac.uk/courses/computing-games-design-and-it/bsc-hons-applied-computer-science

Computer Science provides a wide range of opportunities across software development, data engineering, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and many emerging specialisms. Roles such as Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Python Developer, and Computer Vision Engineer offer strong starting salaries well above national averages, with highlevel positions like Cloud Architect or AI Engineer reaching sixfigure earnings.