Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai logosColeg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai logos

Key Details

  • Available at:
    Bangor (New Campus), Rhos-on-Sea, Dolgellau
  • Study Mode:
    Full-time
  • Course Length:

    1-2 year

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Are you interested in a career in IT? Could you benefit from a varied IT course, preparing you for a broad range of IT roles? This programme gives you knowledge and skills in many core areas of IT, and allows you to obtain a recognised Level 3 qualification. The Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Information Technology gives students the opportunity to study a subject that opens doors into many different industries.

If you're not sure what area of IT you want to work in, or if you want to gain a mixture of IT skills, this is the course for you. You will cover many specialist areas including web design and graphics, computer games development, application development, programming and cyber security.

Throughout the course, you will benefit from excellent facilities, including well equipped multimedia and hardware rooms, as well as dedicated IT facilities to aid your private study time.

There will also be opportunities to enhance your learning with guest speakers, group activities and trips. Students on the IT course also participate in projects such as Code Club, and have been involved in work with Snowdonia National Park creating QR codes. You will gain experience and knowledge in the practical uses of information technology, particularly database management systems, spreadsheets, presentation software, social media and website development.

The course has been recently updated and has been developed to enable students to build the technical skills and knowledge needed to work in the computer industry or to enable progression to higher education degree courses in information technology and related areas, such as digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks and security or creative computing.

Entry Criteria

In order to qualify for this course, you will need at least one of the following:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language and Maths
  • A relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit
  • Relevant industry experience

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Delivery

The course is delivered through a blend of the following:

  • Lectures
  • Workshops
  • Group work
  • Guest speakers
  • Virtual learning environment (MOODLE/Google Classroom)

Your programme will include a combination of:

  • Essential Skills qualifications and/or
  • GCSE resits and/or
  • The Welsh Baccalaureate
Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a blend of the following:

  • Written assignments
  • Observations
  • In-class tests
  • Verbal assessment
  • Projects

Progression

Because the course offers you a wide range of IT skills, you will have a variety of choices in education and employment. You could proceed onto a Higher Education course, such as:

  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) 3D Animation and Games Development
  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) Computing (Networking)
  • Foundation Degree (FdSc) Computing (Software Development)

You could also complete an apprenticeship in a number of computing contexts.

If you move directly into employment, you will be able to draw from any of the IT areas you have studied. You may also continue to develop by taking professional Microsoft or Cisco courses whilst you work.

Other details

Course type: Full-time (Further Education)

Level: 3

Programme Area:

  • Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development

The course is available bilingually at the following campuses/locations :

  • Dolgellau

Bilingual:

n/a

Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development

Learn more about this area and see our course level guide:

Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development

Student playing computer games