Information Technology/Computing - Level 3 Extended Diploma
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
1 September 2025
4 June 2027
Location
Coleraine
Interview Required?
Yes
To provide students with a nationally recognised qualification in the fields of Computing which meets the needs of employees and employers. The course is a two-year full-time programme carrying UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A Levels.
This course has been designed to give students the opportunity to learn the technical and practical skills within the main areas of the Computing industry.
This course is ideally suited for those students seeking a career in Computing and IT industries whether that be in Cyber, Hardware, Software Development, Networking, Web Development. Some examples of units include:
Additionally, students will also work towards Professional Qualifications from the Microsoft Office Specialist programme and optionally may undertake Microsoft Certification.
If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.
This course encourages students to be entrepreneurial and develop projects and business ideas alongside developing IT skills. In year one students will work with an employer to solve an IT issue as part of project based learning. In year two students will complete Young Enterprise NI and develop a business start-up idea. Mentoring and support will be provided through lecturers, employers, Entrepreneurial Hub and other stakeholders. Students will complete the Generation Innovation programme with Catalyst to develop skills and support them in their projects. Opportunities are available for work-based-learning with organisations such as Kainos. This develops students’ IT skills and enhances their employability by developing independent thinking, problem solving and strong communication skills.
This course is supported by e-learning using the college DLE. Students gain a wide range of computing experience with theory combined with practical workshops to enhance the student learning experience.
To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home. This includes Software Development, Web Development and the latest Microsoft Operating Systems.
This programme offers students progression to higher Education or to employment.
All units are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment using a range of assignments, projects and practical exercises and examinations.
Successful completion of this course will enable students to access a variety of higher-level courses such as Honour Degrees, our own Foundation Degrees in Computing (validated by Ulster University) or HND/Cs in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Business Information Technology (BIT). Alternatively, the qualification may enable students to gain entry to a variety of careers in industry.
Examples of Colleges/Universities that past students have progressed to include: Northern Regional College, Ulster University (Coleraine, Jordanstown & Magee Campuses), Bradford University, Dundee University and University of Caledonia.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSEs grade C or above (Maths and English desirable), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma with Merit Grades will be required. If the course is oversubscribed preference will be given to applicants with more than 5 GCSE grade C or above including English and Mathematics.
This course is free of charge.
Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:
Level 3 Further Education (full-time)
There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.
If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.
If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.
Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
Applications are closed. To register your interest email Admissions.
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To provide students with a nationally recognised qualification in the fields of Computing which meets the needs of employees and employers. The course is a two-year full-time programme carrying UCAS tariff points equivalent to three A Levels.
This course has been designed to give students the opportunity to learn the technical and practical skills within the main areas of the Computing industry.
This course encourages students to be entrepreneurial and develop projects and business ideas alongside developing IT skills. In year one students will work with an employer to solve an IT issue as part of project based learning. In year two students will complete Young Enterprise NI and develop a business start-up idea. Mentoring and support will be provided through lecturers, employers, Entrepreneurial Hub and other stakeholders. Students will complete the Generation Innovation programme with Catalyst to develop skills and support them in their projects. Opportunities are available for work-based-learning with organisations such as Kainos. This develops students’ IT skills and enhances their employability by developing independent thinking, problem solving and strong communication skills.
This course is supported by e-learning using the college DLE. Students gain a wide range of computing experience with theory combined with practical workshops to enhance the student learning experience.
To facilitate students learning in their own time, students are entitled to free Microsoft software for use at home. This includes Software Development, Web Development and the latest Microsoft Operating Systems.
This programme offers students progression to higher Education or to employment.
All units are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment using a range of assignments, projects and practical exercises and examinations.
This course is ideally suited for those students seeking a career in Computing and IT industries whether that be in Cyber, Hardware, Software Development, Networking, Web Development. Some examples of units include:
Additionally, students will also work towards Professional Qualifications from the Microsoft Office Specialist programme and optionally may undertake Microsoft Certification.
If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.
Successful completion of this course will enable students to access a variety of higher-level courses such as Honour Degrees, our own Foundation Degrees in Computing (validated by Ulster University) or HND/Cs in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Business Information Technology (BIT). Alternatively, the qualification may enable students to gain entry to a variety of careers in industry.
Examples of Colleges/Universities that past students have progressed to include: Northern Regional College, Ulster University (Coleraine, Jordanstown & Magee Campuses), Bradford University, Dundee University and University of Caledonia.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSEs grade C or above (Maths and English desirable), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma with Merit Grades will be required. If the course is oversubscribed preference will be given to applicants with more than 5 GCSE grade C or above including English and Mathematics.
Course Fees
This course is free of charge.
Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:
Level 3 Further Education (full-time)
There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.
If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.
If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.
Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
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