L3 National Foundation Diploma in Computing - St Albans - Full L3

Mode of study

Full Time

Start date

08/09/2025

Entry requirements

A minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including maths and English or a full Level 2 with a merit profile and grades 9 - 4 in English & maths.

Teaching staff

Oaklands College has a team of highly qualified ICT teachers. All are experts in Microsoft software, as well as networking, programming and hardware installation. Most have come from the ICT and business industry and have a wealth of experience to share with you. They are supportive and motivational tutors who will do their best to make your time at Oaklands enjoyable, interesting and an excellent learning experience. You will also receive support in finding employment or a university place of your choosing.

Course Code

FD3ITS1F/1

Duration

1-Year

Location

St Albans Campus

Awarding body

Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed and externally verified coursework. There are no exams. You must pass all the units to achieve the qualifications; your overall grade will be determined by the average of all units studied.

About the course

This specialist IT programme provides content and structures that helps you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to work as a professional in the IT sector or progress to further study in the sector. You will undertake the National Foundation Diploma in the first year progressing onto the Extended Diploma in the second year. The course is designed to introduce you to a wide range of computing disciplines, giving you the opportunity to learn skills and practices in computer science and systems, website development, mobile apps development, computer games development, networks and social media for business.

Career options

If successful, you can progress onto further study at Foundation Degree or Degree level. Some of our previous learners went on to study, IT and Business, Robotics, Computer Science, Software Engineering and Software Systems for Art and Media Degree courses at universities around the country. This course can also lead to ICT employment.

Successful completion of your chosen course could lead onto a higher level course, university or into employment.

Potential careers:

Computer Games Designer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Database Administrator
Interactive Media Designer
IT Product Developer
IT Trainer
Network Manager
Software Developer/ Programmer
Systems Analyst
Technical Support Person
Web Designer/ Developer

Course Content - What will I learn?

Core units include: - Information Technology Systems - Creating Systems to Manage Information - Using Social Media in Business - Programming Specialist units may include: - Data Modelling - Website Development - Mobile Apps Development - Computer Games Development

Functional Skills: You will be taught a functional skill in either English, Mathematics or Information Technology.

Please contact us to find out if you require any specific equipment for this particular course.

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