BTEC Level 3 in Information Technology (Extended Certificate)

New from September 2025

Pearson

Year 12

Year 13

This course is equivalent in size to one A level. It comprises of four mandatory units, of which, two are externally examined. The Extended Certificate is for students who are interested in learning about the Information Technology sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in Information Technology-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes A Levels.

Units of Study

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems.  EXTERNAL EXAM

• Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks. EXTERNAL EXAM

• Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose. INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

• Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS). INTERNAL ASSESSMENT

What does this qualification cover?

The objective of this qualification is that it allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution.

 This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.

Links Well With:

BTEC IT links particularly well with Business, Mathematics and Physics

Progression Routes:

Web designer, Computer analyst, Graphic designer, Business Manager, IT Apprenticeship, Cyber Security

Entry Requirements:

GCSE average point score of Grade 5 or above or merit or above in Level 2 iMedia.