Computing with Software Engineering – Level 3

Required qualifications

For the Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma you will need 4 GCSE’s at a Grade 4 or above (including your maths and English).

What skills will I develop?

Our course offers you a pathway into this exciting career. You will learn skills and knowledge in being able to network computers, troubleshoot and repair problems, write your own programme, coding, make your own website, build and maintain database systems and very importantly, identify security issues and know how to keep your systems safe and secure.

Careers

Once you have completed the Extended Diploma you may want to consider University. We offer a Foundation Degree in Computer Science here at South Staffordshire College which works in collaboration with Staffordshire University but at a lower price! Or, you could go directly to a university of your choice for a specific degree. You could move into an apprenticeship, again offered by South Staffordshire College, or you could gain employment.

Following successful completion of a level 3 or apprenticeship, you could start your career as a Trainee IT Technician, Junior .Net Developer, Computer Engineer, Computer Repair Technician, Graphics Designer, Data Analyst to name just a few with an average wage of between £20,000 – £30,000

Work experience

Our dedicated work experience team are here to help and support you in finding a meaningful work experience opportunity.

Recent studies have shown that employers consider work experience to be extremely desirable. Whilst qualifications are hugely important, employers also require candidates to have skills and experience necessary for the workplace.

Preparing you for the working world is very important to us, so that you may be successful in your next step.

Work experience placements provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills; have a better understanding of the industry you want to work in and give you an insight into what it is like to be employed. They can also be great fun and very rewarding and you may even be offered a great reference, a part–time job, holiday working hours, apprenticeships or full-time jobs.

Once you start your course you will be provided with further information about work experience programmes, but it is never too early for you to start thinking about work experience placements and finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity.

Work experience is an opportunity for you to gain experience in your chosen career path in order to develop relevant skills. Equally, it also helps you to acquire employability skills, attitudes and behaviours that are essential for future employment. There will be an opportunity for you to reflect on your performance during work experience and you will receive some form of reference/feedback from the employer.

English and maths

If you have not achieved your intended grade for maths and English, you will have the opportunity to continue studying these at the college. You will also be developing these skills within your study programme.