Computing, Cyber Security or Data Analytics Level 3

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This course is designed to help students prepare for university or higher apprenticeships. You will choose one pathway in either Computing, Data Analytics or Cyber Security and will gain an extended certificate, which is the equivalent of one A-level. You will study this alongside two other A-level subjects.

You will chose one of the following three pathways:

1. Computing

  • Build Powerful Digital Skills – Learn how software really works by mastering programming, algorithms, and problem-solving.
  • Create User-Centred Designs – Design intuitive, accessible apps using UX research, wireframes, and prototypes.
  • Think Like a Developer – Develop, test, and refine real solutions using professional coding and design practices.

2. Data Analytics

  • Turn Data into Insight – Explore how data is collected, cleaned, and analysed to reveal meaningful patterns.
  • Model Real-World Scenarios – Use advanced spreadsheets to forecast outcomes, test ideas, and support decisions.
  • Make Data-Driven Decisions – Visualise results, interpret findings, and communicate insights like a professional analyst.

3. Cyber Security

  • Understand Digital Threats – Learn how cyber attacks happen and why security is critical in today’s world.
  • Defend Systems Effectively – Identify risks, strengthen defences, and plan responses to real-world threats.
  • Build Security Confidence – Apply practical skills to protect systems and think like a cyber security specialist.

Required Entry Qualifications

All students need to obtain a strong GCSE grade profile, averaging 6 x Grade 6s. You must also have passed maths and English Language at Grade 6 or above.

If you don’t meet this profile, please still come to one of our enrolment events to discuss all of your options with a member of our A-level team.

You will be demonstrate your understanding using both internal and external assessment methods.

Our teachers are ambitious, talented and passionate about making your experience at college the very best it can be. They are members of Dynamo North East and have up to date industry experience to share with you and the energy and enthusiasm to help you to get where you need to be.

All A-level students will undertake an work experience placement so if you’re interested in this field, you will be given opportunities to take part in an industry placement that will enhance your CV and give you the employment edge. You can apply and go through an interview process to mirror industry practices.

Our Digital Technology curriculum is reviewed by a range of employers to ensure that you will develop the skills required to work in the digital industry.

Employers include:

  • Proto
  • Sunderland Software City
  • Hedgehog Lab
  • Enigma Interactive
  • DevAcademy
  • Tombola
  • Geek Talent

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN COMPUTING, CYBER SECURITY OR DATA ANALYTICS LEVEL 3?

  • IT Business Analysts, Architects and Systems Designers
  • Data Analysts
  • Cyber Security Professionals

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary
£49,429

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary
£38,225

Average Qualifications
Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

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Knowledge

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Median Salary
£52,260

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Pathways

Information and Communication Technology
People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.
Business Management
People in these occupations manage organisations and operations, formulate business strategies, and consult on policy.

Pathways

Information and Communication Technology
People in these occupations manage and analyze technical information and communication systems, provide user support, and plan, build, and test applications and systems.
Business Management
People in these occupations manage organisations and operations, formulate business strategies, and consult on policy.

Skills

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
View More About This Career

Skills

Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
View More About This Career

Skills

Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
View More About This Career
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