Computing - Level 3 (Extended Diploma)

What will I study?

This is a two year programme, during which you will study the following topics:

• Programming, Algorithms & Data Structures
• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Systems Security & Encryption
• Graphics & Animation
• Website Development

• Business Applications of Social Media

• Software Design & Development
• Project Planning & Management
• Database Design
• Games Development
• Computer Networks
• Virtualisation (& Cloud Computing)

This is a demanding course and requires commitment to spend around 15 hours per week self-study outside of classroom sessions.

We strive to offer places to all genuine applicants on Computing courses at both our King's Lynn and Wisbech sites. However, to ensure a place is available to all applicants (at the level of study suited to them), we may have to confirm the alternative campus for their choice of study, where 'home to college' travel distances would otherwise exclude some learners.

The qualification also enables excellent long term progression.

Many careers offer rapid advancement into leadership and specialist roles, supported by continuous innovation in fields such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain.

You will need:

• 5 or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher, including English and maths

Or:

• A Merit or higher in a full level 2 computing qualification studied at CWA or another further education provider. This does not include level 2 courses studied at school alongside GCSEs.
• GCSE grade 4 or higher in English and maths

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

What can I do after this course at CWA?

https://cwa.ac.uk/courses/computing-games-design-and-it/bsc-hons-applied-computer-science

Computer Science provides a wide range of opportunities across software development, data engineering, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and many emerging specialisms. Roles such as Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Python Developer, and Computer Vision Engineer offer strong starting salaries well above national averages, with highlevel positions like Cloud Architect or AI Engineer reaching sixfigure earnings.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£8,550

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Computing (Level 3)

How is my course assessed?

Two of the first year modules are examined. All other modules are assessed via coursework (a range of technical reports and project based work).

Coursework will be either externally or internally assessed.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

BTEC extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit, distinction or distinction star (with distinction star being the highest grade) with the overall grade being a combination of three grades which represent an aggregation of your performance on mandatory and optional units on the course.

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a BTEC extended diploma:

BTEC grade	UCAS Points
DDD*	168
DDD	160
D*DD	152
DDD	144
DDM	128
DMM	112
MMM	96
MMP	80
MPP	64
PPP	48

Depending on your circumstances, you may study a smaller qualification, such as a subsidiary diploma (for example, if you only complete one year) or general diploma which may carry less UCAS tariff points.

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.