The AAQ Level 3 in IT, Computing and Game Development is a two-year, Alternative Academic Qualification designed for students with a strong interest in technology, computing, and digital creativity. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, making it an excellent pathway to university-level study.
This course blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills, preparing learners for progression to degrees in computing, IT, business, and games-related disciplines. Students will explore core areas such as programming and IT systems alongside specialist topics including cyber security, game development, animation, and digital media.
Assessment is through a combination of externally assessed exams and internally assessed practical coursework, offering a balanced and realistic academic experience. The qualification is awarded by Pearson (BTEC).
Throughout the course, you will study a broad range of units, including:
On successful completion, students will achieve one or more of the following Pearson qualifications:
This course provides a strong foundation for progression to a wide range of university degree programmes, including:
Students may also progress into higher-level apprenticeships or further specialist study in computing and digital technologies.
If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.
All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.
Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20
If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn.
Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study. Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.
For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.
If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.
You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.
It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.
Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.
You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:
All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.
Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list. You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.
For further information click here.
For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here.