Pearson BTEC International Level 3

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Information Technology

A practical, unit-based Level 3 route into university or the IT industry. Study web development, cyber security, cloud, AI and more, and choose the size that fits your plans.

Apply now Explore the units
qualification sizes
5
units to choose from
25
guided learning hours
180 to 1080
collaboration on content
Microsoft

Overview

Study IT the way the industry uses it

The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 qualifications in Information Technology are for learners who want to study IT and then move on to higher education or work in the IT industry.

You learn through projects and practical tasks rather than a single final exam. Mandatory units give everyone a solid base in IT systems and website development, and a wide choice of optional units lets you move towards programming, cyber security, cloud, data, games, mobile apps or emerging technologies such as AI.

The qualifications come in five sizes, so you can study IT as your main subject or alongside other courses.

Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Information Technologycomputer-lab.webp

  • Recognised for progression

    Pearson says BTEC International Level 3 qualifications are recognised by governments, industry and higher education, and that over 100,000 BTEC learners apply to university every year.

  • Learn by doing

    Flexible units and project-based assessment build practical, interpersonal and thinking skills as well as subject knowledge.

  • Start small, move up

    The structures are designed so a learner who starts with the smallest size can progress to a larger one.

  • Built with Microsoft

    Content was developed in collaboration with Microsoft, and several units partly align with Azure fundamentals certification objectives.

Qualification sizes

Choose the size that fits your plans

All five sizes share the same units, so you can move between them. Select a size to see what it involves.

Certificate

A basic introduction to IT to study alongside other vocational or general qualifications, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education and job opportunities, not necessarily in IT.

Study pattern
Studied alongside other subjects
Units
1 mandatory unit (120 GLH) plus 1 optional unit (60 GLH)
Grades
P to D*
See the units for this size

Units

Units you can study

GLH means guided learning hours. Pick a size to see which units are mandatory and which are optional for it.

Unit Title GLH Assessed Status
1 Information Technology Systems: Strategy, Management and Infrastructure How hardware, software and users work together in an IT system, and how systems serve organisations locally and globally. 120 Set assignment
2 Creating Systems to Manage Information Design, build, test and evaluate a relational database. 90 Internal
3 Using Social Media in Business How businesses use social media to promote products and services, and how to plan a campaign. 90 Internal
4 Programming The concepts behind programming languages, and writing your own programs. 90 Internal
5 Data Modelling Using data models to solve problems: design, build and test a model. 60 Internal
6 Website Development Website design principles, then design and build a working website. 60 Set assignment
7 Mobile Apps Development Investigate mobile apps, then design and develop one. 60 Internal
8 Computer Games Development The games industry and its impact on technology, then design and build a game. 60 Internal
9 IT Project Management Project management principles and methods, applied to plan an IT project. 90 Internal
10 Big Data and Business Analytics How organisations use data and models to make decisions. 60 Internal
11 Cyber Security and Incident Management Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities, how systems are protected, and how incidents are managed. 120 Set assignment
12 IT Technical Support and Management Supporting and managing IT systems and carrying out support tasks. 60 Internal
13 Software Testing Testing methods used in commercial software, and planning and running tests. 60 Internal
14 Customising and Integrating Applications Customising and joining up applications to meet a user need. 60 Internal
15 Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools Cloud technologies for storing and sharing data and working together online. 60 Internal
16 Digital 2D and 3D Graphics Purpose and features of digital graphics, and creating them with industry software. 60 Internal
17 Digital Animation and Effects Purpose and features of animation and effects, and producing your own. 60 Internal
18 The Internet of Things The systems and services that make up the Internet of Things (IoT). 60 Internal
19 Enterprise in IT The skills and attributes needed to develop an IT product or service. 60 Internal
20 Business Process Modelling Tools How business processes link to an organisation's aims, and modelling them with tools. 60 Internal
21 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications of AI and how it can be used. 60 Internal
22 Introduction to Robotics and Automation Applications of robotics and automation. 60 Internal
23 Emerging Trends and Technologies Current computing technologies and how to interact with them. 60 Internal
24 Technical Fundamentals for Computing Professionals Core knowledge and skills for working effectively in computing. 60 Internal
25 Full Stack Development Front-end and back-end development used to solve computing problems. 60 Internal

Assessment and grading

How you are assessed

Every unit is assessed internally by your teachers, with extra controls on the mandatory units.

  • Pearson Set Assignments

    Units 1, 6 and 11 use an assignment set by Pearson and marked by your teachers. It has an advised time of 20 hours, is completed on a computer, and resits are allowed during the programme.

  • Internal assignments

    For the other units your centre picks the assessment style: research write-ups, case studies, projects with your own choice of direction, or demonstrating practical skills. Pearson supplies an Authorised Assignment Brief.

  • Graded unit by unit

    Each unit is graded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Unclassified. Bigger units count for more, so a 120 GLH unit counts double a 60 GLH unit toward your final grade.

  • Quality checked

    All units are subject to external standards verification, which keeps standards consistent between centres.

Grade scale

Unit gradesD, M, P, U
Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation DiplomaP to D*
DiplomaPP to D*D*
Extended DiplomaPPP to D*D*D*

Entry requirements

Who can join

There are no formal entry requirements, but you should have qualifications at or equivalent to Level 2. You are most likely to succeed with:

  • Five International GCSEs at good grades, and/or
  • BTEC qualifications at Level 2, or
  • Other suitable qualifications or achievement in core subjects at Year 11 or age 16.
  • Relevant work experience or an aptitude shown through diagnostic tests can also show you are ready.
  • If you study in English, Pearson recommends at least level B2 of the Common European Framework or a Pearson Global Scale of English score of 51.

Admission is decided by the centre that delivers the course. Talk to an advisor to check your starting point.

Progression

Where it can take you

The qualification supports progression to higher education and to apprenticeships and entry-level jobs.

Continue to higher education

  • HN in Computing
  • HN in Digital Technologies
  • HN in Cloud Computing
  • HNC in Interactive Media
  • FdSc in Business Computing
  • HND in Engineering
  • BSc (Hons) in Information Management for Business
  • BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance

Start your career

  • Software Developer
  • Web or Content Developer
  • Mobile App Designer
  • Games Designer
  • Programmer
  • IT or Business Analysis Support
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Cloud Architect

Always check the entry requirements of the university or employer you are aiming for.

Industry links

Built with industry

Pearson developed the content with employers, universities and professional bodies.

  • Microsoft Azure fundamentals

    Units 1, 10 and 15 partly align with the objectives of the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Azure Fundamentals certifications.

  • Microsoft Computer Science Curriculum

    Units 21 to 25 cover AI, robotics and automation, emerging technologies, technical fundamentals and full stack development.

  • Employability skills

    Units build problem-solving, teamwork, communication, self-management and resilience, the skills employers and universities look for.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the BTEC International Level 3 in Information Technology?

It is a Pearson qualification for learners who want to study IT and then continue to higher education or start work in the IT industry. It comes in five sizes: Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma.

Which size should I choose?

It depends on the rest of your programme. The Diploma or Extended Diploma suit learners who want IT as their main subject. The Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma suit learners who combine IT with other qualifications, or who study part time while working. The Extended Diploma is the best fit if you already know you want to work in IT.

Is it assessed by exams?

All units are assessed internally. Units 1, 6 and 11 use Pearson Set Assignments, which Pearson sets and your teachers mark. The other units use assignments chosen by your centre.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements, but you are expected to have Level 2 qualifications or equivalent, such as International GCSEs or a BTEC Level 2. Learners studying in English should have at least B2 on the Common European Framework.

Can I go to university with this qualification?

Yes. Pearson states the qualifications are recognised by higher education institutions as meeting admission requirements for many IT courses, such as an HN in Computing. Check the requirements of your chosen university.

Do I get a Microsoft certification?

No. Some units partly align with Microsoft Azure fundamentals exam objectives, which helps if you later decide to take those certification exams separately.

Can I move up to a bigger qualification?

Yes. The qualifications share units and are designed so a learner who starts with the smallest size can progress to a larger one.

Talk to a course advisor

Tell us a little about yourself and an advisor will help you choose the right size and start your application.

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