IT and Computing

You will learn to design algorithms, use logical reasoning to debug errors, create programmes, and understand the differences between data and information.

Your progression route

Select a level to see entry requirements.

The IT and Computing industry is a strong employer in the South East, so you’re well placed for job opportunities, work experience, and career prospects.

Through practical, hands-on exercises using the latest equipment, you will build an understanding of different operating systems and learn to evaluate the quality of various solutions when recommending improvements.

You’ll also have the opportunity to gain industry insights and experience through employer visits and projects set by external mentors. Past students have gained experience in programming VEX robots, inspiring local school children in the use of Raspberry Pi computers, and the use of Lego Mindstorm, as well as enjoying guest lectures and cyber-security curriculum design from IBM.

At Activate Learning colleges, you can progress all the way to a university-level qualification. Our Level 2 IT course will give you the opportunity to explore website development, software development, data analysis and cyber security. You’ll work on digital projects and develop your problem-solving and technical skills, while also building your English and maths skills. It’s a great foundation for progressing to further study, an apprenticeship or a career in IT and the wider digital sector.

Our Digital T-levels focus on the digital industry and aim to give you the essential knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to any digital occupation. You’ll be able to put everything you have learnt into practice with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days. You’ll be given an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, gaining invaluable skills that employers are looking for:

Digital Software Development T Level: combines classroom learning and an extended industry placement where you'll gain invaluable skills that employers are looking for. You could progress to roles such as: web developer, web designer, computer games developer, IT business analyst, software developer, app developer or digital marketer.

You might consider our new Digital Data Analytics T Level, taught at City of Oxford College, which focuses on the digital industry and aims to give you the essential knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to any digital occupation. You’ll learn about: Data and digital systems, how software and businesses interact, security and testing, planning and legal issues. You’ll also develop the knowledge and skills of a Data Technician.

Turn your passion for gaming into real skills

Love gaming and curious about how games are created? Our Games Development Level 2 course lets you explore the creative and technical side of the games industry, building skills in coding, game engines, level design, digital art, and 2D and 3D animation. You’ll work on practical projects and build the skills and confidence to progress to further study or explore a career in the games and digital industries.

View IT and Computing programmes
Foundation Business and ICT

Key growth areas within the IT and computing industry include social and digital media, data protection, cyber security, games design, website development, and cloud/mobile technologies.

The IT and Computing industry is a strong employer in South East England, with 22% more jobs than in
Great Britain overall in 2021. Mid-point hourly wages are also well above average at £21.19/hour, so you’ll will be well placed for job opportunities, work experience and career prospects.

In 2020, there was a 20% increase in job vacancies within this industry. Over the next five years, this is expected to triple!

Industry partnerships

Your progression route

Select a level to see entry requirements.

Wayne
Wayne, Computing Level 3 The teachers are supportive. If you go to them with a problem, they’ll help you but they also encourage you to work off your own initiative. It teaches you more responsibility but if you have a problem or a question, the help is there if you need it.  
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