Level 3 National Diploma in IT - IT Professional

This useful and popular Information Technology course has a practical focus and will prepare you for employment in the IT industry or for further study.

Course Code: P10439
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Computing/Software Engineering/Networking
Why Study This Course

This 2-year programme is the equivalent to 2 A levels.

This useful and popular Information Technology course has a practical focus and will prepare you for employment in the IT industry or for further study, including progression onto the HE programmes such as HND.

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths. English at Grade D or above. 1 of the other GCSEs should be in a STEM subject area.

Or a Level 2 Technical Diploma in IT (Pass) plus Level 2 Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy.

An interview is required before enrolling on the programme and there will be a short entry test on the day of enrolment to ensure that you are ready for the course.

Modules studied in year 1 include:

Information Technology Systems  

  • Creating Systems to Manage Information
  • Information Technology Systems 
  • Using Social Media in Business
  • Website Development 

Upon successful completion you will progress on to year 2 of the programme where you will study further modules including         

  • Programming         
  • Cyber Security and Incident Management         
  • The Internet of Things.

In addition to the above units you will also work towards a Professional/ Personal Development qualification and will be involved in a range of activities, designed to improve employability within the IT sector.

You will be required to complete Essential Skills in Literacy if you do not have a GCSE grade C in English.

As a student you will typically be in class for a minimum of 17.5 hours per week

There is one formal, external examination (written paper) in this course and two of the units are assessed by controlled assessment.  Other units are assessed continuously throughout the two years using assignments and other practical assessment methods. At the end of two years all unit grades are totalled to give an overall grade for the qualification. If successful you can achieve any grade between D*D*, two distinction stars, and PP, two passes

You want to pursue a career in the IT industry in roles such as an ICT Support Technician or web developer.

How to design websites, write computer programs and understand the importance of cyber security.

The practical focus of this course and the industry standard computer suites.

Successful completion will enable you to apply for employment in this field or on to further study on one of our HE programmes.

Enquiries Information

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education