Computing and IT

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Computing and IT

Why Study Here

At Macclesfield College, our Computing courses have benefitted from extensive investment into our facilities. Our upgraded computing suite is equipped with the latest technology and software, providing an advanced learning environment that mirrors industry standards.

With access to excellent resources and expert instruction, you'll gain the skills and experience needed to excel in the rapidly changing world of computing. Join us and be at the forefront of technological innovation and development.

courses available in Computing and IT

Level 1: Computing and Information Technology

Overview

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What will I study?

Kickstart your future in IT & Digital Media! Are you ready to build your confidence, develop essential digital skills and prepare for an exciting future in the work of technology and media? This course gives you the foundations you need to succeed – whether you are interested in IT, digital design or creative media You will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:

Being Organised • Personal Progression Planning • Working with Others • Researching a Topic

Specialists units may include: Creating a Mood Board Recording Income and Expenditure Designing an Interactive Presentation Creating an Animation Shooting a Short Film Creating a storyboard Branding a product Creating a Spreadsheet to Solve Problems Creating a Website Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above. This course is perfect for creative thinkers, aspiring designers and digital innovators

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to apply to study the BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Information & Creative Technology

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need a minimum of 3 GCSEs of Grade 1 or above, including English and/or maths On successful completion of this course you will gain a BTEC Pearson Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Vocational Studies qualification

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year

Level 1: Computing and Information Technology

2025/2026

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Level 2: Information & Creative Technology

Overview

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What will I study?

Technology is everywhere and this course will equip you with the skills to understand, design and create in the digital world. Whether you are interested in app development, animation, web design or data management this course will give you the hands on experience to kick start your future in IT During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:

The Online World
Technology Systems
Build your Digital Portfolio

Specialist Units to Include:

Mobile Apps Development
Creating Digital Animation
Spreadsheet Development
Website Development

If you are passionate about technology and want to develop skills for a future in IT, this course is your first step towards an exciting and innovative career. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to a Level 3 course in IT, study an Apprenticeship or straight into the industry in a variety of roles.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs Grade 3 or above, to include English or maths, or a Level 1 qualification or equivalent On successful completion of this course you will gain a BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Information & Creative Technology qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Information & Creative Technology

2025/2026

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Level 3: Extended Diploma in IT – Games Development and Technology

Overview

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What will I study?

Technology is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it is gaming, coding, cybersecurity or digital design this course will equip you with the advanced skills you will need to thrive in the fast paced world of IT. During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to: Mandatory units:

Information Technology Systems
Creating Systems to Manage Information
Using Social Media in Business
Programming
IT Project Management
Cyber Security and Incident Management
IT Service Delivery

Specialist units may include:

Computer Games Development
Mobile Apps Development
Software Testing
Digital 2D and 3D Graphics
Software Testing
Digital Animation and Effects
IT Technical Support and Management

This course is perfect for tech savvy innovators, future developers and creative problem solvers looking to build a career in IT.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to study higher education at College or University. You could also study an Apprenticeship or straight into the industry in a variety of roles

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above, to include English and Maths, or a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject. On successful completion of this course you will gain a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology qualification. This qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and can attract a maximum of 168 UCAS points.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.

Level 3: Extended Diploma in IT – Games Development and Technology

2025/2026

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T Level in Digital Software Development

Overview

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What will I study?

Technology is evolving fast and this course will prepare you for a future in the digital industry by giving you the advanced skills and industry knowledge needed for a successful career in software development, coding and digital solutions. Through a mix of practical projects, industry placements and technical training, you’ll develop the skills to design, build and maintain digital systems—setting you up for skilled employment or further study in this exciting field What you will study:

Core principles of the digital industry, including business, data analysis and cybersecurity
Software design, testing & maintenance
Problem solving and defining user requirements
Collaboration & Digital Project Management
Work experience and industry visits to leading digital organisations
Practical projects to develop skills for skilled employment

This T Level qualification is designed for aspiring software developers, digital creators and tech innovators who want to make a real impact in the digital world. Whether you aim to go straight into skilled employment, an apprenticeship, or university, this course gives you the knowledge, experience and confidence to succeed.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll have a range of exciting opportunities to consider:

Progress to university or further higher education (HNC/HND) at Macclesfield College, building on your skills and knowledge.
Explore career pathways in sought after roles such as software engineer, web developer, data analyst or database administrator, where you can apply your expertise in the digital industry.
Undertake an Apprenticeship, gaining experience while continuing to develop your professional skills in the workplace.

This opens a world of possibilities to shape your future in the dynamic and ever evolving digital sector.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

You will need 5 GCSE’s (grade 4 and above) including maths and English. On successful completion of this programme, you will gain a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development. (Equivalent to 3 A Levels).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for 2 academic years.

T Level in Digital Software Development

2025/2026

apply now

Level 1: Computing and Information Technology
Level 2: Information & Creative Technology
Level 3: Extended Diploma in IT – Games Development and Technology
T Level in Digital Software Development

Level 1: Computing and Information Technology

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Being Organised • Personal Progression Planning • Working with Others • Researching a Topic

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to apply to study the BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Information & Creative Technology

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year

Level 1: Computing and Information Technology

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Information & Creative Technology

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

The Online World
Technology Systems
Build your Digital Portfolio

Specialist Units to Include:

Mobile Apps Development
Creating Digital Animation
Spreadsheet Development
Website Development

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to a Level 3 course in IT, study an Apprenticeship or straight into the industry in a variety of roles.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Information & Creative Technology

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Extended Diploma in IT – Games Development and Technology

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Information Technology Systems
Creating Systems to Manage Information
Using Social Media in Business
Programming
IT Project Management
Cyber Security and Incident Management
IT Service Delivery

Specialist units may include:

Computer Games Development
Mobile Apps Development
Software Testing
Digital 2D and 3D Graphics
Software Testing
Digital Animation and Effects
IT Technical Support and Management

This course is perfect for tech savvy innovators, future developers and creative problem solvers looking to build a career in IT.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to study higher education at College or University. You could also study an Apprenticeship or straight into the industry in a variety of roles

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.

Level 3: Extended Diploma in IT – Games Development and Technology

2025/2026

apply now

T Level in Digital Software Development

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Core principles of the digital industry, including business, data analysis and cybersecurity
Software design, testing & maintenance
Problem solving and defining user requirements
Collaboration & Digital Project Management
Work experience and industry visits to leading digital organisations
Practical projects to develop skills for skilled employment

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll have a range of exciting opportunities to consider:

Progress to university or further higher education (HNC/HND) at Macclesfield College, building on your skills and knowledge.
Explore career pathways in sought after roles such as software engineer, web developer, data analyst or database administrator, where you can apply your expertise in the digital industry.
Undertake an Apprenticeship, gaining experience while continuing to develop your professional skills in the workplace.

This opens a world of possibilities to shape your future in the dynamic and ever evolving digital sector.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for 2 academic years.

T Level in Digital Software Development

2025/2026

apply now

aspirational

Careers

Software Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Engineer

IT Project Manager

Database Administrator

Game Developer

Digital Forensics Specialist

Robotics Engineer

Skills required for Computing and IT

Knowledge of Maths, English, Science & Digital Systems
Ability to work well within a team & on your own
Ability to carry out core computing skills

Ability to apply computational thinking
Good Analytical skills
Ability to carry out core computing skills

Trips/employers

During your Computing course, you will have the chance to participate in a variety of exciting educational and industrial visits. Potential destinations include the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Old Trafford Football Ground, the Bradford Media Museum, local businesses, UCAS events and more!

These trips will offer you hands on experiences and valuable insights into the rapidly changing world of technology and computing, while providing opportunities to engage with industry professionals.

In addition, you will benefit from guest talks by experts in the field, who will share practical advice to enhance your learning experience.

Josh Hancock

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Josh Hancock, our Computing Student of the Year 2024, has made a remarkable impact on our programme. His journey has been characterised by his perseverance and adaptability, navigating challenges with a positive and resilient attitude.

Josh’s performance during his work placement was exceptional, as he transitioned seamlessly from classroom learning to a professional environment. His competence and professionalism underscored his readiness for industry challenges.

In addition to his individual achievements, Josh has fostered a supportive and collaborative atmosphere among his peers. His willingness to assist others and his positive attitude have enriched our learning environment. Josh’s contributions and dedication highlight why he is such a valued member of our college.