AAQ BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate)

Launch your tech career with hands-on coding, cybersecurity, and UX design – build digital products and solve real industry challenges in a course that prepares you for university, apprenticeships, or direct entry to the digital workforce.

Duration 2 years

Qualification A Level (or equivalent)

Start Date Thursday 3rd September 2026

Course Code SCCOMPU26P

Highlights
Course overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Dates

Top Course highlights

Python Programming
Cybersecurity & Encryption
UX/UI Design
Software Development
Industry-Relevant Skills

A boy sits at a computer smiling at the screen. He's wearing a stripey top and a body warmer.

Hands-on Programming

Master Python and algorithms to design and implement real-world software solutions.

Cybersecurity Expertise

Learn to protect networks, apply encryption, and understand legal frameworks like GDPR.

A photo of two girls looking at a computer screen together. They are both blonde and wearing cream jumpers and they are both smiling.

Human-Centred Design

Create intuitive interfaces using UX/UI principles and modern prototyping tools.

Why choose this course?

Gain practical programming, cybersecurity, and design skills with a two-year course that prepares you for university and tech careers. Learn to code, secure networks, and design user-friendly systems while building problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You’ll complete four mandatory units:

Year 1:

Programming Fundamentals – Python coding, algorithms, recursion, data structures, validation, and testing.
Computer Network Security & Encryptio
– Network types, security threats, encryption methods (AES, RSA), hashing, and legal issues.

Year 2:

Human-Computer Interactio
– UX/UI principles, accessibility, assistive technologies, prototyping tools like Figma.
Practical Programming – Software development lifecycle, systematic approaches, version control, testing, and documentation.

Learn programming, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, and software development. Year 1 covers Python fundamentals and network security. Year 2 focuses on HCI principles and managing software projects using systematic development approaches, preparing you for higher education and tech careers.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?

Careers: Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, UX Designer, Network Engineer, Data Analyst, Systems Architect, Game Developer.

Progression: Leads to degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Games Development, Cybersecurity, and related fields. Graduates are highly valued for problem-solving, coding, and design skills in a digital-first economy.