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Level 3 Diploma ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals CG

The specialist Level 3 for anyone serious about a career in tech. You'll build on Level 2 with web development, database, software testing, system architecture and network engineering, alongside the customer support work that ties it all together. By the end of the year you'll be ready for Level 4 study, a Higher Level Apprenticeship, or a specialist IT role.

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How you’ll learn

Specialist Skills, Real Pathways.

Level 3 is where you start to specialise. You’ll cover routing and switching configuration, networking fundamentals, system architecture, software testing, databases, security, and web development. Customer support runs alongside as a mandatory unit, because the skill that connects everything is being able to explain and fix real problems for real users.

By the end of the year you’ll have skills tailored to a specific job lane: Web Developer, IT Technician, Helpdesk Support, Network Engineer, Software Testing, Databases, or Customer Support. Assessment is coursework and practical observation, not one big final exam. And you’ll be positioned for either a Level 4 Diploma, a Higher Level Apprenticeship, or a specialist role in the sector.

Core Skills

  • Routing and Switching Configuration
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • System Architecture
  • Software Testing
  • Database
  • Security
  • Web Development

Mandatory units

  • Customer Support Provision
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Entry requirements

  • 4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths
  • Level 2 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles, or equivalent
  • Initial assessment in Maths and English at application
  • Successful interview with our team

Level 3 assumes you already have your key GCSEs. If you need to top up any Maths or English work, we can build it in alongside your course.

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

See all 6 courses

At University Campus Doncaster

At University Campus North Lincolnshire

Careers it can lead to

  • Computer System and Equipment Installers and Servicers £33,600 a year
  • Database Administrators and Web Content Technicians £32,200 a year
  • With further study or experience Information Technology Professionals £44,400 a year
  • With further study or experience Cyber Security Professionals £54,900 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Your UCAS points

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals

Grade UCAS points
P Pass 48

UCAS points are an estimate. Each university course sets its own entry requirements, and points can change from year to year. Please enquire for full details about a specific course. Points from the UCAS Tariff tables for 2027 entry. About UCAS Tariff points

Our facilities

Modern Computing Labs

You'll be based in our on-campus computing labs, working with the equipment and software the Level 3 curriculum needs.

  • Modern computing labs

    on-campus, set up for hands-on work with networking, web development, databases and configuration.

  • Real projects and work experience with local employers

    built into how the course is delivered.

  • Guest speakers and industry masterclasses

    connect what you learn to how the sector actually works.

Young Businesswoman Calculating Bill In Office
Modern Labs · Real Projects · Industry Speakers
Maksims

Maksims

Level 3 ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals

Student Voice

“

At Doncaster College, I learned a lot about IT, including hardware, software, networks, and some coding. I also explored website development. It was great learning new things, and the staff were really helpful. I’m hoping to get a job in IT in the future.

Read more student stories
For parents and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

Qualifications That Count

These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.

See the full unit list

Real Career Prospects

These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.

See career options

Financial Support Available

Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.

Financial support info

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to Specialise?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Apply online

Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

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What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.

4

You get ready to start

Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.

Read our full guide to applying