OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National Level 3 Extended Certificate

If you are interested in developing programming expertise, software engineering skills, and computational thinking with a view to progressing onto computer science degrees or entering the thriving software development industry, then the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National in Computing: Application Development is the right course for you. It is a nationally recognised qualification which will prepare you for many careers in software development and further study at degree level and beyond.

You will study the field of application development, which involves designing, creating, and maintaining software applications across various platforms and technologies. You will be looking at programming fundamentals, software design principles, user interface development, and testing methodologies. This will involve studying multiple programming languages, database integration, web development, mobile applications, and software project management. You need to have a keen interest in problem-solving, logical thinking, and how software applications can be developed to meet user needs and business requirements.

Course Content

Five units comprising:

• Fundamentals of Application Development (External Assessment)
• Developing Application Software (External Assessment)
• Designing and Communicating UX/UI Solutions (NEA - mandatory)

Plus two optional NEA units chosen from:

• Game Development
• Website Development
• Immersive Technology Solution Development
• Software Development

Examinations

You will be assessed through units of work comprising both externally assessed examinations and Non-Examined Assessments (NEA):

Externally Assessed Units:

• Two units are externally assessed through written examinations (paper-based).
• Each examination is available in the January and June assessment series.
• Students may resit each external assessment twice before certification, with the best result counting towards the final grade.

Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) Units:

• Three to five units are internally assessed through moderated coursework.
• OCR sets all NEA assignments, with each assignment remaining live for two years.
• Teachers assess students' work against specific assessment criteria, with OCR moderators reviewing samples from each centre.

Grading System: Unit grades range from Near-Pass to Distinction*, and the overall qualification grades are Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. The final qualification grade is determined by the combined Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) points from all units, meaning every mark counts towards the overall outcome.

 

Exam Board: OCR. 

Entry Requirements: Level 2 merit in IT or 4 in GCSE computing/computer science, and grade 4 in GCSE English and mathematics with demonstrated interest in programming.

Suitable subject if you are interested in: creating software applications and mobile apps; learning multiple programming languages; understanding software design principles; web development and user interface design; database integration and management; solving complex computational problems?

Leading to a career in: software development, web development, mobile app development, systems programming, database developer, software engineer, front-end developer, full-stack developer

This subject goes well with: Maths, Physics, IT, Business