Katie Finds Success on Post-16 College Computing Pathway 02 Apr 2025 As GCSE and A level students approach the end of term and begin to consider their next steps, South West College (SWC) graduate Katie Gallagher from Loughmacrory is highlighting the benefits of studying a 3 A Level equivalent BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology (IT), which provided a seamless transition into higher education. This allowed Katie to graduate with a Foundation Degree in computing and secure an IT placement with Euro Auctions. Katie credits the BTEC IT course, equivalent to three A Levels, for allowing her to focus solely on IT without the need to study unrelated subjects. This specialisation helped her excel academically, equipping her with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience that gave her an advantage going into higher education. She then progressed to the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing at SWC Omagh, a decision that enabled her to receive a high-quality education while staying close to home and significantly reducing costs compared to traditional university pathways. Reflecting on her journey, Katie who decided to make SWC her first choice following her GCSEs said: “Completing my foundation degree in computer science at SWC was one of the best decisions I ever made, I loved being able to study without having to stay away from home and it saved me a lot of money compared to the cost of going to a university elsewhere. After completing my foundation degree, I secured an IT Placement opportunity with Euro Auctions in Dromore. Since starting, I have been able to use and develop new and existing skills which I have learnt through completing my foundation degree. The opportunities I have received since starting at Euro Auctions have been brilliant - I am constantly learning, and no two days are the same. I have been fortunate enough to travel the world with the team at Euro Auctions and I am surrounded by a brilliant team environment.” Katie hopes to progress onto the BSc Hons in computing also available to study at SWC. Sinead McGee, Head of Department for Engineering, IT, and Creative Industries at SWC, highlighted the significance of the BTEC IT pathway in equipping students for both higher education and employment. Sinead stated: “The Level 3 IT BTEC course provides students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills. By collaborating with local employers, we tailor our curriculum to ensure students can apply their learning to real-world scenarios. At SWC, we offer a seamless progression from Level 2 to a full Honours Degree in Computing, covering a wide range of specialisms. Our strong partnerships with leading employers further reinforce the value of local education pathways.” For more information about what’s available beyond GCSE and to explore IT and Computing courses from Level 2 to Level 6, offering a full pathway to degree level, please see below. Follow in Katie's footsteps. CISCO Introduction to Greenhouse Gas Accounting for IT Online Further Education Computing and ICT Level 1 Part-Time This is a self-paced online course. Expand your IT sustainability skills and dig into the environmental impacts of technology. Introduction to Greenhouse Gas Accounting for IT is an entry-level course designed for IT professionals and learners interested in sustainability within the tech sector. This hands-on course guides you through the complete greenhouse gas (... View CISCO Introduction to Greenhouse Gas Accounting for IT Cisco Digital Safety and Security Awareness Online Further Education Computing and ICT Level 1 Part-Time This is a self-paced online course. Are you ready to take control of your online safety? As the digital world evolves, it offers incredible opportunities but also presents unique challenges. Building on the foundational knowledge from the Digital Awareness course, this beginner-friendly Digital Safety and Security Awareness course equips you with practical s... View Cisco Digital Safety and Security Awareness Cisco Introduction to Modern AI Online Further Education Computing and ICT Level 1 Part-Time This is a self-paced online course. AI chatbots are revolutionising the way we work and learn. Millions of people worldwide use them to simplify tasks like homework and ideating, writing, editing and even career advice. If you are new to AI and ready to give it a try, look no further! Introduction to Modern AI is a beginner-friendly course designed to help y... View Cisco Introduction to Modern AI Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity Online Further Education Computing and ICT Level 1 Part-Time This is a self-paced online course. This introductory course takes you inside the world of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals who can protect and defend an organization’s network are in high demand. You will achieve a digital badge. View Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity Level 2 Traineeship in IT Dungannon Omagh Apprenticeships Computing and ICT Level 2 Full-Time This traineeship is aimed at learners interested in following a career path in IT/Computing who have achieved less than four GCSEs at Grade C . This course provides a practical, work related introduction to Computing and IT. Learners will also be able to develop and enhance their employability skills through this traineeship. View Level 2 Traineeship in IT BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University) (HLA) (HLA Approval Pending) Dungannon Higher Education Computing and ICT Level 6 Part-Time This BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top Up) programme aims to produce high quality, professional graduates equipped with the relevant competencies to pursue various roles across many computing disciplines and meet the demands of the computing industry. South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to O... View BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University) (HLA) (HLA Approval Pending) Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing (HLA) Dungannon Higher Education Computing and ICT Level 5 Part-Time This course is designed around the computing requirements of local industry. Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding and design skills to formulate solutions to computing problems and the practical skills to implement those solutions. Additionally, ‘soft’ skills will be developed in teamwork, communications, professional practice and time management. This course is offere... View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing (HLA) Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Computing and ICT Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time This course is designed around the computing requirements of local industry. Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding and design skills to formulate solutions to computing problems and the practical skills to implement those solutions. Additionally, ‘soft’ skills will be developed in teamwork, communications, professional practice and time management. View Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology (RQF) (Equivalent to 3 A-Levels) Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Computing and ICT Level 3 Full-Time This course is a specialist, work-related qualification in Computing. It is a 2 year taught course consisting of 13 units, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Units are assessed either internally (9) or externally (4) and are both practical and theory based. This course will be taught through lectures, demonstrations, workshops and group work. View BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Information Technology (RQF) (Equivalent to 3 A-Levels) Cisco IT Essentials - PC Hardware And Software Dungannon Further Education Computing and ICT Level 2 Part-Time This course provides an excellent introduction to the IT industry and interactive exposure to personal computers, hardware, and operating systems. Students participate in hands-on activities and lab-based learning to become familiar with various hardware and software components and discover best practice in maintenance and safety. In addition, PC Hardware and Software covers the followi... View Cisco IT Essentials - PC Hardware And Software BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University) Dungannon Enniskillen Higher Education Computing and ICT Level 6 Full-Time Part-Time This BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top Up) programme aims to produce high quality, professional graduates equipped with the relevant competencies to pursue various roles across many computing disciplines and meet the demands of the computing industry. South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open ... View BSc (Hons) Computing Science (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University) Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. 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