The Sixth Form Bolton Launches Three New Exciting Information Technology Courses

Greater Manchester has the largest digital sector in the UK outside the South East, with internationally significant clusters of businesses in content creation, media, and cyber security. The Sixth Form Bolton is excited to share that they are equipping their students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter this thriving sector by launching three new digital courses for September 2026 entry.

The courses are all Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) which offer practical learning experiences, equipping students with the skills and attributes needed for higher education and future careers. They are being launched in response to the government’s decision to defund certain BTEC qualifications and will replace the previous triple vocational IT option. They will allow students to study a single IT subject — or combine two or three — depending on their interests and career aspirations.

The Computing: Application Development (AAQ) will offer students an insight into how applications are designed and implemented, laying the foundation for progression to undergraduate study. Students will enhance their coding, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills by learning to design and build computer programs for real-world applications.

In The Sixth Form’s Cyber Security and Networks (AAQ), students acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to defend digital systems, investigate cyber incidents, and design secure network solutions. They will explore how cyber threats operate, how to protect hardware and software, and how to respond effectively when security is breached.

Finally, their IT: Data Analytics (AAQ) is designed for students who wish to develop applied knowledge and skills in data analytics. Students will explore how data is gathered, processed, visualized, and used to make informed decisions in real-world contexts.

The department already offer an extremely popular A level in Computer Science and the young people studying in the department have had really positive experiences. Daniyal Imran, a second-year A Level Computer Science and Economics and Vocational Business student who joined The Sixth Form from Westhoughton High School said:

"I've really enjoyed studying the Computer Science A Level at The Sixth Form Bolton. It's a challenging course but the teachers have been really supportive and always bring the subject to life."

The staff at The Sixth Form are looking forward to the new offerings with Zahid Razzak, Head of Computing at The Sixth Form commenting:

"An ever-changing societal landscape requires critical thinkers, problem solvers, analytical and creative minds.  These courses are not only pushing our learners to change the way they tackle problems in this new world through the utilisation of emerging technologies, but provide a deeper understanding of what sits behind the black box of a modern device.  Students immerse themselves in data analysis, system development, cyber security ethics, and computing principles to give themselves an advantage when they go further to study at University or take on careers in any field that involves technology.  And better still is that our students love their Computing and IT learning journey here with our team."

To explore the new courses in more detail, please visit: https://www.bolton-sfc.ac.uk/courses/it-and-computing-aaqs/