Level 3 AAQ Cambridge Advanced National in IT: Data Analytics - A Level equivalent

Choose AAQ in IT: Data Analytics if you want a course that puts you right at the heart of the biggest change happening in technology today: Artificial Intelligence. This is one of the few courses that doesn’t just mention AI - it teaches you the data skills that make AI possible, including big data, machine learning, and how intelligent systems learn from information. You’ll also build strong, real-world foundations in data modelling with spreadsheets, relational databases, and data visualisation, learning how to turn raw data into insights that businesses rely on every day. Assessment through a mix of exams and coursework means students can prove what they know and apply it in practical projects, developing confidence and a portfolio of work. Alongside the technical content, students gain highly valued transferable skills like problem solving, communication, planning and time management. For parents and students looking for a future-focused option that links directly to high-demand careers - from BI and data engineering to data science and AI-related roles - this course is a standout choice.

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore a wide range of topics through both exams and coursework.

Units include:

Fundamentals of data analytics: you will learn about the fundamental knowledge required for a career working in data-related occupations

Big data and machine learning: You will learn about the challenges of managing big data and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data science.

Spreadsheet data modelling: You will learn the principles of data modelling with spreadsheets and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design, create, test and review a spreadsheet modelling solution that meets the needs of a specific client.

Data and the Internet of Everything (IoE): You will learn the principles of the Internet of Everything (IoE), and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design and present an IoE solution that meets the needs of a specific client.

Data and digital marketing: You will learn the principles of digital marketing, and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design, create and review digital marketing material that meets the needs of a specific client.

You’ll be assessed through a combination of external exams and internally marked coursework. Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction, and your overall qualification grade is calculated from these results.

You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4 including English.

An interest in IT and programming will help you get the most out of the course.

With further study, potential careers include:

Data Technician
Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence (BI)
Data Reporting Analyst
Data Quality Analyst
Data Engineer
Data Scientist
Marketing Data Analyst

The course also builds transferable skills, communication, problem solving, project planning, time management, that are valued across all industries.

Awarding body: OCR