L3 AAQ in Computing: Application Development

The OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Computing:

Application Development (Certificate) is for students aged 16-19 years old. It will develop

knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate

study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the ICT practitioners sector.

You might be interested in this qualification if you want a small qualification to take alongside and

enhance your A Level studies, that builds applied or practical skills. You will have the opportunity to

apply what you learn to real-life contexts, such as:

• Interpreting client requirements and documenting ideas.

• Planning and designing UX/UI solutions.

• Communicating UX/UI solutions to clients.

The qualification will also help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are

relevant to the sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where

independent study skills are needed. You will develop the following transferable skills that can be

used in both higher education and other life and work situations

All units in the qualification are mandatory. You must take all of these units:

• F160: Fundamentals of application development

This unit is assessed by an exam.

In this unit you will learn about the different stages that developers go through to produce a

working software application, how developers scope application requirements, and the design

features which make applications intuitive for users. Topics include:

o Topic Area 1 Types of software used in application design

o Topic Area 2 Software development models

o Topic Area 3 Planning application development projects

o Topic Area 4 Application design scoping

o Topic Area 5 Human computer interface and interaction

o Topic Area 6 Job roles and skills

• F162: Designing and communicating UX/UI solutions

This unit is assessed by an assignment.

In this unit you will learn the principles of UX/UI design and what makes an interface easy to

use. You will learn tools and techniques to plan UX/UI solutions and how to design high-fidelity

prototypes of UX/UI solutions. You will also learn how to communicate effectively with clients.

Topics include:

o Topic Area 1 Principles of UX and UI design

o Topic Area 2 Plan UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 3 Design UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 4 Communicate UX/UI solutions

o Topic Area 5 Review and improve UX/UI solutions

At UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Application Development is delivered through a blend of theory lessons, hands-on coding workshops, and project-based assignments designed to reflect real industry practice. Students learn in specialist digital suites using professional tools and techniques, supported by employer partners such as Siemens, IBM, and Sheffield Hallam University. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to engage with live briefs, gain insight into the digital industry, and develop employability skills through talks, mentoring, and feedback from professionals.

In Year 1, students complete the unit F160: Fundamentals of Application Development, which is assessed by an external exam. This unit introduces the software development process, from planning and scoping to design and implementation. Students explore different software development models, learn how to plan application projects, and examine what makes an application intuitive and user-friendly. Topics include the types of software used in design, human-computer interaction, and the key roles and skills within the development industry.

In Year 2, students progress to F162: Designing and Communicating UX/UI Solutions, which is assessed through an assignment. This unit focuses on the principles of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, teaching students how to plan, design, and test interactive prototypes that meet user needs. They also develop skills in client communication, learning how to present and justify design decisions, and review and refine solutions based on feedback.

This combination of exam and coursework-based assessment ensures that students gain both the technical understanding and practical experience required for progression into degree-level study or digital and technology careers, with a strong emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and professional collaboration.

Grade 5 in IT/Computer Science

The Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Application Development provides a strong foundation for progression into both higher education and employment within the computing and digital technology sectors. Students can go on to study Computer Science, Software Engineering, App Development, Web Development, Cyber Security, or Data Science at university, including routes into Russell Group institutions. The qualification also supports progression into degree apprenticeships in areas such as software engineering, digital solutions, and IT project management, where learners can apply their coding, design, and user experience skills in real-world settings. The course’s practical and technical focus aligns closely with UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park’s specialism in digital technologies, preparing students for careers in software development, UX design, systems analysis, and emerging tech industries.