Certificate in Applied Computing
Our new Certificate in Applied Computing offers a flexible, practical pathway for students aged 14 to 19 to develop essential digital skills that prepare them for further study or the modern workforce.

Introducing the Applied Certificate
The Certificate in Applied Computing is designed for learners who may not have pursued a traditional computing qualification, such as GCSE computer science. As a result, it has a strong focus on accessibility and relevance, with a staged, project-based structure. The course helps students to build both foundational and advanced digital skills by guiding them through self-paced modules, and helping them to develop a portfolio to showcase to future employers.

Meeting the needs of learners
Today’s learners need a wide range of digital skills to thrive in our increasingly digital world — skills that are relevant not just for careers in computing, but that will help them shape their everyday experiences and allow them to access future opportunities. Existing computing qualifications tend to emphasise technical knowledge over practical skills that all students need. Our unique programme combines foundational knowledge with the practical skills valued by employers. It provides students with the skills to meaningfully engage with digital technologies, preparing them for a variety of career paths.

Content and assessment
The certificate covers a wide range of computing topics, helping learners gain both a technical understanding and practical digital skills. Students complete hands-on activities at each stage, giving them a chance to put their learning into practice. Additionally, a mix of assessments and project evaluations helps to ensure students master the material while developing problem-solving skills.
The programme’s content is partly drawn from our existing resources, including The Computing Curriculum and Ada Computer Science. In addition, we are working alongside employers, who are playing a key role in ensuring that the content aligns with the needs of their industries.

Programme structure and learning stages
The Certificate in Applied Computing is divided into three stages, each building on the previous one to develop a comprehensive skill set:
Each stage of the certificate incorporates hands-on projects that allow learners to apply digital skills in real-world contexts.
A key feature of the Certificate in Applied Computing is the digital portfolio, which supports students in documenting their progress and showcasing their digital achievements.
Stage 1:
This introductory stage is designed for students aged 14 and 15. It focuses on essential digital skills across the breadth of computing. Learners complete several core modules, which include a mixture of instruction, practical tasks, and assessment questions. They also have the option of starting a digital portfolio that will help them at later stages. With approximately 40 hours of content, this stage is assessed solely through short tests with questions at the end of each module.
Stage 2:
Aimed at students aged 15 and 16, this stage increases learner independence. It focuses on specialised skills and has greater assessment variety. Learners complete one mandatory module and select several additional specialised modules. The stage takes approximately 60 hours, with 60% of the assessment based on module-end questions and 40% on their digital portfolio.
Stage 3:
The final stage is the most challenging. It targets students aged 17 and over, who will independently develop real-world digital projects. This 80-hour stage includes two digital projects that showcase students' practical skills. The projects make up 80% of the assessment, with the remaining 20% based on a final module-end test. The completed portfolio can serve as a career showcase, ready to present to potential employers.
A new partnership
The Raspberry Pi Foundation has partnered with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to launch the Certificate in Applied Computing as part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc). Together, we aim to equip young people with the vital digital skills they need, whatever their future may hold.
Find out more
Development timeline:
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January – April 2025
We will be piloting our stage 1 content with a small group of learners across Greater Manchester.
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May 2025
Stage one will be rolled out more widely across Greater Manchester. More information on eligibility to follow.
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November 2025
Stage two will be rolled out more widely.
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2026 onwards
Stage three will continue to be rolled out across Greater Manchester.