City and Guilds of London Institute · RQF Level 3
City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Foundation Diploma in Digital Technologies (VRQ)
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 3
- Total credits120
- Guided learning720 hours
- Units in this qualification29
Awarded by City and Guilds of London Institute · on the Ofqual register
Start here
See how this course maps onto your role
Ten quick questions, one per Future Fluency, asked against this qualification rather than a generic one.
Check my fluency, free
About 5 minutes · No card · Nothing to commit to
What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
The Level 3 Advanced Technical Foundation Diploma in Digital Technologies is a vocationally-related qualification. It allows learners to develop skills in areas such as application development, software development, and games development. Also covered are social media and data collection and analysis, relevant to the digital technology sector.
These are the units City and Guilds of London Institute registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
3D Computer modellingReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers the principles and techniques of 3D computer modelling, including coordinate systems, polygon meshes, and surface properties. You'll learn to create, manipulate, and scale 3D models using appropriate software and understand the applications of various modelling techniques.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of 3D computer modelling, including coordinate systems, polygon meshes, and surface properties
- Create 3D models using appropriate software tools and techniques
- Manipulate 3D models, including scaling, rotating, and transforming objects
- Know different 3D modelling techniques, such as polygonal modelling, NURBS modelling, and sculpting
- Understand the diverse applications of 3D modelling across various industries, including design, manufacturing, entertainment, and education
Application developmentReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit provides understanding of application development principles and methodologies. You'll design interfaces, code application logic, and test applications using appropriate programming paradigms.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles that underpin application development.
- Know the different software development methodologies and their applications.
- Design user interfaces for applications, considering usability and accessibility.
- Code the application logic using appropriate programming languages and techniques.
- Test applications to ensure functionality, performance, and security.
Cloud technologiesReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll understand cloud computing concepts, service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), and security considerations. The unit enables deployment of applications to the cloud and knowledge of various cloud storage options.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand cloud computing concepts, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS)
- Know different cloud service models, their advantages, and disadvantages
- Understand cloud security considerations, including data encryption, access control, and compliance requirements
- Deploy applications to the cloud, using appropriate deployment strategies and tools
- Know cloud storage options, including object storage, block storage, and file storage
Code an application using event driven programming languageReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll explore event driven programming concepts, including event handlers and loops. The unit enables design, coding, testing, and debugging of applications using event driven programming languages to meet specified user requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core concepts of event driven programming, including events, event handlers, and event loops
- Design an event driven application based on specific requirements and user needs
- Code an application using an event driven programming language, implementing event handlers and user interfaces
- Test and debug the application to ensure it functions correctly and meets the specified requirements
Code an application using object oriented programming languageReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit introduces object oriented programming concepts such as inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. You'll design, code, test, and debug applications using object oriented programming languages.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental concepts of object oriented programming, including classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
- Design an object oriented application, including identifying classes, defining attributes and methods, and establishing relationships between objects.
- Code a functional application using an object oriented programming language, adhering to coding standards and best practises.
- Test and debug the application to ensure it meets the specified requirements and functions correctly.
Code an application using procedural programming languageReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study procedural programming concepts, including variables, control structures, and functions. The unit develops skills to write, test, and debug procedural code adhering to syntax and best practises.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand procedural programming concepts, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions
- Write code using a procedural language, adhering to coding standards and best practises
- Test and debug procedural code, identifying and resolving errors effectively
- Know the syntax of a procedural language, including keywords, operators, and statement structures
Collection and analysis of dataReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers data collection methods, analysis techniques, and data presentation. You'll understand data quality, integrity, and ethical considerations in data collection and analysis.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand various data collection methods, including surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
- Analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques and tools.
- Present data findings effectively using visualisations and written reports.
- Understand the importance of data quality and integrity, and methods for ensuring data accuracy.
- Collect data ethically, respecting privacy and confidentiality.
Computer animationReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll explore animation principles, software tools, and techniques. It develops skills to create and optimise computer animations for various platforms.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of animation, including timing, spacing, and squash and stretch.
- Know the different animation software and tools available, and their respective capabilities.
- Create computer animations using appropriate software and techniques.
- Understand various animation techniques, such as keyframe animation and motion capture.
- Optimise animations for different platforms and devices, considering file size and performance.
Create a computer networkReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers the components and functions of computer networks, including hardware, software, and protocols. You'll plan, create, and test networks by selecting appropriate components and designing network topologies.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the components of a computer network, including hardware, software, and protocols.
- Plan a computer network, including selecting appropriate hardware and software, designing network topology, and configuring network settings.
- Create a computer network, including installing hardware and software, configuring network devices, and establishing network connections.
- Test a computer network to ensure it meets the specified requirements and functions correctly.
Creative interactive mediaReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit introduces learners to creative interactive media principles, user-centred design, and ethical considerations. You'll learn to create interactive media content, understand different platforms, and evaluate interactive media products.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of creative interactive media design and development.
- Create interactive media content using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Know the characteristics of different interactive media platforms and their capabilities.
- Evaluate interactive media products against specified criteria.
Database systems for e-commerce websitesReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll gain knowledge of database systems and design principles specific to e-commerce websites. The unit covers implementation, security management, and performance optimisation of databases to support e-commerce applications.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of database systems and their application in e-commerce websites, including different database models and architectures.
- Know the principles of database design, including normalisation, entity-relationship modelling, and data integrity constraints.
- Implement a database for an e-commerce website, including creating tables, defining relationships, and implementing data validation rules.
- Manage database security, including user authentication, access control, and data encryption.
- Optimise database performance, including indexing, query optimisation, and database tuning.
Digital advertisingReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers the principles and platforms of digital advertising, enabling learners to plan, implement, and monitor digital campaigns. You'll gain skills in targeting, selecting channels, creating ad content, and analysing campaign performance.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of digital advertising, including targeting and measurement.
- Know the features and functionalities of different digital advertising platforms, such as Google Ads and social media advertising.
- Plan a digital advertising campaign, including setting objectives and selecting appropriate channels.
- Implement a digital advertising campaign, including creating ad copy and managing bids.
- Monitor and analyse campaign performance, using metrics such as click-through rate and conversion rate.
Digital business communicationReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study digital communication methods, content creation, and communication tools. It develops skills to communicate effectively in a digital business environment, considering etiquette and audience adaptation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand various digital communication methods, including email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media
- Create effective digital content, including text, images, and videos, that is engaging and appropriate for the target audience
- Use digital communication tools, such as email clients, social media platforms, and video conferencing software, effectively and efficiently
- Understand digital etiquette and security best practices, including online behaviour, data privacy, and protection against cyber threats
- Adapt communication style and content for different audiences, considering factors such as age, culture, and technical expertise
Digital mediaReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers digital media formats and creation techniques for images, audio, and video. You'll learn to edit and publish digital media content while understanding copyright and licensing issues.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different digital media formats, including image, audio, and video formats.
- Know various digital media creation techniques, such as photography, videography, and audio recording.
- Edit digital media content using appropriate software and tools.
- Publish digital media content to various platforms, such as websites and social media.
- Understand copyright and licensing issues related to digital media content.
Enterprise technologiesReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit provides knowledge of enterprise technology concepts, including CRM, ERP, and SCM systems. You'll understand enterprise systems architecture, use enterprise applications, manage data, and consider security and cloud computing principles.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental enterprise technology concepts and their applications within organisations
- Know the different components of enterprise systems architecture, including hardware, software, and networking
- Use common enterprise applications to perform specific business tasks
- Manage enterprise data effectively, ensuring its integrity, security, and accessibility
- Understand the importance of enterprise security and the measures required to protect data and systems
- Understand the core principles of cloud computing and its role in modern enterprise technology
Games development fundamentalsReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers game development principles, design concepts, and the use of development tools. You'll create basic game mechanics and understand game testing processes.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of game development, including game design, programming, and art.
- Know key game design concepts, such as gameplay mechanics, level design, and user interface.
- Use game development tools and engines to create games.
- Create basic game mechanics, such as player movement, collision detection, and scoring.
- Understand the processes involved in game testing, including identifying and reporting bugs.
Human computer interaction and the user experienceReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll understand the principles of human computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) design methods. The unit enables evaluation and improvement of user interfaces with consideration of accessibility and usability.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of human computer interaction (HCI) and its impact on user experience.
- Know various user experience (UX) design methods and techniques, such as user research and prototyping.
- Evaluate user interfaces (UIs) based on usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction.
- Improve user experience by applying HCI principles and UX design methods.
- Understand accessibility considerations and guidelines for designing inclusive user interfaces.
Information securityReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll gain an understanding of information security principles, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The unit covers common security threats, implementation of security measures, and the legal and ethical considerations relevant to information security.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental information security principles, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Know common information security threats and vulnerabilities, such as malware, phishing, and social engineering
- Implement security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls, to protect information assets
- Understand legal and ethical considerations related to information security, including data protection laws and privacy regulations
Information systems developmentReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit provides knowledge of information systems development methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall. You'll analyse requirements, design, implement, and test information systems using appropriate development approaches.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different information systems development methodologies, such as Agile and Waterfall.
- Analyse system requirements, including functional and non-functional requirements.
- Design information systems, considering factors such as data structures and user interfaces.
- Implement information systems using appropriate programming languages and tools.
- Test information systems to ensure they meet the specified requirements.
Infrastructure managementReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study infrastructure management principles, including components, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and security. The unit develops skills to implement infrastructure changes and manage IT operations effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of infrastructure management and its importance in IT operations.
- Know the different components of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems.
- Monitor infrastructure performance using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Troubleshoot infrastructure issues and resolve problems effectively.
- Understand security considerations related to infrastructure management and implement security measures.
- Implement infrastructure changes in a controlled and documented manner.
Manage e-commerce websitesReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study e-commerce website management principles, focusing on content maintenance, security, performance analysis, and search engine optimisation. The unit develops skills to enhance usability and protect websites from security threats.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key principles of managing e-commerce websites, including user experience and conversion optimisation.
- Maintain e-commerce website content, ensuring it is accurate and up-to-date.
- Manage e-commerce website security, protecting against threats such as hacking and fraud.
- Analyse website performance using analytics tools, identifying areas for improvement.
- Optimise a website for search engines, improving its visibility in search results.
Manage networksReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers network principles, topologies, and protocols such as TCP/IP and DNS. You'll plan network infrastructures, configure devices, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues to maintain network connectivity and security.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental network principles and technologies, including network topologies, protocols, and addressing schemes
- Plan a network infrastructure based on organisational requirements and security considerations
- Configure network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to ensure network connectivity and security
- Monitor network performance using appropriate tools and techniques, identifying potential bottlenecks or issues
- Troubleshoot network issues, such as connectivity problems, performance degradation, or security breaches
Mobile application developmentReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study mobile application development principles and lifecycle, including design, testing, and deployment. The unit covers different mobile platforms and teaches you to create user interfaces and applications based on specified requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles that underpin mobile application development.
- Design mobile applications that meet specified requirements and user needs.
- Know the characteristics and capabilities of different mobile platforms, such as iOS and Android.
- Test mobile applications to ensure functionality, usability, and performance.
- Deploy mobile applications to relevant app stores or distribution channels.
Networking fundamentalsReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit provides knowledge of networking concepts, topologies, protocols, and security principles. You'll learn to configure network devices and troubleshoot common network issues.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental networking concepts, including network types, architectures, and protocols
- Know different network topologies, such as bus, star, ring, and mesh, and their respective advantages and disadvantages
- Know different network protocols, such as TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP, and their functions within network communication
- Configure network devices, including routers, switches, and firewalls, according to specified requirements
- Understand network security principles, including authentication, authorisation, and encryption, to protect network resources
- Troubleshoot common network issues, such as connectivity problems, slow performance, and security breaches
Project managementReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit provides knowledge of project management methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall, including their advantages and disadvantages. You'll be able to plan, monitor, and manage projects, resources, and risks, as well as understand project closure procedures.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different project management methodologies and their application.
- Plan a project, defining objectives, scope, and deliverables.
- Monitor project progress against the project plan, identifying deviations.
- Manage project resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget.
- Identify and manage potential project risks, implementing mitigation strategies.
- Understand the procedures involved in formally closing a project.
Provide technical supportReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll explore the principles of technical support, including the ITIL framework, service level agreements, and escalation procedures. They will develop skills to diagnose technical problems, provide remote support, and document support activities effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles underpinning technical support services.
- Diagnose technical problems effectively using appropriate methodologies.
- Provide remote technical support to users, adhering to best practise.
- Document all technical support activities accurately and comprehensively.
- Know the established escalation procedures within a technical support organisation.
Set up e-commerce websitesReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
This unit covers the requirements and processes involved in setting up e-commerce websites. You'll select platforms, configure settings, manage products, and integrate payment gateways while considering legal, security, and accessibility standards.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental requirements for setting up e-commerce websites, including legal, security, and accessibility considerations.
- Select an appropriate e-commerce platform based on business needs, budget, and technical expertise.
- Configure e-commerce website settings, including payment options, shipping methods, and tax calculations.
- Add products to an e-commerce website, including writing product descriptions, uploading images, and setting prices.
- Integrate payment gateways into an e-commerce website to securely process online transactions.
Social mediaReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll study social media platforms, marketing techniques, and ethical considerations. This unit enables the creation of engaging content, analysis of campaign performance, and development of social media strategies.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the diverse range of social media platforms and their specific features.
- Know various social media marketing techniques and strategies for different platforms.
- Create engaging and effective social media content for specific target audiences.
- Understand how to use social media analytics tools to measure campaign performance and user engagement.
- Know about the ethical considerations and legal requirements related to social media usage and marketing.
Software development fundamentalsReal unit · City and Guilds of London Institute
You'll be introduced to software development methodologies, programming concepts, and the software development lifecycle. It develops skills to write, test, and debug basic code.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different software development methodologies, such as Agile and Waterfall.
- Know fundamental programming concepts, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions.
- Write basic code to solve simple programming problems.
- Test and debug code to identify and fix errors.
- Understand the different phases of the software development lifecycle.
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 3 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
3D Computer modellingApplication developmentCloud technologiesCode an application using event driven programming languageCode an application using object oriented programming languageCode an application using procedural programming languageCollection and analysis of dataComputer animation
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
Where this can lead
Associate Global Advertising Specialist
Your journey starts here, and frankly, the sky's the limit if you're willing to learn, adapt, and put in the effort. We're excited to see where you take your career with us.
See the whole journey →Opens the roleAssociate Global Advertising SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAdvertising CoordinatorOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleDigital Media CoordinatorOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Advertising CoordinatorOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleAssociate Digital Media BuyerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleSocial Media CoordinatorOne of the jobs this qualification is a route into · 4 near-identical records folded inSee the role →Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →
Showing 6 roles, drawn from 160 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
Collect, analyse and use data to inform improvements to games and interactive media projects
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
This unit covers the principles and techniques of 3D computer modelling, including coordinate systems, polygon meshes, and surface properties. Learners will develop skills to create, manipulate, and scale 3D models using appropriate software and understand the applications of various modelling techniques.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Foundation Diploma in Digital Technologies (VRQ)
29 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by City and Guilds of London Institute.
- 3D Computer modelling
- Application development
- Cloud technologies
- Code an application using event driven programming language
- Code an application using object oriented programming language
- Code an application using procedural programming language
and 23 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.