Entry 3/Level 1 Digital Essentials
- Start date(s): April, September 2025
- Centre(s): Abraham Moss, Forum, Gorton Hub, Greenheys, Longsight, Withington
- Course duration: 12 weeks
Course details
If you want to develop your digital skills for work and at home, on this course, you’ll learn how to use different devices for handling information, creating and editing, communicating, and transacting while remaining safe, secure and responsible online.
You can gain a nationally recognised qualification on this course.
The Entry 3 / Level 1 Digital Office Essentials course is made up of the following five units:
Using devices and handling information: This unit will help you to gain a basic understanding of computer hardware, software, operating systems, and digital applications that are most used. You will also learn how to manage and store information, as well as how to identify and solve simple tech issues.
Creating and editing: Through this unit you will learn how to create and edit documents and work with a variety of digital media sources such as images, audio and video files. You will also learn how to use different applications such as word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications to edit, enhance and format the different types.
Communicating: This unit will help you to demonstrate an understanding of digital communications, such as email and video calls. You will gain an awareness of, and be able to use digital communications for a range of situations and uses.
Transacting: By studying the Transacting unit, you will learn how to complete and submit online forms, comply with digital verification checks, and be able to purchase items or services online. You will eventually learn how to compare online products and manage transactional account settings.
Being safe and responsible online: This unit will teach you about the importance of being safe and responsible online. It involves privacy and data protection, how to follow best practice online behaviour, back up data, and understanding the psychological health risks of online activity.
This course is delivered face-to-face in a classroom at our adult learning centres.
At the end of this course, you will sit an exam which will test the knowledge and skills you have learnt. If you pass, you will achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
For this course you will need some experience of using digital devices including a laptop and/or a computer and the internet.
You should also be able to demonstrate Entry 3 English skills (speaking & listening, reading, and writing). This will be tested by our digital skills team during a small assessment to determine the level suitable for you.
In addition to the above, you will also have access to a device (laptop or computer) at home. You can apply to our Chromebook loan system if you do not have a suitable device.
Career and progression routes
If you’re currently at Entry 3 level, you may wish to progress onto Level 1 Digital Office Essentials. This course will develop your digital skills for work or to progress at work.
If you’re currently at level 1, you may be able to progress to our level 2 digital skills courses such as cybersecurity, digital marketing or digital office essentials.
You may also be able to secure employment with your improved digital skills.
