Level 4 Diploma in Computing (RQF) (L4DC) makes up the first year of the NCC Education degree journey. The qualification is equivalent to the first year of an IT degree in the UK university system.
Students will be given the opportunity to develop essential thinking and study skills, not only within the computing domain, but also within the context of business through a balance of academic and vocational subjects. The qualification will allow them to understand and enter the computing profession with the necessary knowledge expected within the industry and the ability to apply the skills to a range of IT-related functions.
On successful completion of the qualification students will be able to embark on NCC Education’s Level 5 Diploma in Computing (RQF) (L5DC), which is equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree, transfer to a university or pursue a career in the IT industry.
NCC Education is regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) to award the Level 4 Diploma in Computing (RQF) in England. Ofqual Qualification reference number 600/0406/X.
For entry onto the NCC Education L4DC qualification students must have at least one of the following:
- NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (RQF) (L3IFDHES) or Level 3 Diploma in Computing (RQF) (L3DC) qualification.
OR
- An international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education L3IFDHES or L3DC qualification. This must be agreed with NCC Education in advance.
OR
- Mature students need to demonstrate over two years’ relevant work experience and also hold O’ level/GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.
If a potential student whose first language is not English, they will need to obtain a valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent. Alternatively, take the free NCC Education Higher English Placement Test, which is administered by our Accredited Partner Centres.
Students must study the following eight core units:
- Skills for Computing – provides the essential skills for a computing student (including study, presentation, report-writing and data handling skills). Not only will this unit prepare for successful outcomes in studies, but it will also provide skills that can be applied in the workplace.
- Computer Networks – networking and communication skills are vitally important in today’s connected world. In this unit students will develop a good understanding of basic theory, and also develop useful practical skills.
- Computer Systems – supports the development of practical skills in the configuration, maintenance, fault-finding and trouble-shooting of modern computer systems and develops knowledge of computer architecture.
- Designing and Developing a Website – develops practical skills in website design by providing a detailed understanding of mark-up languages, style sheets, design techniques and testing.
- Databases – provides thorough training in practical techniques of the design and development of database systems together with developing a sound understanding of the underpinning theory.
- Designing and Developing Object-Oriented Computer Programmes – provides a thorough introduction to computer programming using Java.
- Software Development Techniques – addresses the wider issues of software development together with a language-independent survey of useful data structures and algorithms.
- Office Solutions Development – develops practical skills in the automation of common office applications to support a variety of tasks.
Assessments for all units are offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. All units are assessed by assignments and/or examinations.
Past papers and sample assessments:
Skills for Computing
View a Sample Assessment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme here.
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
Computer Networks
View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.
Computer Systems
View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
Designing and Developing a Website
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
Databases
View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
Designing and Developing Object-Oriented Computer Programs
View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.
Software Development Techniques
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
Office Solutions Development
View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.
View a Sample Assessment Exam here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Exam here.
The qualification allows students entry to either the NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (RQF), (which is equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree), or the second year of many UK university degree courses, or enables you to pursue a career in the IT industry.
Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.
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