Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing (RQF)

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: ATHE
• Credit Value: 120
• Guided Learning Hours(GLH): 510
• Total Qualification Time(TQT): 1200
• Qualification Level: 4
• Qualification Number: 610/3264/5
• OFQUAL-Regulated

• Write, debug, and optimise code in various programming languages, demonstrating your ability to develop functional software applications.
• Understand how to collect, interpret, and manipulate data, using statistical methods and relevant software tools.
• Analyse and configure network systems, showcasing knowledge of protocols, security measures, and network management tools.
• Have an understanding of cyber-security principles, learn to identify vulnerabilities, and implement protection strategies to safeguard systems.
• Explain and apply key legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations in the IT industry.
• Be equipped with a strong foundation in computing and pursue entry-level roles in IT or to progress to higher-level qualifications.

With a rapidly growing tech industry, this Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing opens the door to exciting career opportunities. It is a highly regarded qualification that paves the way for future academic and professional growth. With foundational knowledge in programming, data analysis, and networking, you are prepared to handle various tech challenges. You can also enter IT support roles providing technical assistance to organisations.

Here are some career prospects you can explore, along with the average UK salary per annum (approximately) according to Glassdoor.

• Junior Programmer – £79,000
• Cyber Security Analyst – £64,000
• Web Developer – £60,000
• IT Consultant – £54,000
• Software Developer – £52,000
• Database Administrator – £47,000
• Data Analyst – £42,000
• IT Support Specialist – £37,000

• Learners must be over the age of 18.
• GCE Advanced Level profile with achievement in 2 or more subjects supported by 5 or more GCSEs at grades 4/C and above.
• Other related Level 3 subjects such as ATHE level 3 Diplomas.
• Access to Higher Education Certificate delivered by an approved further education institute and validated by an Access Validating Agency.
• Other equivalent international qualifications.
• An appropriate standard of English to enable learners to access relevant resources and complete the unit assignments.

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 9-12 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing requires approximately 510 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

• Written Assignments: There are ten units in this course. You will complete written assignments which will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by an assessor. These assignments will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the course theory. You can achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction for each unit based on the quality of the work submitted. (Pass 360 – 431, Merit 432 – 539, Distinction 540). To pass a unit, you must successfully meet all the learning outcomes at the pass level according to the assessment criteria for that unit. To earn merit or distinction, you need to show that you have met the higher standards required for those grades.
• Internal Marking and Feedback: All completed assignments are marked internally within South London College. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor, which will support your learning and improvement.
• Project: You are required to submit a project (Synoptic Computing Project) based on what you have learned across the curriculum.
• Assessor Support: You will have comprehensive access to support from assessors via various channels including telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below to get in touch with us.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Level 5 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Computing
• Second year of degree programme at universities supporting the ATHE progression route.

Alternative progression pathway;

• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and Higher-Level Apprenticeships at Level 5 in computing-related areas.

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.