ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Computing (Data Technologist) (2024)
Introduction
The ATHE Level 5 Extended Diploma in Computing (Data Technologist) (120-credit) builds on the Computing foundation offered by the Diploma and offers learners access to pathway learning for role-based occupational development. The Extended Diploma offers a blended learning approach with the core, generic computer management units offering a context for the study of the optional technical units.
Unit 17’s synoptic project is the culmination of the qualification requiring learners to synthesise what they have learnt across the qualification.
This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.
Grading
Graded with Pass, Merit and Distinction.
Advanced learner loans available in the UK – to check if funding is available see the latest Qualification Catalogue here.
For the progression routes visit our progression routes page..
Delivery Mode
This qualification can be delivered either in the classroom, via distance learning or blended, part-time or full-time.
Qualification Specification
To view the specification, please click here.
Typical Age
This qualification is designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.
Qualifications
For learners who have recently been in education or training the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:
- prior study in computing or related subjects at level 4 or above
- a Level 4 qualification, for example, an ATHE Level 4 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Computing
- other equivalent international qualifications
Language
For those whom English is not their first language we recommend the following standards of proficiency in English language skills or an approved equivalent for this qualification:
- IELTs 5.5
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) B2
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) 162 or above
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 42-49
Learners must complete four mandatory units, plus 3 optional units and unit 17 Advanced Project, totalling 120 credits.
| Unit Name | Unit Aims | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computing Projects for Digital Transformation | This unit enables learners to begin to think about how digital transformation may benefit their organisation, their job role, or the day-to-day activities within their organisation or their team. This understanding should be pathway neutral as learners at Level 5 will be expected to understand and contribute to plans for a digital transformation, regardless of their role. | 15 | Yes |
| Professional Development and Business Communication | This unit builds on the professional practice content first introduced in Level 4’s Unit 21 (Synoptic Project and Professional Best Practice) where learners considered team behaviours that contribute to effective working, written and oral communication and wider considerations such as ethical practice and an understanding of relevant legislation. Because the IT industry is fast moving, practitioners should understand that working in this sector will necessitate continuous professional development (CPD), often including the updating of technical skills as well as the development of professional skills as practitioners are promoted.. | 15 | Yes |
| Innovative Technologies and Connected Devices | This unit aims to equip you with an e understanding of innovative technologies like AI, IoT, Blockchain, AR, VR, and the world of connected devices. You will explore their applications, understand their working principles, and learn about their implementation and ethical challenges. This knowledge and skill set will prepare you to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. | 15 | Yes |
| Information Systems | This unit enables learners to examine a wide range of information systems that they will find in industry. When working in industry, IT practitioners must be able to see the bigger picture, drawing on all of their knowledge and previous experiences to find the best and most viable solutions to the problem. This is particularly important when working with non-technical managers who may not understand the technologies that they need to be able to perform their role. Practitioners must be able to share their knowledge and understanding in an appropriate way to promote the use of data and information systems to support modern business and enterprise. | 15 | Yes |
| Advanced Database Practice | This unit will teach the learners relational theory concepts such as normalisation, foreign keys, ensuring consistency, three value logic, indexes for efficiency, database optimisation etc. As an advanced course, it will presume that the learners have some familiarity with basic SQL extraction and manipulation techniques, such as those taught in L4 Unit 8. It will teach how to create various database objects and their benefits, e.g. tables, dynamic/materialised views, triggers, stored procedures, user defined functions etc. | 15 | Opt |
| Programming for Data Engineering | This unit introduces various tools and languages used for data engineering. It presumes that the learners have a basic understanding of programming at the level normally taught in L3 or L4 computing programming syllabi. It will use the SciPy ecosystem of module in Python (mostly pandas and matplotlib) to perform efficient programmatic data loading and data manipulation using a variety of functions provided by the modules. | 15 | Opt |
| Implementing Data Flows and Data Warehouses | This unit will familiarise learners with the techniques used to implement data flows, both near real-time and batch processing. It will introduce the ETL paradigm, the tasks performed at each stage and how they are typically implemented in a data warehouse. It will introduce the logical hierarchical modelling structure that is implemented in star and snowflake schemas in data warehouses. | 15 | Opt |
| Data Analytics and Machine Learning | This unit will introduce machine learning algorithms from an implementational point of view. It will present a few of the popular algorithms without delving into the statistical behaviour or mathematical theory behind them. It will also introduce methods to evaluate and document their performance. | 15 | Opt |
| Advanced Project | This unit is designed to enable learners from any pathway to resolve a business problem or show how a business opportunity could be pursued using appropriate tools and technologies. The project should be a suitable match to their study pathway and should make use of the knowledge and skills gained when studying the other units making up their qualification. | 15 | Yes |
