ATHE Guidelines and Student Resources Level 4 & 5 Computing:
Year 1 (Level 4):
Introduction
The ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Computing is a 120-credit Ofqual regulated qualification.
This qualification provides the core knowledge, understanding and skills to support learners planning to further their studies in computing. It is equivalent in size and level to the first year of a degree programme in computing.
This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.
Grading
Graded with Pass or Fail.
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.
Qualification Specification
To view the specification, please click the following link:
ATHE Level 4 Qualifications in Computing
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:
- a GCE Advanced level profile with achievement in 2 or more subjects supported by 5 or more GCSEs at grades C and above
- other related level 3subjects
- an Access to Higher Education Certificate delivered by an approved further education institute and validated by an Access Validating Agency
- 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 all 10 mandatory units.
| Unit Name | Unit Aims | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT and Society | Learners will understand ethical, legal and regulatory issues relating to IT. They will also understand the impact of IT on society. | 12 | Yes |
| Computer Systems and Software | This unit will develop learners’ understanding of the integration of hardware and software components. Learners will explore how hardware serves specific computer processing functions and investigate the use of various software applications. | 12 | Yes |
| Computer Programming | Learners will use different tools and techniques to design, implement and test programs, following the system life cycle | 12 | Yes |
| Relational Database Systems | This unit will develop learners’ understanding of database systems and data analysis and modelling. | 12 | Yes |
| Software Engineering | Leaners will gain an understanding of the need for Software Engineering and the different methods and techniques. | 12 | Yes |
| Systems Analysis and Design | Learners will be able to understand the systems development life cycle and the role of systems methodologies within the life cycle. Learners will be introduced to different fact finding and problem-solving techniques and they will use these to analyse an existing system. | 12 | Yes |
| E-commerce Applications | Learners will learn about different e-commerce models and applications and how they can be used to develop e-commerce in a small business. | 12 | Yes |
| Human Computer Interaction | Learners will develop understanding of principles and models of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). They will evaluate existing HCI design and principles and use this to help them plan their own prototype user interface. | 12 | Yes |
| Information Systems Theory and Practice | Learners will understand the benefits of using information systems to plan a project | 12 | Yes |
| Management Information Systems | Learners will investigate different management information systems and evaluate the common features. | 12 | Yes |
Year 2 (Level 5):
Introduction
The ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Computing is a 120-credit Ofqual regulated qualification.
This qualification provides the core knowledge, understanding and skills to support learners planning to further their studies in computing. It is equivalent in size and level to the second year of a degree programme in computing.
This is a core qualification available to existing and interested centres of ATHE.
Grading
Graded with Pass or Fail.
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.
Qualification Specification
To view the specification, please click the following link:
ATHE Level 5 Qualification in Computing
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 in Computing
- other equivalent international qualifications
- learners may also have relevant work experience
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 all 10 mandatory units.
| Unit Name | Unit Aims | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyber Security | Learners will develop an understanding of the importance of cyber security to organisations. They will understand industry standards of cyber security and be able to recommend improvements in security to a client’s network. | 12 | Yes |
| Database Design and Development | Learners will extend their understanding of database design and development. They will research database management systems and will design and implement a complex database. | 12 | Yes |
| Web Based Development | Learners will develop an understanding of web based development They will research different technologies that can be used to create dynamic and interactive websites and they will use this research to develop their own website. | 12 | Yes |
| Network Design | Learners will learn IT network design fundamentals and will design a network for a client in accordance with a design brief. | 12 | Yes |
| Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Issues and Professional Responsibilities in IT | Learners will develop understanding of ethical, legal, regulatory issues and professional responsibilities relating to working in IT. | 12 | Yes |
| Strategic Management Information Systems | Learners will develop an understanding of the importance of integrating organisational strategy with information systems and the tools and techniques that can be used to analyse strategy. They will analyse business processes and recommend improvements. | 12 | Yes |
| Innovative Technologies in Computing | Learners will develop an understanding of innovative developments in technology and their impact on the computer industry. | 12 | Yes |
| Computing Research Methods | Learners will develop an understanding of different computer based research methods. They will plan their own research and carry out a research project based on an area of interest to them within computer science. | 12 | Yes |
| Managing a Computing Project | Learners will find out about different project management tools and techniques that can be used when managing a computing project. They will use tools and techniques to plan, implement and review their own computing project. | 12 | Yes |
| Software Development Methodologies | Learners will learn about using software development methodologies to develop an information system. | 12 | Yes |
Course Curriculum
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