ATHE

ATHE is a global awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual and other UK and international regulators. ATHE offers a wide portfolio of vocationally orientated and internationally-recognised qualifications which include business and management, law, computing, and healthcare. One of the cornerstones of ATHE's mission is to serve as a bridge to higher education. ATHE qualifications are approved as progression pathways to relevant Bachelor’s and Master’s Top Up degrees by a number of UK and international Universities, providing significant tertiary education opportunities. Learners will benefit from rigorous assessment methods and learning materials that not only prepare them for examinations but also for real-world challenges.

OFQUAL

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.

• Learn to write, debug, and optimise code using key programming languages, applying structured and logical approaches to software development.
• Be able to collect, interpret, and manipulate data, using statistical methods and relevant software tools.
• Acquire knowledge of network architecture, protocols, and technologies, enabling you to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks.
• Have an understanding of cybersecurity principles, learning 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.

This Level 4 Extended Diploma is suited for aspiring IT professionals, IT support staff, and those seeking to gain skills in programming, data analysis, networks, and cybersecurity.

• 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.

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be awarded the Ofqual-regulated qualification of the Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing by ATHE.

This assessment process includes written assignments. Importantly, this course doesn’t have exams. Here’s an overview of how you will be assessed throughout the course:

• 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 Global Edulink. 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.

This Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing takes approximately 9-12 months to complete, but can be extended, depending on your pace and availability. The duration of the course may vary based on your study time and understanding of the materials. We offer unlimited support for up to 12 months.

After completing this Level 4 Extended Diploma, you can advance to higher-level qualifications in computing or pursue a bachelor’s degree in the same field.

• Level 5 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Computing
• Second year of degree programmes 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.

Step Up Your IT Career

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.

• Web Developer - £60,000
• Cyber Security Analyst - £57,000
• IT Consultant - £54,000
• Software Developer - £52,000
• Database Administrator - £47,000
• Data Analyst - £46,000
• IT Support Specialist - £37,000
• Junior Programmer - £30,000

Source: Glassdoor, 2024

From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol for this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject. Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.