Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing (Data Analyst) – RQF
About This Course
Empower Your Future with Data Analytics
As organisations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, professionals with expertise in analysing, managing, and visualising data are in high demand across various industries. The Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing (Data Analyst) is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree and offers a flexible entry point toward entering the second year. This Ofqual-regulated qualification focuses heavily on key areas like organisational data architecture, methods and tools for analysis, and data preparation and quality risks. This extended diploma combines theoretical skills with your practical computing abilities which are essential to performing in various tech roles. This Level 4 extended diploma gives you the opportunity to study data analytics and completely realise your own academic passion and potential for the subject. Qualified individuals will enjoy job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to have a tangible impact in the tech world. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body, regulating school and college qualifications, and vocational and technical qualifications.
ATHE qualifications are recognised nationally and internationally and are dedicated to providing a clear progression path to renowned universities in the UK and internationally. This Level 4 Extended Computing Diploma (RQF) provides a strong foundation for a successful career in the IT industry. You can pursue roles such as data analyst, database administrator, junior software developer, web developer, or IT professional.
Those requiring financial assistance to pursue higher education can apply for an advanced learner loan in the UK if the eligibility criteria are met. You have access to London School of Business & Law online learning portal for up to 365 days. An expert tutor will guide and assist you throughout your learning journey.
(RQF qualifications carry meaning and recognition and are regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation that regulates qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England).
Benefits of Learning with London School of Business & Law
Unit 01: IT Systems Development: Preparation, Analysis, Design and Problem-solving
Objective: To develop foundational knowledge and skills in system development lifecycles, system analysis, and solution design.
Introduction to the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Lifecycle Models: Waterfall, Agile, Spiral, V-Model
Key behaviours and practices for developing clear, achievable requirements
Techniques for analysing existing systems (e.g. DFDs, Use Case Diagrams)
Identifying system problems and proposing solutions
Documenting and presenting proposed system solutions to stakeholders
Unit 02: Programming and Scripting
Objective: To build competency in designing, developing, and testing programs based on client needs.
Programming principles: Variables, Control Structures, Functions, OOP Basics
Understanding client briefs and interpreting functional requirements
Designing user-friendly interfaces
Program development using scripting and programming languages (e.g. Python, JavaScript)
Testing strategies and evaluation techniques for software solutions
Unit 03: Data and Database Systems
Objective: To understand data concepts and learn how to design and model databases.
Definition and characteristics of data
Data types, structures, and formats
Introduction to database systems and their purposes
Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD) and normalization
Designing and modeling a simple relational database system
Unit 04: Computer Systems, Networks and Security
Objective: To explore core IT hardware, software, and security principles in computing environments.
Hardware and software fundamentals
Understanding operating systems, networking basics (LAN, WAN, TCP/IP)
Cybersecurity principles: threats, vulnerabilities, risk mitigation
Security policies and best practices for protecting data and systems
Unit 05: Legislation, Regulation, Ethics and Codes of Practice
Objective: To examine legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities in IT practices.
Overview of IT-related legislation (e.g. GDPR, Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act)
Ethical issues in data usage and technology implementation
Creating organisational IT policies and procedures
The role of professional bodies (e.g. BCS, IEEE) and certifications
Unit 06: Organisational Data Architecture
Objective: To understand how organisations structure and manage data for business insight.
Principles and components of data architecture
Roles of data governance and data stewardship
Overview of data lifecycle and data analysis lifecycles
Creating and interpreting a basic Entity-Relationship Model
Unit 07: Methods and Tools for Analysis
Objective: To introduce learners to various tools and methodologies used in data analysis.
Analytical methods: qualitative vs. quantitative
Tools: Excel, SQL, Tableau, Python for data analysis
User experience (UX) and domain knowledge relevance
Techniques for gathering and defining customer requirements
Unit 08: Data Preparation and Quality
Objective: To equip learners with data extraction, cleaning, and integration skills.
Basics of SQL and data manipulation
Techniques for cleaning and transforming data
Merging and combining data from multiple sources
Data quality issues: errors, duplications, missing values
Methods for maintaining high-quality data standards
Unit 09: Statistics for Analysing Datasets
Objective: To develop statistical understanding for interpreting data and making predictions.
Key statistical concepts: mean, median, mode, standard deviation
Introduction to descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
Performing basic statistical analysis using spreadsheets
Using correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing in data analysis
Unit 10: Analytical Impact through Data Visualisations
Objective: To learn how to communicate data insights through impactful visual representation.
Principles of effective data communication
Choosing appropriate charts and visual types (bar, line, pie, heatmaps, etc.)
Tools for creating visualisations (Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
Designing dashboards and infographics
Tailoring visuals for different audiences
Learning Objectives
Requirements
- 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.
£2,200.00£2,500.00
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OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology
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