Student complete four core units and two optional units:

Core units

• Computing Project– This unit provides students with the opportunity to utilise the skills needed to develop a computing artefact to solve a problem, which involves research, analysis, design, coding, testing and project management knowledge and expertise.
• Database Design and Development– This unit allows students to develop skills in the design and development of databases and database management systems, as well as investigating enterprise applications of databases.
• Information Systems Analysis– This unit equips students with a range of tools to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Network Security and Cryptography– This unit provides students with the underlying theory and practical skills required to secure networks and to send data safely and securely over communications networks.

Optional units

• Agile Development– This unit explores the processes, people, practices and principles of agile development systems. It prepares students for future trends in software development and reinforces their understanding of the information systems development process.
• Analysis, Design and Implementation – This unit provides students with in-depth knowledge, skills and experience in the use of object-oriented techniques for the development of software. It develops students’ expertise in object-oriented analysis, design and coding, and the testing of systems.
• Artificial Intelligence – This unit aims to provide an introduction to fundamental methods used in Artificial Intelligence: knowledge representation, reasoning, search and learning. The unit introduces the underpinning concepts and techniques, the problems for which they are applicable and their limitations. The unit will prepare you for entry positions in AI application design and development and enable you to pursue more advanced topics in this exciting field.
• Dynamic Websites – This unit builds on existing knowledge of both databases and web design in order to build dynamic websites and also equips students with a range of skills to present content on the World Wide Web.
• Professional Issues in IT – This unit highlights the professional issues that impact the development, deployment, maintenance and use of computer systems. It equips students with the knowledge surrounding social, ethical and legal issues applicable to the IT field and also a working understanding of software quality.

L5DC BM students complete the following six core units:

• Information Systems Analysis: This unit equips students with a range of tools in order to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Dynamic Websites: This unit builds on existing knowledge of both databases and web design in order to build dynamic websites and also equips students with a range of skills to present content on the World Wide Web.
• Database Design and Development: This unit allows students to develop skills in the design and development of databases and database management systems, as well as investigating enterprise applications of databases.
• Business IT Project: This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing system solutions to open-ended problems derived from the real world.
• Information Systems and Organisations: This unit introduces students to the subject of information systems and technology in organisations, taking a broad perspective on how it can be managed effectively within the organisational context. Students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the role of information systems in the modem organisation, including the management of social, cultural and political aspects that are important to the successful adoption of technology.
• Principles of Business Operations: This unit helps students to appreciate and understand business operations in both the manufacturing and services sectors. It will cover the basic principles of operations within a global context from three key perspectives: understanding operations, designing operations and managing operations.

L5DC CS students are required to complete six units comprising of five core units and one of the two elective units:

• Business IT Project: (Unit 1 core) – This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing system solutions to open-ended problems derived from the real world.
• Information Systems Analysis: (Unit 2 core) – This unit equips students with a range of tools to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Network Security Threats and Defence Mechanisms *: (Unit 3 core) – Provides students with the skills to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with network vulnerability and protects valuable information held by organisations.
• Computer Forensics and Incident Investigation *: (Unit 4 core) – Understanding the investigation requirements and prosecution of cyber criminals. Students will learn the necessary processes required for the acquisition, inspection, and reporting of information stored across computer networks related to criminal incidents.
• Ethical Hacking and Information Security Assessments *: (Unit 5 core) – Understanding of the concept of ‘ethical’ hacking and the essential elements; such as information security, threats and attack vectors of information security, hacking and ethical hacking concepts including risk management.
• Professional Issues in IT (1 elective) – This unit highlights the professional issues that impact the development, deployment, maintenance and use of computer systems. It equips students with the knowledge surrounding social, ethical and legal issues applicable to the IT field and also a working understanding of software quality. It is recommended that students take this unit if they have progressed from the L4DC(BM).
• Analysis, Design and Implementation: (2 elective) – Provides students with in-depth knowledge, skills and experience in the use of object-oriented techniques for the development of software. The unit also develops expertise in object-oriented analysis, design and coding, and the testing of systems.

*The teaching and learning materials for core units three, four and five have been developed by the EC Council for NCC Education. Once students have completed these units they will be awarded a certificate of completion from the EC Council.

For entry onto the NCC Education L5DC qualification students must have at least one of the following:

• NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC).

OR

• A local or international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education L4DC qualification. This must be agreed with NCC Education in advance.
  If a potential student whose first language is not English, they will need to obtain a valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent. Alternatively, take the free NCC Education Higher English Placement Test, which is administered by our Accredited Partner Centres.

OR

• The Oxford Test of English is recognised for acceptance onto NCC Education programmes. An affordable, personalized test that fits you – it’s 100% online, flexible, fast, and available at Approved Test Centres across the globe. Plus, it’s the only language proficiency test certified by the University of Oxford.

Direct Entry at Other Points

The majority of students are expected to join the NCC Education Information Technology Journey at Level 4 or earlier. However, applications will be accepted for entry at any point and will be accepted, by means of documented evidence, using the following criteria:

• The applicant’s general educational background is appropriate for the level of entry.
• The applicant’s knowledge of computing is both equivalent to, and appropriate for, the level of entry.

The L5DC and L5DC BM qualification allows entry onto NCC Education’s final year top-up qualifications in Computing (further entry requirements may apply), or to a third year of many UK university degree courses, or enables you to pursue a career in the IT industry.

The L5DC CS qualification allows entry onto NCC Education’s final year top-up in Cyber Security and Networking.

Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.

Assessments for all units are offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. All units, except the project, are assessed by assignments and/or examinations.

Past papers and sample assessments:

Agile Development

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

Analysis, Design and Implementation

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

Artificial Intelligence

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

Dynamic Websites

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

Database Design and Development

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

Information Systems Analysis

View a Sample Time Constrained Assessment here.
View a Sample Time Constrained Assessment Mark Scheme here.

Network Security and Cryptography

View a Sample Assessment Assignment here.
View a Sample Mark Scheme Assignment here.

View a Sample Time Constrained Assessment here.

View a Sample Time Constrained Assessment Mark Scheme here.

Professional Issues in IT

View a Sample Assignment Assessment here.
View a Sample Assignment Mark Scheme here.

NCC Education is accredited to award the Level 5 Diploma in Computing by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) in England. Ofqual Qualification reference number 600/3055/0.

The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, also known as EC-Council, is the world’s largest cyber security technical certification body. Operating in 145 countries globally, they are the owner and developer of the world-famous Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (C|HFI), Certified Security Analyst (ECSA), Licence Penetration Testing (Practical) programmes, among others. They have trained and certified over 200,000 information security professionals globally that have influenced the cyber security mindset of countless organisations worldwide.