The Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC) is an Ofqual regulated qualification. It is an Applied General qualification which allows candidates to demonstrate key transferable study skills, mathematical competency and applied cultural understanding, especially in the area of digital culture, as well as an understanding of the essential concepts of computer programming.

L3DC Additional Information

The Level 3 Diploma in Computing syllabus and assessment is suitable for students aged 16-19 as well as adult learners.

For entry onto the NCC Education Diploma in Computing (L3DC) a student must:

• Have previously studied in English at secondary school level.

OR

• Have a valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent. Alternatively a student can 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.

Students that complete the Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC) can:

• Enrol onto the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC), equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor’s degree.

OR

• Choose where to study in the world. Click here to view the latest university progression routes.

The Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC) is an Ofqual regulated qualification. The qualification (with specialisms) makes up the first year of a Computing/ IT degree pathway. The qualification is equivalent to the first year of an IT degree in the UK university system.

L4DC Additional Information

For entry onto the NCC Education L4DC qualification students must have at least one of the following:

• NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies

OR

• NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Computing

OR

• 1 GCE ‘A’ Level pass

Students must also meet the English language entry requirements of:

• IELTS min score of 5.5 or above

OR

• GCE ‘O’ Level English C6

Mature applicants will be considered for entry if they are able to demonstrate over 2 years of relevant work experience and have a GCE ‘O’ Level / IGCSE English and Maths or equivalent.

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.

The qualification allows students entry to either the NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing, (which is equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree), or the second year of many UK university degree courses, or enables you to pursue a career in the IT industry.

Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.

The Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC) is an Ofqual regulated qualification. The qualification (with specialisms) makes up the second year of the NCC Education degree journey and builds upon the knowledge gained during the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC) or the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing with Business Management (L4DC BM), exposing students to greater detail and more advanced topics in a range of areas including database development, information systems analysis, network security and cryptography.

L5DC Additional Information

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.

The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networking top-up degree is delivered online by NCC Education and is a natural progression from our Level 5 Diploma in Computing with Cyber Security. This final year is awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (abbreviated UCLan).

The programme aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, technical and interpersonal skills necessary for taking part in the design, implementation, management and security of modern computer systems.

Additional Information

Enrol with one of the following qualifications:

• NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing with Cyber Security (L5DC (CS))
• Pearson Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computing (inc. all specialist pathways)
• ATHE Level 4 and Level 5 Diploma in Computing
• SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Networking
• SQA HND Cyber Security
• Any similar qualification approved by NCC Education and UCLan

The BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information Systems Top-up Degree is delivered online by NCC Education, validated and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). This programme has been designed to prepare students for employment in the IT sector.

Additional Information

Students worldwide with the following qualifications are welcome to enrol today:

• NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC)
• NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing with Business Management (L5DC BM)
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing & Systems Development (Networking)
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Information Systems ( Network Engineering)
• Edexcel HND Computing and Systems Development (QCF)
• ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Computing
• Informatics Diploma in IT and Advanced Diploma in IT
• Informatics International Advanced Diploma in Computing
• OTHM – Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology
• SQA- Advanced Diploma in Computer Science
• Any similar qualification approved by NCC Education and UCLan

On completion of the BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information Systems Top-up Degree, graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate and master’s degree study at institutions across the world.

NCC Education has recognition with over 70 universities in the UK, Ireland, Canada, USA and Australia, for students who want to complete their degree overseas at an international university campus. These provide university progression routes enabling students to further their study and career choices.

The NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Business (L3DB) is an Ofqual regulated qualification. It is an Applied General qualification which allows candidates to demonstrate key transferable study skills, mathematical competency and applied cultural understanding, particularly in the context of international business, as well as a grounding in the essential concepts of business and economics.

Additional Information

For entry onto the NCC Education L3DB qualification a student must have:

• Previously studied in English at secondary school level.

OR

• A valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination or equivalent. Alternatively a student can 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.

The Level 3 Diploma in Business syllabus and assessment is suitable for students aged 16-19 as well as adult learners.

Students that complete the Level 3 Diploma in Business (L3DB) can:

• Enrol onto the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB), equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor’s degree.

OR

• Choose where to study in the world. Click here to view the latest university progression routes.

The NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB) is an Ofqual regulated qualification. It makes up the first year of the NCC Education Business Degree journey. The qualification is equivalent to the first year of a business degree in the UK university system.

Additional Information

For entry onto the NCC Education L4DB qualification students must have at least one of the following:

• NCC Education Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES), Level 3 Diploma in Business (L3DB) or Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC).

OR

• An international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education L3IFDHES or L3DB qualification. This shall be agreed with NCC Education in advance.

OR

• One ‘A’ Level or equivalent, or an appropriate School Leavers’ certificate deemed to be of a similar level

If a potential student’s first language is not English, they must also reach the English Language requirements of either:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 5.5. Alternatively, take the free NCC Education Higher English Placement Test, which is administered by our Accredited Partner Centres.

OR

• GCE ‘O’ Level English C6.

Mature applicants will be considered for entry if they are able to demonstrate over 2 years of relevant work experience; AND Have GCE ‘O’ Level / IGCSE English and Maths or equivalent.

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.

The qualification allows students entry to NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business (which is equivalent to year 2 of a typical UK honours degree) or the second year of many UK university degree courses, or enables them to pursue a career in the business industry.

Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.

The NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB) is an Ofqual-related qualification. The qualification makes up the second year of the NCC Education degree journey and builds upon the knowledge gained during the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB), exposing students to greater detail and more advanced topics in a range of areas including economics, marketing, finance and management.

Additional Information

For entry onto the NCC Education L5DB qualification students must have at least one of the following:

• NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business (L4DB).

OR

• A local or international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education L4DB 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 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.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, students will be able to apply to study at one of the many universities that recognise NCC Education qualifications, or pursue a career in the business industry.

Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.

The Level 6 Diploma in Business Strategy and Management (L6DBSM) is the third year of the NCC Education pathway. The qualification is equivalent to the final year of a Business degree qualification in the UK university system. The Level 6 Diploma in Business Strategy and Management is not ofqual regulated.

Additional Information

For entry onto the NCC Education L6DBSM qualification students must have at least one of the following:

• NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Business (L5DB).

OR

• A local or international qualification which is deemed to be of a similar level to the NCC Education L5DB 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 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.

On successful completion of the qualification, students can progress on to the Level 7 Diploma in Business Management in order to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration.