IT and Computing
ATHE Level 4
Course Code: 601/4740/4
Study Options: Distance Learning
Accreditation -ATHE
Qualification level: 4
Starting: January, March, June, July, October, November
Fees -TBC
About the Course
The ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Computing is a 120-credit Ofqual regulated qualification. It 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.
Entry Requirements
Progression Routes
You can progress to the 2nd year of a bachelor degree from the ATHE Level 4 Extended Diploma in Computing, or alternatively you can progress to an ATHE qualification at level 5. For information on ATHE university top-ups please see www.athe.co.uk/progression
Qualification Specifications
What you would learn
Level 4 University Year 1
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. They will formulate design documentation to plan an interface for a product. Learners will implement the plan to create a prototype. Learners will review and amend the prototype based on user feedback.
Learners will investigate different management information systems and evaluate the common features. They will analyse an existing information system in use by an organisation. They will review records, observe performance and understand the legal and organisational requirements that apply to an information system. They will use their findings to recommend improvements to a management information system and they will present their findings to a client.
Learners will understand ethical, legal and regulatory issues relating to IT. They will also understand the impact of IT on society.
Learners will use different tools and techniques to design, implement and test programs, following the system life cycle. They will use an appropriate programming language and learn about the principles of good programming to enable them to create computer programs.
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.
This unit will develop learners’ understanding of database systems and data analysis and modelling. They will understand how normalisation and functional dependency theory is used to design a relational database and how the client-server model is used.
Learners will understand the benefits of using information systems to plan a project. They will use an information system to plan and implement an information systems project.
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. They will recommend improvements and plan to implement these improvements for a client.
Learners will learn about different eCommerce models and applications and how they can be used to develop eCommerce in a small business. They will research the stages involved in setting up eCommerce and they will use eCommerce applications to meet a client brief.
Learners will gain an understanding of the need for software engineering and the different methods and techniques.
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.
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. They will investigate e-marketing and SEO techniques to promote websites and they will suggest appropriate techniques to solve a business problem. Learners will create a back end database to allow the database to interact with the website. They will critically review the web-based solution against client requirements.
Learners will develop an understanding of innovative developments in technology and their impact on the computer industry.
Learners will learn about using software development methodologies to develop an information system.
Learners will learn IT network design fundamentals and will design a network for a client in accordance with a design brief.
Learners will extend their understanding of database design and development. They will research database management systems and will design and implement a complex database.
Learners will develop an understanding of ethical, legal and regulatory issues and professional responsibilities relating to working in IT.
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.
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.
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 within computer science.
Further Reading