The L3DC qualification allows admission to the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing and Level 4 Diploma in Business IT (each equivalent to Year 1 of a UK Bachelor’s degree).

Progression routes can be found on our University Progression page.

NCC Education is regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) to award the Level 3 Diploma in Computing in England. Ofqual Qualification reference number 600/6407/9.

For entry onto the NCC Education L3DC qualification 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.

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

Students must study the following five core units:

• Study and Communication Skills – equips a students with the essential study skills needed to succeed at university level. They will learn the basic skills necessary to conduct independent research, write academic papers, give formal oral presentations and apply what has been taught during lectures.
• Culture Studies – enables students to gain awareness and increased understanding of other cultures and their own alongside the impact of a more digitised world on those cultures. Students will be able to apply their understanding of culture to other aspects of their course and to their plans for further study and work. The course will, in part, help prepare students for studying and/or working abroad or working for multi-national companies in our highly interconnected, digitised world.
• Introduction to Computer Science – provides a basic introduction to a range of IT topics including organisation of a computer system, the relationship between hardware and software, applications of computers, databases, networking (with a focus on the Internet), graphics and multimedia.
• Introduction to Programming – exposes students to extensive practical use of the modern programming language Visual Basic to illustrate the classic programming principles of sequencing, selection and iteration in the context of object-oriented computer programming.
• Foundation Mathematics – This module builds upon student’s knowledge of mathematics whilst introducing new topics appropriate across a range of academic disciplines and for their future career.

Assessments for all units will be offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. The units are all assessed by either examination or assignments.

Introduction to Computer Science

View a Sample Examination here. 
View a Sample Mark Scheme here.

Introduction to Programming

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