Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT and Data Science
Qualifi Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT and Data Science, awarded by Qualifi and listed on the Ofqual register. The facts and unit list are below; the fuller account of what studying it with London School of Planning and Management involves is still being written.
Its 180 credits add nothing to a points total and will not satisfy a university offer expressed in points. What it does lead to is a Level 4 diploma delivered by London School of Planning and Management (LSPM), or first-year university entry where a university chooses to allow it. If you need Tariff points, this extended diploma is the wrong programme for you.
At a glance
- Level3 (RQF)
- Credits180
- Total qualification timeSee specification
- Guided learning hoursSee specification
- Awarding bodyQualifi
- Ofqual number610/5600/5
- Units26 mandatory, 0 optional
- UCAS TariffNone
- Duration9 months (standard) or 6 months (fast track)
- Study modesOnline, Blended, Evening classes
- FeesFrom £999 (9 months, standard) or £1,299 (6 months, fast track)
- Next intakeRolling intake — course starts when the fee is paid
Level, credits, hours, Ofqual number and unit list are taken from the Qualifi qualification specification (PDF) and the Ofqual register. Duration, study modes, fees and intake dates are set by LSPM, not by this site, and are confirmed by its admissions team.
What you study
26 mandatory units. There are no optional units, so every learner on the programme covers the same ground.
| # | Unit | Type | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English for Higher Education | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 2 | Communication and Cultural Skills for Higher Education | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 3 | An Introduction to the Business Environment | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 4 | Business Resources | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 5 | An Introduction to Marketing | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 6 | Human Resource Management | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 7 | Computer Systems | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 8 | Coding and Website Development | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 9 | Networks | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 10 | Mobile Communications | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 11 | Cyber Security | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 12 | Social Media for Business | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 13 | The Field of Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 14 | Python for Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 15 | Creating and Interpreting Visualisations in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 16 | Data and Descriptive Statistics in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 17 | Fundamentals of Data Analytics | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 18 | Data Analytics with Python | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 19 | Machine Learning Methods and Models in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 20 | The Machine Learning Process | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 21 | Linear Regression in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 22 | Logistic Regression in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 23 | Decision Trees in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 24 | K-means Clustering in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 25 | Synthetic Data for Privacy and Security in Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| 26 | Graphs and Graph Data Science | Mandatory | See spec. |
| Total | 26 units | 180 |
Unit titles and credit values from the Qualifi qualification specification (PDF). Where the specification does not state a credit value for a unit, the cell reads See spec.
Entry requirements
Qualifi sets the formal entry criteria for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it admits learners. As published by the awarding body:
- Approved Centres are responsible for reviewing and making decisions as to the applicant’s ability to complete the learning programme successfully and meet the demands of the qualification.
- The initial assessment by the centre, will need to consider the support that is readily available or can be made available to meet individual learner needs as appropriate.The qualifications have been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access, for this qualification applicants must be aged 18 or over.In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required.
- International qualifications will be checked for appropriate enrolment to UK higher education postgraduate programmes where applicable.
- The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.
Source: the Qualifi qualification specification (PDF), which is the definitive statement of the awarding body's criteria. LSPM's admissions team decides eligibility; ask us first if you are unsure whether you meet them.
How you are assessed
Units are assessed by written assignment set by LSPM against the awarding body's learning outcomes. LSPM's tutors mark the work and moderate it internally, and Qualifi samples it externally before results are confirmed. The specification sets no timed examinations.
Assessment is regulated by Qualifi under Ofqual's conditions. How awarding bodies and regulation work.
Where it leads
Completing the Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT and Data Science qualifies you to progress to a Level 4 diploma delivered by LSPM, in it, data and cyber security or a related subject. It carries no UCAS Tariff points. Any university that considers a holder for first-year entry does so at its own discretion, and we name none.
Also in IT, Data and Cyber Security
Not sure which route fits? Ask someone who will tell you straight.
We are an independent agent, not LSPM's sales team, and we will say whether a UCAS application, an Access course or a Level 3 diploma is the better option for you, even when the answer earns this site nothing. Replies within two working days.