Extended Diploma in Computing Technologies

Learners selecting this qualification must complete all mandatory units and select a further 2 units from the optional (opt) units listed below, totalling 120 credits.​

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• Unit 1 Managing Innovation and Change in Computing

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding in order to manage innovation and change in computing environments. Learners will explore that change is constant and the importance of understanding and applying a process for managing change within an organisation. There will be a focus on innovation and changes that are common across the computing industry.

Credits: 20

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 2 Systems Development and User Experience (UX)

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with knowledge and understanding of the development of systems and how this is achieved using a range of systems development life cycle models (SDLC). Learners will focus on how to establish the user and technical requirements of the system and the considerations to make when developing a user interface.

Credits: 20

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 3 Implementing and Managing Cyber Security

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding of securing computing systems and how to implement and manage cyber security in an enterprise environment. The unit will focus on the core principles to consider in order to secure systems appropriately. Learners will develop the knowledge and skills relating to security, detection, information and attack management in order to protect an organisation in the event of a cyber security attack.

Credits: 20

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 4 Business Intelligence Systems

Unit Aims: This unit aims to help learners develop an understanding of business intelligence systems and the benefits of using such systems from an organisational point of view. Learners will focus on the key areas within business intelligence systems and develop an understanding of why business intelligence plays a fundamental role in organisational strategic planning.

Credits: 20

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 5 Independent Project

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with the opportunity to undertake an independent project. In the unit learners can utilise the knowledge and understanding gained in previous units and from other areas of learning and experience to independently manage and complete a practical project. Learners will showcase the skills learned and their understanding of technologies whilst following formal project management techniques.

Credits: 20

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 6 Agile Transformation

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and uses of agile development within business environments. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the fundamental process of agile development including the methodologies used. Learners will develop the skills and knowledge to be able to embed and use agile approaches in a working environment.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 7 Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

Unit Aims: This unit provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems. Learners will learn system principles, their use and the benefits they can bring to an organisation. Learners will also focus on the cost, planning and training associated with implementing and running these systems in an organisation. This unit will cover professional practice and the role of ethics and codes of conduct in relation to computing systems.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 8 Mobile Application Development

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with an advanced understanding of the processes involved with developing and launching a mobile application to meet user requirements. Learners will have the opportunity to plan, develop and launch a mobile application oftheir choice to solve a problem. This unit will also focus on testing across all stages of the lifecycle.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 9 Data analytics and Big Data

Unit Aims: This unit will focus on the importance and uses of big data in today’s world. This will include how data analysis and big data can be used to provide greater knowledge in certain areas, for example with crime detection and police systems. Learners will also focus on the considerations that need to be made in relation to storing, searching and reporting on big data sets.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 10 Networking and Infrastructure Development

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of networks used within computing environments and the importance of ensuring a network is designed appropriately, is scalable and fit for purpose. Learners will also learn the considerations that must be made when designing an infrastructure environment including the hardware, software and communication elements within the structure.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 11 Internet of Things (IoT)

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with core knowledge and understanding of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The unit also explores how IoT is used today to increase productivity and efficiency across personal and business life, identifying its use in the future. Learners will explore the underlying technologies that make functionary possible.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 12 Artificial Intelligence

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with an introduction to the features of artificial intelligence including the philosophical foundations of artificial intelligence. This will include intelligence machines, artificial thinking and working like humans for example, speech recognition, problem-solving and learning.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes

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• Unit 13 Computer-based Research Methods

Unit Aims: This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of different computer-based research methods. Learners will plan their own research using associated techniques. Learners will also carry out a research project based on an area of interest within the computing technologies field, for example future/emerging technologies, cloud-based technologies.

Credits: 10

Mandatory: Yes