Programme Overview

The NCC Education 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.

Who Should Choose This Programme?

Students will study a balance of academic and vocational subjects in order to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to play a significant role in IT organisations. On successful completion of the qualification students will be able to complete the final year of a degree with the NCC Education Business Computing and Information Systems Top Up validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the University of Greenwich Computing Top-Up delivered at our Accredited Partner Centres, at one of the many universities that recognise NCC Education qualifications, or pursue a career in the IT industry. Only students who complete the Level 5 Diploma with Cyber Security (L5DC CS) specialism can then progress onto BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networking Top-Up Degree. 

Entry Requirements

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 GISM.

Direct Entry at Other Points 

Many students are expected to join the NCC Education Computing 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.

Progression Opportunities

Students that complete the NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (L5DC) can enroll

onto NCC Education’s final year top-up degrees:

• The BSc (Hons) Business Computing and Information Systems top-up degree is delivered online by NCC Education and is validated and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) 
• The BSc (Hons) Computing top-up degree is delivered at selected NCC Education Accredited Partner Centres and is awarded by the University of Greenwich 
• Or apply to Year 3 of a university degree programme.