Student complete four core units and two optional units:

Core units

• Computing Project– This unit provides students with the opportunity to utilise the skills needed to develop a computing artefact to solve a problem, which involves research, analysis, design, coding, testing and project management knowledge and expertise.
• Database Design and Development– This unit allows students to develop skills in the design and development of databases and database management systems, as well as investigating enterprise applications of databases.
• Information Systems Analysis– This unit equips students with a range of tools to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Network Security and Cryptography– This unit provides students with the underlying theory and practical skills required to secure networks and to send data safely and securely over communications networks.

Optional units

• Agile Development– This unit explores the processes, people, practices and principles of agile development systems. It prepares students for future trends in software development and reinforces their understanding of the information systems development process.
• Analysis, Design and Implementation – This unit provides students with in-depth knowledge, skills and experience in the use of object-oriented techniques for the development of software. It develops students’ expertise in object-oriented analysis, design and coding, and the testing of systems.
• Artificial Intelligence – This unit aims to provide an introduction to fundamental methods used in Artificial Intelligence: knowledge representation, reasoning, search and learning. The unit introduces the underpinning concepts and techniques, the problems for which they are applicable and their limitations. The unit will prepare you for entry positions in AI application design and development and enable you to pursue more advanced topics in this exciting field.
• Dynamic Websites – This unit builds on existing knowledge of both databases and web design in order to build dynamic websites and also equips students with a range of skills to present content on the World Wide Web.
• Professional Issues in IT – This unit highlights the professional issues that impact the development, deployment, maintenance and use of computer systems. It equips students with the knowledge surrounding social, ethical and legal issues applicable to the IT field and also a working understanding of software quality.

L5DC BM students complete the following six core units:

• Information Systems Analysis: This unit equips students with a range of tools in order to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Dynamic Websites: This unit builds on existing knowledge of both databases and web design in order to build dynamic websites and also equips students with a range of skills to present content on the World Wide Web.
• Database Design and Development: This unit allows students to develop skills in the design and development of databases and database management systems, as well as investigating enterprise applications of databases.
• Business IT Project: This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing system solutions to open-ended problems derived from the real world.
• Information Systems and Organisations: This unit introduces students to the subject of information systems and technology in organisations, taking a broad perspective on how it can be managed effectively within the organisational context. Students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the role of information systems in the modem organisation, including the management of social, cultural and political aspects that are important to the successful adoption of technology.
• Principles of Business Operations: This unit helps students to appreciate and understand business operations in both the manufacturing and services sectors. It will cover the basic principles of operations within a global context from three key perspectives: understanding operations, designing operations and managing operations.

L5DC CS students are required to complete six units comprising of five core units and one of the two elective units:

• Business IT Project: (Unit 1 core) – This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in developing system solutions to open-ended problems derived from the real world.
• Information Systems Analysis: (Unit 2 core) – This unit equips students with a range of tools to analyse the function and requirements of information systems, as well as the skills to compare systems analysis models and to examine them in the wider context of the Internet and the social, economic and political climate of an organisation.
• Network Security Threats and Defence Mechanisms *: (Unit 3 core) – Provides students with the skills to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with network vulnerability and protects valuable information held by organisations.
• Computer Forensics and Incident Investigation *: (Unit 4 core) – Understanding the investigation requirements and prosecution of cyber criminals. Students will learn the necessary processes required for the acquisition, inspection, and reporting of information stored across computer networks related to criminal incidents.
• Ethical Hacking and Information Security Assessments *: (Unit 5 core) – Understanding of the concept of ‘ethical’ hacking and the essential elements; such as information security, threats and attack vectors of information security, hacking and ethical hacking concepts including risk management.
• Professional Issues in IT (1 elective) – This unit highlights the professional issues that impact the development, deployment, maintenance and use of computer systems. It equips students with the knowledge surrounding social, ethical and legal issues applicable to the IT field and also a working understanding of software quality. It is recommended that students take this unit if they have progressed from the L4DC(BM).
• Analysis, Design and Implementation: (2 elective) – Provides students with in-depth knowledge, skills and experience in the use of object-oriented techniques for the development of software. The unit also develops expertise in object-oriented analysis, design and coding, and the testing of systems.

*The teaching and learning materials for core units three, four and five have been developed by the EC Council for NCC Education. Once students have completed these units they will be awarded a certificate of completion from the EC Council.

Assessments for all units are offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. All units, except the project, are assessed by assignments and/or examinations.