Awarding Body:
Subject: Information Technology
Course Overview
Introduction
NCFE Level 5 Diploma in Data Engineer is designed to give learners the knowledge and associated skills and behaviours required to work in a variety of roles in data engineering.
This qualification aims to:
- focus on the study of data engineering within the digital sector
- offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
- provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills.
The objectives of this qualification are to provide learners with knowledge, skills and behaviours related to the following areas:
- data engineering principles and foundations
- data architecture and management
- data pipelines and automation
software development for data products - data analytics, business intelligence and incident management
- professional practice and continuous improvement in data engineering.
How CSA will deliver your programme
CSA offers all Level 4 to Level 6 programmes through a blended learning model that gives you the best of both online and on-campus study. You’ll spend less time on campus than in traditional courses, while still enjoying the benefits of engaging, hands-on activities during face-to-face sessions. Our flexible approach is ideal if you’re balancing work, family or other commitments but still want to progress in higher education and develop your career.
Online and On Campus – the best of both worlds
Online, you’ll join live, interactive evening sessions from home using your laptop or tablet. Each session lasts around three hours (with a break) and includes discussions, activities and plenty of opportunities to get involved. You’ll also have access to practice questions, downloadable lesson materials, digital resources and case studies to support your learning.
At CSA, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your journey. During on-campus sessions, you’ll meet regularly with lecturers or tutors who will revisit what you’ve studied online, answer your questions and offer guidance and feedback. You’ll also work with classmates in a friendly, supportive environment that brings key ideas to life.
To make the most of your studies, we recommend setting aside 3–6 hours of independent study each week. With a combination of guided contact time and flexible self-study, you’ll experience a learning model designed to fit your life and help you succeed.
Guidance for Entry and Registration
This qualification is designed for learners who want to begin or advance their career within data analysis. It is also suitable for learners who wish to progress to further study in this specialised area.
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a relevant level 4 qualification.
All learners should be capable of achieving the learning outcomes (LOs) and complying with the relevant literacy, numeracy and health and safety requirements. Learners registered on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level, or with the same/a similar title, as duplication of learning may affect funding eligibility.
Course Details
To be awarded this qualification, you must achieve 120 credits at a minimum of a pass in each of the 6 mandatory units.
01: Data engineering principles and foundations (20 credits)
02: Data architecture and management (15 credits)
03: Data pipelines and automation (25 credits)
04: Software development for data products (25 credits)
05: Data analytics, business intelligence and incident management (20 credits)
06: Professional practice and continuous improvement in data engineering (15 credits)
Career Progression
Who achieve this qualification could progress to the following: Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
- Employment:
– data engineer
– machine learning engineer
– data architect
– ETL developer - Further education:
– related apprenticeships - Higher education:
– data science degree.
Fees & Funding
he tuition fee for the academic year 2025/2026 – £8,248 ; and will apply to both the new and the continuing CSA students. The course is fully funded by the Student Loan Company https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company. This facility is only available for home (UK resident) students. To check your student finance eligibility, please get in touch with the finance team at E: studentfinance@caspianschool.ac.uk or visit Student Finance England website: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Please note that all programme content remains subject to final approval by NCFE. Any updates or amendments required as part of the approval process will be communicated in due course.
