NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Data Analyst - HTQ
An employer-recognised Higher Technical Qualification giving you the skills to launch or advance a career in data analysis.
Duration: 510 guided learning hours; self-paced online study, typically one to two years
- Level
- Level 4
- Qualification number
- 603/7751/3
- Awarding organisation
- NCFE
- Regulated status
- On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
- Guided learning hours
- 510 hours
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Study pattern
- 510 guided learning hours; self-paced online study, typically one to two years
This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by OfqualNCFE Account No. 11001657
Course overview
This is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting specific employer needs and industry requirements. It is designed for learners who want to begin or advance their career within data analysis.
Made up of mandatory units, the qualification covers legislation and security standards applied to data analytics, data fundamentals and lifecycle, data structures and databases, stakeholder engagement and user experience, organisational data, and data mining and statistical analysis. Assessment combines an internally assessed portfolio of evidence with task-based controlled assessments, graded pass, merit or distinction.
It prepares learners for a variety of roles in data analysis, such as junior analyst, data analyst, marketing data analyst or problem analyst, as well as progression to related apprenticeships and higher education.
What you will study
The units below, their unit reference numbers and their guided learning hours are taken directly from the NCFE qualification specification.
| Unit | Title | Unit reference | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Legislation and security standards applied to data analytics
4 learning outcomes
|
A/651/0924 | 30 |
| 02 |
Data fundamentals and lifecycle
4 learning outcomes
|
D/651/0925 | 90 |
| 03 |
Data structure and databases
3 learning outcomes
|
F/651/0926 | 90 |
| 04 |
Stakeholder engagement and user experience in data analytics
3 learning outcomes
|
H/651/0927 | 90 |
| 05 |
Organisational data
3 learning outcomes
|
J/651/0928 | 90 |
| 06 |
Data mining and statistical analysis
3 learning outcomes
|
K/651/0929 | 120 |
| Total guided learning hours | 510 | ||
Entry requirements
- No specific prior skills or knowledge required, though a relevant Level 3 qualification is helpful.
- Learners must be at least 18 years old.
- Sound English and maths skills are recommended given the analytical nature of the course.
The course guide
Everything on this page as one document you can keep, print, or send to whoever is deciding with you.
- All 6 units, with the hours behind each one
- How you are assessed, and who checks the marking
- How paying works, and what is due when
- Entry requirements and where the qualification leads
Generated from this qualification's record, so the units and hours in it are the ones on this page. The fee is here on the page rather than in the guide, so a saved copy cannot quote you an old one.
How you are assessed
Your work is assessed by our qualified assessors, internally quality assured, and externally quality assured by NCFE. Assessment is against the criteria published in the qualification specification, and your assessor tells you what is needed before you start each unit.
For what happens after you submit: who marks it, who checks the marking, how long feedback takes and what to do if you disagree with a decision, see how assessment works.
If you need an adjustment to how you are assessed, for a disability or any other reason, ask us before you begin. We arrange adjustments under our Reasonable Adjustments policy, and you can request one online.
How we assess and quality assure is set out in DAIS-POL-016 Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance.
How you study, and what you need
You study online through our virtual learning environment, which is where the teaching material, your assessment submissions, your feedback and your progress all live. You work at your own pace, with tutor support throughout. Everyone completes a short online induction before starting an assessed unit.
| Device | Laptop or desktop computer |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later |
| Browser | Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, latest version |
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload |
| Webcam | Required for live sessions and identity verification |
| Microphone | Required for live sessions |
These are the minimum requirements published in DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery.
Support, and how quickly we reply
These are the response times we commit to in policy, not an aspiration.
| What | How | Response |
|---|---|---|
| General questions | Message your tutor in the VLE | Within 2 working days |
| Assessment feedback | Returned in the VLE or e-portfolio | Within 10 working days of submission |
| Technical problems | Technical support email | Within 1 working day |
| Urgent welfare concerns | Email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead | Within 1 working day |
Published in DAIS-POL-024 and DAIS-POL-009 Learner Support.
Registration and your certificate
We register you with NCFE before you begin any assessed unit, and we collect your Unique Learner Number as part of that. When your assessment decisions are finalised and quality assured, we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal and you are notified digitally. The certificate comes from NCFE, not from us.
Set out in DAIS-POL-008 Learner Registration and Certification.
Progression
Progression: prepares you for senior data analyst roles and for further specialist study in data engineering. This qualification does not carry UCAS Tariff points.
Common questions
Who awards NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Data Analyst - HTQ, and how do I get my certificate?
NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Data Analyst - HTQ is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 603/7751/3. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre (Account No. 11001657). We register you with NCFE before you start any assessed unit and collect your Unique Learner Number. Once your work is assessed and quality assured we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal, and it is issued by NCFE rather than by us.
How long does NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Data Analyst - HTQ take?
This qualification carries 510 guided learning hours. It is studied online at your own pace, so how long it takes in calendar time depends on how much you can commit each week.
What do I need before I can start?
No specific prior skills or knowledge required, though a relevant Level 3 qualification is helpful. We assess every applicant individually and will tell you if a different level would suit you better.
Can I study this entirely online?
Yes. Teaching, materials and assessment are all delivered through our Moodle-based virtual learning environment, so you can study from anywhere in the UK. You need a laptop or desktop computer, a current version of Chrome or Firefox, and a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Tutor support is available throughout, and we answer questions within 2 working days and return assessment feedback within 10 working days of submission.
Can I enrol now, and when do I pay?
The fee is £2,995. Enrolment is open, so you can apply online today. Nothing is paid at application: payment is taken only after you accept an offer.
Not sure this is the right qualification?
Ask before you apply. We will say honestly if a different level would suit you better.