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Level 5 · NCFE
Enrolling now NCFE Approved Qualification number 610/5972/9

NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer

A Higher Technical Qualification building advanced skills to design, build and manage the data systems behind modern organisations.

Duration: 540 guided learning hours, 1200 total hours; one to two years

Level
Level 5
Qualification number
610/5972/9
Awarding organisation
NCFE
Regulated status
On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
Guided learning hours
540 hours
Total qualification time
1200 hours
Delivery
100% online
Study pattern
540 guided learning hours, 1200 total hours; one to two years
NCFE This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by Ofqual

Course overview

This is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to meet specific employer needs and industry requirements. Its content has been aligned with the Data Engineer apprenticeship standard, and it is designed for learners who want to begin or advance their career within data engineering.

Made up of mandatory units, the qualification covers core data engineering concepts including data structures, storage, integration and governance, with learners exploring structured and unstructured data and database normalisation. Assessment is one component: an internally assessed portfolio of evidence, externally quality assured by NCFE and graded pass, merit or distinction. The portfolio includes practical, task-based work.

It is well suited to those looking to move into or progress within data engineering roles, or to further their studies in the digital sector at a higher level.

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 Data engineering principles and foundations (mandatory)
6 learning outcomes
  1. Explore the principles of data
    • P1 describe key principles of data management
    • P2 explain how external data sources can affect business operations
  2. Explore the concepts of data governance
    • P3 describe core data governance concepts
    • P4 identify regulatory and legislative standards influencing data management within an organisation
    • P5 evidence stakeholder collaboration to satisfy specific requirements NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9) (LOs)
  3. Explore and apply the principles of data normalisation and redundancy in relational databases
    • P6 apply the principles of database normalisation to reduce data redundancy
    • P7 perform database queries and validation checks considering user access control
  4. Explore approaches to data integration
    • P8 describe different approaches to integrate data
  5. Explore the unique features and functions of different data formats
    • P9 explain characteristics of common data and storage formats
    • P10 evidence the use of different types of secure data stores, such as SQL or similar
  6. Explore common data development frameworks and architectures
    • P11 describe data development frameworks and their integration within different architectural models
 K/651/6932 90
02 Data architecture and management (mandatory)
5 learning outcomes
  1. Explore and analyse the inherent risks of data collection and usage
    • P1 describe common risks associated with data collection and usage
  2. Explore frameworks for data quality and how contributing dimensions support reliability
    • P2 describe key components and quality dimensions of a data quality framework
    • P3 identify and monitor data quality metrics in line with operational requirements (LOs) Mandatory teaching content • data quality and consistency • performance and scalability • security and access control. The role of data lakes, data warehouses and data marts in meeting business requirements. Skills: Manage data manipulation tasks, applying appropriate tools and techniques (for example, filtering, joining sorting), ensuring data integrity. 5. Analyse relevant policies and strategies to ensure business continuity when implementing data solutions Knowledge: Features of key business continuity strategies (for example, system monitoring and surveillance), and their role in ensuring organisational resilience and the recovery of important data and services. The role of policies to support business continuity and mitigate against negative impact in relation to data provision: • business continuity • data backup • disaster recovery • incident reporting. Skills: Apply shell script (for example, Bash) to monitor availability, log downtime, and communicate findings to stakeholders through automated messages. NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9) (LOs)
  3. Develop a data product that complies with regulatory requirements
    • P4 design a compliant data product to meet user requirements
    • P5 develop the data product in line with regulatory requirements
  4. Explore the principles of data warehousing
    • P6 apply data cleaning, validation, and manipulation techniques during ETL processes
  5. Analyse relevant policies and strategies to ensure business continuity when implementing data solutions
    • P7 describe backup, disaster recovery, and monitoring policies essential for ensuring business continuity in data provision
    • P8 communicate system downtime and access issues effectively to stakeholders using automated messages NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9)
 L/651/6933 70
03 Data pipelines and automation (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. Explore approaches used for handling and storing data
    • P1 describe different approaches for data handling and storage NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9) (LOs)
  2. Explore the application of data transfer from one location to another
    • P2 apply appropriate ingestion frameworks to optimise a data ingestion process
    • P3 apply appropriate transfer techniques to move data securely and efficiently during cloud migration
  3. Explore deployment methods for data pipelines and automated processes
    • P4 describe different types of deployment processes for new data pipelines
    • P5 describe the functions and features of data pipelines
    • P6 identify and troubleshoot issues within data pipelines using appropriate tools and methods
  4. Explore the types and uses of common data engineering tools and applications
    • P7 describe a range of data engineering tools and their roles in supporting data pipeline infrastructure
    • P8 automate a basic data pipeline using appropriate scripting languages NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9)
 M/651/6934 110
04 Software development for data products (mandatory)
5 learning outcomes
  1. Explore the principles of software development for data products
    • P1 describe key software development principles for data products
    • P2 produce technical documentation based on customer feedback for a data product that meets organisational and both technical and non- technical stakeholder needs NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9) (LOs)
  2. Analyse how to cost and build a system to align with organisational sustainability responsibilities
    • P3 describe the features of a scalable and efficient system that aligns with organisational strategies for sustainability and security
  3. Explore the appropriate use of technology and service management in relation to data products
    • P4 describe configuration and change management practices that are used to maintain accurate information about IT systems
    • P5 describe service management practices and the use of industry- standard tools to support the resolution of service disruptions
  4. Explore the processes for evaluating and implementing prototypes within a production environment
    • P6 describe the processes for evaluating and implementing prototypes against defined criteria
  5. Explore the lifecycle of implementing data solutions within a business
    • P7 describe the processes involved in the lifecycle of implementing data solutions
    • P8 apply reviewing and monitoring techniques to ensure the health and performance of a data system NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9)
 R/651/6935 110
05 Data analytics, business intelligence and incident management (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. The application of data analysis techniques in industry
    • P1 compare principles of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics
    • P2 demonstrate the ability to extract value from existing data products
  2. Analyse the use of on-demand cloud computing services to meet requirements
    • P3 compare the use of local, remote and distributed solutions with consideration for costing, scalability, compliance and compatibility
  3. Explore the processes used to monitor and optimise the performance of a data product
    • P4 describe processes for monitoring and optimising data product performance, including change management, pipeline monitoring, and query optimisation
    • P5 develop a forecasting or monitoring tool to support incident anticipation and response
  4. Explore advanced data interrogation techniques
    • P6 apply root cause analysis and other data interrogation techniques to investigate and respond to incidents and performance issues
    • P7 identify risks, suggest mitigations, and escalate issues appropriately in line with organisational procedures NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9)
 T/651/6936 90
06 Professional practice and continuous improvement in data (mandatory)
4 learning outcomes
  1. Explore the principles of sustainable data products and environmental, social and governance responsibilities
    • P1 describe the principles of sustainable data products and organisational ESG responsibilities
    • P2 identify and apply sustainable data solutions to support environmental strategies
  2. Analyse approaches to continuous improvement and how this can be of benefit to an organisation
    • P3 describe continuous improvement approaches within an organisational setting
    • P4 evidence examples of good practice and reflection from a project (LOs) Mandatory teaching content • communication channels. How to communicate with a range of stakeholders, taking accessibility and diversity into consideration: • adapt language to suit audience • provide context • legislative requirements for the sharing of information • timing and frequency • feedback loops. Skills: Communicate data product outcomes to support implementation and integration, considering: • clear and structured presentation of information • adapting language and detail tailored to stakeholder requirements • alignment with organisational standards. NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer (610/5972/9) (LOs)
  3. Explore areas of advancement within data collection, handling and management to support organisational operations
    • P5 identify strategies to remain aware of current advancements in data engineering, data science, and AI relevant to organisational operations
    • P6 apply horizon scanning techniques to review potential applications of emerging technologies within the sector
  4. Explore the common methods and techniques used to communicate with stakeholders within organisations
    • P7 review common operational practices and recommend potential opportunities for innovation
    • P8 communicate data product outcomes to support implementation and integration
    • P9 discuss communication methods and techniques when communicating data products to different stakeholders in a diverse and accessible manner
 Y/651/6937 70
Total guided learning hours 540

Entry requirements

  • No specific prior skills or knowledge required, though a relevant Level 4 qualification is helpful.
  • Learners must be at least 18 years old.
  • Sound English and maths skills are recommended given the technical nature of the course.
Take it with you

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
Download the guide (PDF)

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.

What you need to take part
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

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.

Other names for this qualification

The regulated title is NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer, qualification number 610/5972/9. People also look for it as:

  • Level 5 Data Engineer
  • Data Engineer Level 5
  • NCFE Level 5 Data Engineer
  • Data Engineer HTQ
  • HTQ Data Engineer
  • 610/5972/9
  • NCFE 610/5972/9
  • Data Engineer course online
  • Data Engineer qualification UK
  • Data Engineer distance learning

If you arrived searching one of those, you are in the right place: they all describe this one qualification.

Fees and paying for it

Ways to pay
Pay in full, or spread the cost over 3 monthly instalments.
Nothing is paid when you apply. Payment is only taken after you accept an offer, and we will confirm the exact amounts with you before then. Fees and how to pay.
Investing in your own skills
Your fee pays for the part that gives a qualification its value: assessment by a qualified assessor, independent quality assurance, and a certificate issued by NCFE on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, regulated by Ofqual.
You can start now rather than waiting for a September intake, and study around work. Tutor replies come within 2 working days, and assessment feedback within 10.
You finish with evidence as well as knowledge: a portfolio of your own work, and a qualification that stays on your record for life. Of everything you can spend money on, your own skills are the one thing that follows you into every job you ever take.

Many employers will pay for this, and most people never ask. Send them the one-page case: what it costs, what it asks of the business, and how to check us independently. How employer funding works.

Common questions

Who awards NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer, and how do I get my certificate?

NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 610/5972/9. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre. 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 5 Diploma: Data Engineer take?

This qualification carries 540 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 1200 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 4 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 £3,495. 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.

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