OTHM Level 6 Certificate in Python

Overview

The purpose of the OTHM Level 6 Certificate in Python is to allow learners to extend their existing knowledge of the Python programming language. Learners will be introduced to more sophisticated approaches to programming and will learn to use Python for the development of useful applications. To gain the most from this certificate, learners should already have an understanding of essential programming language concepts and a basic knowledge of the Python programming language, as introduced and outlined in the Level 3 Certificate in Python.

Initially, a range of advanced programming techniques will be taught, including functional programming, decorators, typing, and techniques for enhancing the computational efficiency of code using concurrency and leveraging C libraries.

Learners will then be introduced to Python for data science, learning to load, transform, and analyse datasets. They will learn about popular machine learning frameworks in Python used to build neural networks. Visualisation and plotting techniques will be introduced, which will allow learners to produce plots and diagrams of their data and workflows.

They will learn how to interface with online applications, gain an understanding of best practices for writing and managing software using version management tools such as Git to track changes to their codebase, and will also learn how to write effective documentation, overall enabling them to work more effectively on larger-scale and collaborative software projects.

Finally, learners will be taught how to build graphical user interfaces and web applications using Python. They will be introduced to comprehensive software testing techniques for ensuring code correctness and quality, enabling them to write robust software in Python that is widely accessible.

Successful completion of this qualification will equip learners with the skills necessary to confidently write and develop sophisticated, data-driven Python applications, both individually and as part of teams of developers, in a variety of real-world domains.

Entry Requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 5 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification.
• GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects or equivalent qualification.
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme).

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.

Equivalences

OTHM qualifications at Level 6 Certificates represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent level to relevant Bachelor’s Degrees, Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Mandatory Units

• Advanced Python Programming
• Data Processing with Python
• Connecting and Collaborating with Python
• Building Python Applications

Duration and Delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over six months full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the assessor.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.

The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progressions

The OTHM Level 6 Certificate in Python qualification bridges the educational and skills gap between relevant qualifications at levels Level 5 and 7, to ensure that learners have suitably appropriate coding skills to tackle.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are eligible to gain direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme. For more information visit the University Progressions page on the OTHM website.