Ascentis · RQF Level 4
Ascentis Level 4 Extended Diploma in Digital Learning Design
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 4
- Total credits90
- Guided learning900 hours
- Units in this qualification30
Awarded by Ascentis · on the Ofqual register
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See how this course maps onto your role
Ten quick questions, one per Future Fluency, asked against this qualification rather than a generic one.
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What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
The Ascentis Level 4 Extended Diploma is an occupational qualification in digital learning design. It is intended for practitioners in the digital technology sector, covering topics such as emerging digital software, gamification, and managing digital learning environments. Learners will also focus on professional development and supporting social learning.
These are the units Ascentis registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Accessible Learning DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Identify barriers to learning that may affect learners
- Identify and evaluate a range of assistive software that can support learners
- Identify and evaluate a range of assistive hardware equipment that can support learners
- Understand the legislation relating to the design of accessible training resources
- Create and adapt accessible learning resources to meet diverse needs
- Evaluate the selection of products and use of IT tools to make sure that activities are successful and inclusive
Audio ProductionReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of various audio listening environments and their characteristics.
- Plan an audio project that effectively addresses a specifically identified client's purpose and requirements.
- Develop competence in the practical application of hardware and editing software commonly used in audio production.
Authoring ToolsReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the capabilities and functionality of a range of digital learning authoring tools
- Design and build a learning object for a specific purpose using an authoring tool
- Evaluate learning objects for their effectiveness and suitability
Collaborative Technologies and OutcomesReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how collaborative technologies can support the development of personal and team effectiveness by facilitating communication, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving
- Understand how to stay safe and secure when working with collaborative technology, including protecting personal data and preventing cyber threats
- Plan and set up appropriate tools and devices for collaborative working, considering the specific needs of the team and the project
- Prepare collaborative technologies for use, ensuring that they are properly configured and that all team members have the necessary access and training
- Work as a member of a team to achieve defined goals using collaborative technologies, contributing effectively to discussions, sharing information, and completing tasks collaboratively
Converging Digital TechnologiesReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the implications of converging technologies on various aspects of digital systems and society.
- Understand how converging technologies are currently being developed and applied in different industries.
- Research and identify a specific opportunity to exploit converging technology for a practical application.
- Develop a converging technology solution or prototype for the identified opportunity, demonstrating practical application and understanding.
Developing Skills, Understanding and Confidence of Others in E-learningReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Identify e-learning training needs within an organisation, considering the skills gaps and development goals of employees.
- Develop a plan and resources to deliver a group session on an identified e-learning skill, ensuring that the content is engaging and relevant.
- Deliver and evaluate a group training session on an identified e-learning skill, assessing the effectiveness of the training and gathering feedback from participants.
Digital Assessment DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental concepts underpinning digital assessment methodologies
- Understand the process involved in creating and implementing specific digital assessments
- Understand the limitations inherent in using digital assessments compared to other methods
Digital Law and ComplianceReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and operation of the UK legal system
- Understand relevant UK legislation pertaining to digital activities, including data protection, copyright, and e-commerce regulations
- Understand the purpose and application of exclusion clauses in digital contracts and agreements
- Apply relevant UK legislation to specific digital scenarios and case studies
- Apply exclusion clauses appropriately in digital contracts and agreements
- Develop legally sound software contracts that protect the interests of all parties involved
- Apply relevant policies related to digital law and compliance within an organisation
Digital StorytellingReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Research, analyse, and evaluate a range of storytelling mechanisms and current digital storytelling practise within the industry.
- Use a range of digital tools and techniques to plan a digital story, considering narrative structure and audience engagement.
- Generate, manipulate, and develop audio and visual material using suitable tools, software, and techniques to create compelling content.
- Produce a finished digital story that demonstrates a variety of methods and techniques, showcasing creative and technical skills.
- Use a range of techniques to evaluate and reflect on the digital story production process undertaken, identifying areas for improvement and future development.
Emerging Digital SoftwareReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Plan the content for using Emerging Digital Software, taking into account the intended audience and purpose.
- Plan the context for using Emerging Digital Software, considering factors such as accessibility and user experience.
- Obtain media resources suitable for use with Emerging Digital Software, ensuring they are legally compliant and of appropriate quality.
- Prepare media resources for use with Emerging Digital Software, optimising them for performance and compatibility.
- Exploit the functions of Emerging Digital Software effectively to process information, manipulating data and applying appropriate techniques.
- Exploit the functions of Emerging Digital Software effectively to present information, using visual aids and formatting to enhance clarity.
- Evaluate products created using Emerging Digital Software to ensure they meet the specified needs of the project.
- Evaluate products created using Emerging Digital Software to ensure they are successful in achieving their intended purpose.
GamificationReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of Gamification, including its core mechanics and psychological drivers
- Generate creative ideas for Gamification techniques that can be applied to different contexts
- Implement a system that effectively uses Gamification principles to engage users
- Evaluate the perceived impact of Gamification techniques on user motivation and behaviour
- Evaluate the actual impact of Gamification techniques on desired outcomes, using relevant metrics and data
Graphic Design and ImageryReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Obtain information from various sources for use in images and designs
- Insert information, including text and data, into images and designs
- Combine different types of information effectively within images and designs
- Use imaging software tools to create original images and designs
- Use imaging software tools to manipulate existing images, applying various effects and adjustments
- Use imaging software tools to edit images and designs, correcting errors and refining details
Introducing Immersive TechnologiesReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Research and select appropriate immersive technologies for a specific learning or training application.
- Plan the effective use of immersive technologies within a defined learning context, considering pedagogical principles and learning objectives.
- Combine and integrate various resources, such as multimedia content and interactive elements, for use with immersive technology software.
- Use and troubleshoot immersive technology systems, addressing technical issues and ensuring optimal performance.
Introduction to Website ProductionReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Create website structures and styles using appropriate coding languages and techniques, and use them to produce functional and visually appealing websites.
- Select and use website software tools and features to develop multiple page websites with multimedia and interactive features, ensuring user-friendliness and accessibility.
- Publish and test multiple page websites with multimedia and interactive features, identifying and resolving any issues to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
Managing Communications to Investigate and Define the Requirements of Digital Learning DesignsReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of communication in a professional/learning environment, including active listening, clear articulation, and appropriate tone.
- Direct investigation of proposed digital learning designs, gathering information from stakeholders and identifying key requirements.
- Analyse learning and technical requirements to develop appropriate digital learning specifications, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and technical feasibility.
- Evaluate digital learning designs against specified requirements and best practice, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Managing Digital Learning EnvironmentsReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Research and evaluate a variety of eLearning platforms, considering their features, benefits, and limitations.
- Identify changes and developments needed for an eLearning platform, and the associated content required to implement those changes.
- Apply a range of features appropriate to eLearning platforms to enhance the learning experience.
- Publish and test a multiple-page eLearning website, ensuring functionality and accessibility.
Mobile TechnologiesReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Identify different types of mobile devices, considering their features and functionalities
- Evaluate the suitability of different mobile devices for specific purposes
- Prepare mobile devices for use by installing necessary software and applications
- Set up mobile devices by configuring settings according to user requirements
- Configure mobile devices to ensure optimal performance and security
- Utilise mobile devices effectively for teaching purposes, demonstrating their capabilities
- Utilise mobile devices to enhance the learning experience for students
- Utilise mobile devices for assessment activities, such as quizzes and surveys
- Create learning aides using mobile devices, such as interactive presentations and videos
- Create learning materials suitable for use on mobile devices, ensuring accessibility and engagement
Platform Development and SoftwareReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Identify the required functionality of an e-learning platform to meet specific client requirements
- Identify the content required for an e-learning platform to meet specific client requirements
- Select appropriate website software tools for developing a multi-page e-learning platform
- Use website software features effectively to develop a multi-page e-learning platform
- Test the functionality of a multiple page e-learning platform
- Publish a multiple page e-learning platform to a specified environment
Professional and Personal DevelopmentReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Develop own personal and professional skills through reflection, training, and practical application.
- Work independently and as a member of a team to achieve defined goals and implement agreed plans effectively.
- Understand the ethical and legislative environment relating to e-learning activities, including data protection and intellectual property.
Quality and StandardsReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand corporate standards relevant to digital design
- Understand digital content standards and their application
- Understand quality issues that can arise in digital design
Reflective Practice in the Development of Digital Learning DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the role of reflective practice in the development of digital learning design, including its benefits and limitations.
- Explain the importance of self-awareness and critical analysis in the reflective process.
- Understand the ways in which reflective practice can be applied to the development of learning, including identifying areas for improvement and adapting teaching strategies.
- Analyse different models and frameworks for reflective practice.
- Apply reflective practice to the development of digital learning design, using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning designs through reflection and feedback.
- Document the reflective process and its impact on the development of digital learning materials.
Safe and Responsible Online UseReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Identify the potential risks associated with using online learning technologies, including cyberbullying, phishing, and malware
- Understand the responsibilities of individual users of online technologies in maintaining a safe and responsible online environment
- Identify practical ways to overcome the risks associated with using online learning technologies, such as using strong passwords, being cautious of suspicious links, and reporting inappropriate behaviour
- Understand the policies and legal aspects related to the use of online technologies, including data protection, copyright, and acceptable use policies
Science of Learning and DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the implications of neuroscience research for digital learning design, including how the brain processes information and learns new skills.
- Understand the implications of cognitive science research for digital learning design, including memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Understand the implications of computer science research for digital learning design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.
Supporting Social LearningReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the purpose and features of Social Learning, including its benefits and potential challenges.
- Evaluate a range of different Social Learning tools and technologies, considering their suitability for various learning contexts.
- Support and manage the use of Social Learning tools and technologies, providing guidance and assistance to learners.
- Monitor Social Learning tools and technologies to ensure effective use and identify areas for improvement.
- Identify policies and legislation related to Social Learning, ensuring compliance and ethical practice.
Technical Advice and GuidanceReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the context for providing technical advice and guidance, including relevant legislation, regulations, and organisational policies
- Provide reactive technical advice and guidance to customers on a range of topics, addressing their immediate needs and resolving their technical issues
- Provide proactive technical advice and guidance to customers, anticipating their needs and offering solutions to prevent future technical problems
The Digital Learning Project LifecycleReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of project planning and management, including defining scope, setting timelines, and allocating resources.
- Understand how to plan and manage projects to enhance learning experiences, considering learner needs and pedagogical principles.
- Use techniques to evaluate digital learning projects, such as surveys, focus groups, and data analysis.
- Interpret results generated from an evaluative analysis to recommend further developments to enhance the learning experience, based on evidence and best practice.
User Experience DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand visual design principles related to enhancing user experience in digital learning design
- Understand behavioural design models related to enhancing user experience in digital learning design
- Understand interaction design strategies related to enhancing user experience in digital learning design
User-Centred DesignReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the impact of user-centred design principles on the effectiveness and accessibility of digital products and services.
- Understand the fundamental principles of user-centred design, including user research, usability testing, and iterative design processes.
- Design and implement materials with a user-centred design approach, ensuring that they meet the needs and expectations of the target audience.
Using Social Media TechnologiesReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the terminology associated with Social Media technologies, including key concepts and definitions
- Describe the various uses of Social Media Technologies in different contexts
- Identify potential applications of Social Media for a chosen purpose, considering its benefits and limitations
- Plan for the effective use of Social Media to achieve specific objectives
- Identify ways to support individuals in using Social Media Technologies effectively and safely
- Identify ways to support organisations in using Social Media Technologies effectively and safely
Video ProductionReal unit · Ascentis
What you'll be able to do
- Develop knowledge of the hardware used for moving image production, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment
- Develop competence in using editing software for moving image production, including importing, cutting, and exporting footage
- Develop an enhanced understanding of visual language techniques used in moving image production, such as composition, framing, and camera movement
- Develop an enhanced understanding of the technical conventions associated with moving image production, such as aspect ratio, frame rate, and resolution
- Plan the filming of a moving image project, taking into account the client's purpose and target audience
- Film a moving image project, adhering to the planned schedule and budget
- Edit a moving image project, ensuring a coherent narrative and professional finish
- Manage the assets of a moving image project, including footage, audio, and graphics
- Present a moving image project to a specifically identified client, incorporating their feedback and suggestions
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 4 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
- Deliver digital service design solutions
- Design Learning for Digital Environments
- Implement Online Digital Learning Environments
- Lead User Centred Design Activities
Where this can lead
Digital Learning Specialist
Your career here isn't a fixed ladder; it's more like a climbing wall with lots of different routes. We're committed to helping you find the path that best suits your strengths and ambitions, whether that's becoming a deep technical expert or moving into leadership. We'll support you every step of the way.
See the whole journey →Showing 6 roles, drawn from 155 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Learners will explore barriers to learning and evaluate assistive software and hardware to support accessibility. The unit covers relevant legislation and enables learners to create and adapt accessible learning resources to meet diverse learner needs.
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Ascentis Level 4 Extended Diploma in Digital Learning Design
30 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Ascentis.
- Accessible Learning Design
- Audio Production
- Authoring Tools
- Collaborative Technologies and Outcomes
- Converging Digital Technologies
- Developing Skills, Understanding and Confidence of Others in E-learning
and 24 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.