BAA Level 5 Diploma in Computing and Systems Development

What you'll be able to do

• Carry out a sustained exploration of 2D mark making techniques using software tools, experimenting with different brushes, textures, and effects.
• Develop the potential of images using digital techniques, such as colour correction, retouching, and compositing.
• Carry out a sustained exploration of 3D modelling software, creating and manipulating 3D objects and environments.
• Present outcomes creatively and effectively, using time-based presentation software to showcase digital applications.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how 3D computer modelling and animation are applied in various commercial contexts, such as film, games, advertising, and product visualisation.
• Create a complex 3D scene, incorporating elements such as lighting, textures, and environments.
• Create a 3D model within a scene, using appropriate modelling techniques and software tools.
• Produce 3D animations to meet a creative brief, considering factors such as timing, movement, and visual effects.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the structure of different types of business organisations, including their legal status, ownership, and governance arrangements
• Understand the aims and objectives of business organisations, including profitability, market share, and social responsibility
• Understand the impact of e-Commerce on business operations, including marketing, sales, customer service, and supply chain management
• Design e-Commerce solutions that meet specific business requirements, considering factors such as user experience, security, and scalability

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles underpinning Routing Services within a network environment.
• Implement an EIGRP-Based Solution, configuring and troubleshooting EIGRP routing protocols.
• Implement an OSPF-based Solution, configuring and troubleshooting OSPF routing protocols.
• Understand the manipulation of Routing Updates, including route filtering and redistribution.
• Understand path control mechanisms and techniques to influence routing decisions.
• Implement a BGP solution for ISP connectivity, configuring and managing BGP routing protocols for external network connections.
• Implement Routing Facilities for Branch Offices and Mobile Workers, including VPNs and other remote access solutions.
• Implement IPv6 in an Enterprise Network, configuring and managing IPv6 routing protocols.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the analysis required for designing an Enterprise Campus Architecture.
• Implement Virtual LANs (VLANs) within Campus Networks to segment and manage network traffic.
• Implement Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent network loops and ensure network stability.
• Implement inter-VLAN Routing to enable communication between different VLANs.
• Understand the concepts of High Availability and Redundancy in a Campus Network to minimise downtime.
• Understand the security measures required to protect a Campus Infrastructure from threats.
• Understand the steps involved in preparing the Campus Infrastructure for the deployment of Advanced Services.

What you'll be able to do

• Plan proactive maintenance strategies for complex enterprise networks to minimise downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Understand the systematic troubleshooting processes and methodologies required for diagnosing and resolving issues in complex enterprise networks.
• Implement and utilise a range of maintenance and troubleshooting tools and applications to effectively monitor, diagnose, and resolve network problems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot campus switched solutions, including VLANs, spanning tree protocol, and other switching technologies.
• Maintain and troubleshoot routing solutions, including routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP.
• Maintain and troubleshoot addressing services, such as DHCP and DNS.
• Maintain and troubleshoot network performance issues, identifying and resolving bottlenecks and optimising network throughput.
• Maintain and troubleshoot network security implementations, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot integrated, complex enterprise networks, coordinating troubleshooting efforts across multiple network domains and technologies.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the processes involved in computer games development, from initial concept to final product.
• Design computer games, including game mechanics, level design, and user interface.
• Develop computer games, utilising appropriate programming languages and development tools.
• Test and document computer games, identifying and resolving bugs and creating user manuals.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the function of computer systems and their key components
• Design computer systems to meet specified requirements
• Build and configure computer systems according to design specifications
• Undertake routine maintenance on computer systems to ensure optimal performance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand data models and database technologies, including relational, object-oriented, and NoSQL databases
• Design and implement relational database systems, including creating tables, defining relationships, and implementing constraints
• Use manipulation and querying tools, such as SQL, to retrieve, update, and analyse data in relational databases
• Test and document relational database systems, ensuring data integrity, performance, and security

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of various data structures
• Understand the fundamental principles of various algorithms
• Implement data structures using appropriate programming techniques
• Implement algorithms using appropriate programming techniques
• Understand how strings are structured within computer systems
• Understand how strings are processed within computer systems

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental concepts of databases and data management systems, including their purpose and applications
• Understand various database design techniques, such as normalisation and entity-relationship modelling
• Design a database solution based on given requirements
• Create a database using a database management system
• Document the design and implementation of a database

What you'll be able to do

• Plan Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 upgrades and migrations, taking into account existing infrastructure and business requirements
• Plan for high availability implementation in Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, considering different availability options and their associated costs
• Plan the Exchange topology deployment, including server roles, site design, and network configuration
• Plan messaging security and compliance implementation, addressing issues such as anti-spam, anti-virus, and data loss prevention
• Plan for messaging environment maintenance, including patching, monitoring, and troubleshooting

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of small office/home office (SOHO) networks on business operations
• Understand the impact of small office/home office (SOHO) networks on home environments
• Design secure and efficient small office/home office (SOHO) networks that meet specific user needs
• Implement small office/home office (SOHO) networks, configuring hardware and software components
• Support small office/home office (SOHO) networks, providing troubleshooting and maintenance services

What you'll be able to do

• Design a database strategy that aligns with business requirements and data governance policies
• Design database tables, including data types, constraints, and relationships, to ensure data integrity and efficiency
• Design programming objects, such as stored procedures, functions, and triggers, to automate database tasks and enforce business rules
• Design a transaction and concurrency strategy to manage data access and prevent data corruption in a multi-user environment
• Design an XML strategy for storing, retrieving, and exchanging data in XML format
• Design queries for performance, optimising query execution plans and minimising resource consumption
• Design a database for optimal performance, considering factors such as indexing, partitioning, and caching

What you'll be able to do

• Design messaging services using Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, taking into account organisational needs and best practices
• Plan messaging services using Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, considering factors such as capacity planning, security, and compliance
• Design server high availability solutions for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, ensuring business continuity and minimal downtime
• Plan server high availability solutions for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, considering factors such as redundancy, failover mechanisms, and disaster recovery
• Design coexistence and migration strategies for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, enabling seamless transitions from previous versions or other messaging platforms
• Plan coexistence and migration strategies for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, considering factors such as user impact, data integrity, and rollback procedures
• Define policies and security procedures for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations

What you'll be able to do

• Design a SQL Server Instance and a Database Solution that meets specified business requirements and performance goals.
• Design a Database Server Security Solution to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access.
• Design a Database Solution for High Availability to ensure continuous operation and minimise downtime.
• Design a Backup and Recovery Solution to safeguard data against loss or corruption and enable timely restoration.
• Design a Monitoring Strategy to proactively identify and address potential issues affecting database performance and stability.
• Design a Strategy to Maintain and Manage Databases, including tasks such as index optimisation, data archiving, and capacity planning.
• Design a Strategy for Data Distribution to efficiently replicate and synchronise data across multiple locations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of digital forensics on the social and commercial environments, including legal and ethical considerations.
• Understand the principles of evidence gathering in digital forensics, ensuring integrity and admissibility.
• Plan and implement digital forensics investigations, following established procedures and protocols.
• Analyse the outcomes of digital forensics investigations, interpreting data and drawing conclusions.

What you'll be able to do

• Create digital images for specific purposes, considering factors such as resolution, file format, and colour palette
• Process digital images using appropriate software tools and techniques, including colour correction, sharpening, and noise reduction
• Manipulate digital images to meet specific requirements, such as resizing, cropping, and applying special effects
• Understand the use of digital images in various contexts, including web design, print media, and multimedia presentations

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the scope of digital media applications within the context of art and design
• Understand the potential of digital media applications within the context of art and design
• Apply software effectively within a chosen specialist pathway in art and design
• Utilise software effectively within a chosen specialist pathway in art and design
• Creatively exploit the potential of software applications to enhance design work
• Effectively exploit the potential of software applications to enhance design work
• Present design work professionally using appropriate digital applications

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles underpinning distributed computing architectures and paradigms.
• Design robust and scalable distributed software applications, considering factors such as concurrency, fault tolerance, and data consistency.
• Implement distributed software applications using appropriate technologies and frameworks.
• Thoroughly test distributed software applications to ensure their functionality, performance, and reliability.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the characteristics and applications of various emerging technologies
• Understand the potential impact of emerging technologies on society, including economic, social, and environmental considerations
• Conduct research into specific emerging technologies, evaluating their potential benefits and risks
• Understand the ethical implications associated with the development and use of emerging technologies, including privacy, security, and bias

What you'll be able to do

• Take responsibility for own personal and professional development by identifying learning needs, setting goals, and evaluating progress
• Demonstrate acquired interpersonal and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, in a professional context
• Understand the dynamics of working with others in a team environment, including communication styles, conflict resolution, and leadership
• Develop strategies for problem solving, including identifying the problem, analysing potential solutions, and implementing the chosen solution

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of event driven programming paradigms.
• Design effective and efficient event driven programming solutions to address specific problems.
• Implement event driven programming solutions using appropriate programming languages and tools.
• Thoroughly test and document event driven programming solutions to ensure their quality and maintainability.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand recent developments related to human computer interaction and their practical application within various contexts.
• Understand the key issues related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a chosen human computer interface.
• Develop a functional and user-friendly human computer interface, adhering to established design principles and accessibility guidelines.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the various risks to IT security, including malware, phishing, social engineering, and data breaches.
• Understand the mechanisms to control organisational IT security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and encryption.
• Manage organisational security, including developing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and implementing security awareness training programmes.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the common problems encountered by end users of IT systems and applications.
• Provide effective and timely IT support to end users, addressing their issues and resolving their problems.
• Create user support programmes, including training materials, documentation, and help desk resources, to enhance user understanding and self-sufficiency.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the commercial impact and potential of virtualisation technologies for organisations.
• Design virtualisation deployments, considering hardware requirements, software compatibility, and security implications.
• Implement virtualisation deployments, configuring and managing virtual machines and hypervisors.
• Manage virtualisation environments, monitoring performance and troubleshooting issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand information needs within different functional areas of organisations, such as finance, marketing, and operations
• Compare different types of information systems, including their strengths and weaknesses
• Use information systems to produce management information for decision-making purposes

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the underlying technologies that enable the Internet, including protocols and standards
• Understand different Internet server architectures, including web servers, mail servers, and DNS servers
• Implement an Internet server and associated services, such as web hosting and email
• Manage an Internet server and its services, including configuration, security, and maintenance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand knowledge-based systems, including their components, architectures, and applications
• Design knowledge-based applications, considering knowledge representation, reasoning mechanisms, and user interfaces
• Develop knowledge-based applications, using appropriate tools and techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of Local Area Network (LAN) technologies on organisational communication, data sharing, and resource utilisation.
• Design robust and scalable LAN infrastructures that meet the specific needs of an organisation.
• Implement LAN infrastructures effectively, configuring network devices and ensuring seamless connectivity.
• Manage LAN infrastructures, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring network security.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of staff management, including motivation, delegation, and performance management.
• Use software management tools to effectively plan, track, and manage IT projects and resources.
• Participate actively in strategic planning processes, contributing to the development of IT strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Understand current developments and emerging trends in information technology and their potential impact on organisations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control
• Plan a project effectively, considering organisational structure, resource allocation, and team roles
• Manage project processes and procedures, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards

What you'll be able to do

• Understand core mathematical skills required for software engineers, including algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics
• Understand the application of algebraic concepts in software development
• Apply the fundamentals of formal methods to software design and verification
• Apply statistical techniques to analyse data relevant to software development

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the use of existing multimedia products and their application in various contexts.
• Know the importance of design discipline in multimedia production, including planning, storyboarding, and user interface design.
• Apply design disciplines to a multimedia production, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing product.
• Present a refined multimedia product prototype, demonstrating its features and functionality.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of network security design on the social environment
• Understand the impact of network security design on the commercial environment
• Design comprehensive network security solutions that meet specified requirements
• Implement network security solutions according to industry best practise
• Manage network security solutions effectively, ensuring ongoing security and performance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the underlying principles of network operating systems (NOS), including their architecture, functions, and key components.
• Plan the implementation of network operating systems, considering factors such as hardware requirements, network topology, and security considerations.
• Implement network operating systems, configuring and managing network services and resources.
• Manage network operating systems effectively, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring security.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the principles of network infrastructure management, including network design, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting
• Design complex network infrastructure systems that meet specific business requirements, considering factors such as performance, security, and scalability
• Implement complex network infrastructure systems, following industry best practices and ensuring proper configuration and integration
• Test complex network infrastructure systems to ensure they meet performance and security requirements, and to identify and resolve any issues

What you'll be able to do

• Understand fundamental networking principles, including network topologies, protocols, and addressing schemes.
• Understand the function and configuration of various networking components, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and servers.
• Design networked systems that meet specific requirements, considering factors such as scalability, security, and performance.
• Implement and support networked systems, including troubleshooting network issues and performing routine maintenance tasks.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of object oriented programming (OOP).
• Design object oriented programming solutions that are well-structured and maintainable.
• Implement object oriented programming solutions using appropriate programming languages and tools.
• Test and document object oriented programming solutions to ensure their quality, reliability, and ease of understanding.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how application software can support business processes, including automation, data management, and reporting
• Design and implement office solutions, using appropriate software tools and programming techniques
• Demonstrate that business processes have been enhanced/improved through the implementation of office solutions, providing evidence of efficiency gains or cost savings

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of procedural programming, including data types, control structures, and modular design
• Design procedural programming solutions to solve specific problems, using appropriate algorithms and data structures
• Implement procedural programming solutions using a suitable programming language, adhering to coding standards and best practises
• Test procedural programming solutions thoroughly to ensure they meet the specified requirements and are free from errors

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles of programming using a .NET framework, including its architecture and key components.
• Design .NET solutions that meet specified requirements, considering factors such as scalability, performance, and security.
• Implement .NET solutions by writing clean, efficient, and well-documented code using appropriate .NET languages and tools.
• Test and document .NET solutions thoroughly to ensure their quality, reliability, and maintainability.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the core principles of programming using the Java language, including object-oriented concepts, data structures, and algorithms.
• Design effective and efficient Java solutions to meet specified requirements, utilising appropriate design patterns and best practises.
• Implement Java solutions, writing clean, well-documented, and maintainable code.
• Test and document Java solutions comprehensively, ensuring they meet functional and non-functional requirements.

What you'll be able to do

• Formulate a project proposal, including defining project objectives, scope, deliverables, and success criteria.
• Implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification, managing resources, timelines, and risks effectively.
• Evaluate the project outcomes against the defined success criteria, identifying lessons learned and areas for improvement.
• Present the project outcomes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate communication methods and visual aids.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the critical need for quality assurance in IT systems and the impact of quality on business outcomes.
• Employ standard quality control documentation, such as checklists, test plans, and defect reports, to ensure the quality of IT deliverables.
• Use project management tools and techniques to manage quality throughout the IT project lifecycle.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand different research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Conduct a thorough and critical literature review, synthesising existing research to identify gaps and inform research questions.
• Present a well-structured and compelling research proposal, outlining the research aims, methods, and expected outcomes.
• Contribute constructively to a research seminar, sharing insights, providing feedback, and engaging in scholarly discussion.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of routing technologies on network performance, scalability, and security.
• Design complex routed environments that meet the specific requirements of an organisation, considering factors such as network topology, bandwidth, and security.
• Implement complex routed environments, configuring routing protocols and ensuring optimal network performance.
• Troubleshoot and monitor routed environments, identifying and resolving network issues and ensuring network stability.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental principles underpinning software application testing methodologies.
• Design comprehensive test strategies that align with project requirements and industry best practise.
• Implement test plans effectively, utilising appropriate tools and techniques to execute test cases.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of test plans, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring thorough test coverage.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the different stages and activities involved in various systems' life cycles
• Understand the importance of conducting a feasibility study before embarking on a systems development project
• Perform a thorough systems investigation to gather relevant information and requirements

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the concepts of web application development, including client-side and server-side technologies, and security considerations
• Design web applications, considering user requirements, data structures, and application architecture
• Implement web applications, using appropriate programming languages, frameworks, and databases
• Test web applications, ensuring functionality, performance, and security

What you'll be able to do

• Understand website design concepts, including usability, accessibility, and search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Design interactive websites, incorporating elements such as forms, databases, and dynamic content
• Implement interactive websites, using appropriate technologies and coding standards
• Test interactive websites, ensuring functionality, performance, and security

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the functions and features of different website hosting options and services
• Upload website files to a web server and manage website content effectively
• Improve website performance through optimisation techniques and performance monitoring
• Promote websites using various digital marketing strategies and search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of wide area networking (WAN) technologies on business and communication
• Design WAN infrastructures to meet specific business requirements, considering factors such as bandwidth, security, and cost
• Implement WAN infrastructures using appropriate technologies and protocols
• Manage WAN infrastructures, including monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring security

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the key architectural components of the Windows operating system
• Design solutions using Windows Internals knowledge to address specific technical challenges
• Monitor Windows operating system performance and resource utilisation
• Analyse User Mode operations within the Windows operating system
• Analyse Kernel Mode operations within the Windows operating system
• Debug Windows operating system issues using appropriate tools and techniques

What you'll be able to do

• Negotiate industry experience opportunities with relevant organisations
• Understand the specific requirements of the work placement, including roles, responsibilities, and expectations
• Undertake work experience as identified in the placement agreement
• Monitor and evaluate own performance and learning during the work experience placement

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the impact of e-Commerce on business operations, including its effects on marketing, sales, customer service, and supply chain management.
• Plan a comprehensive e-Commerce strategy that aligns with business goals and objectives, considering factors such as target audience, competitive landscape, and technological infrastructure.
• Manage an e-Commerce strategy, including monitoring performance metrics, optimising marketing campaigns, and adapting to changing market conditions.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the functionality and features of commercial transactional websites, including product catalogues, shopping carts, and payment gateways
• Understand the technologies involved in setting up commercial websites, including web servers, databases, and programming languages
• Address e-Commerce security issues, including data encryption, fraud prevention, and secure payment processing
• Design e-Commerce technology solutions that meet specific business requirements and ensure a secure and user-friendly online shopping experience