Level 6 Certificate in Python

What is the Level 6 Certificate in Python?

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.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 6 certificate suits learners with a Level 5 qualification who want final-year degree-level study in python and a route to a bachelor's top-up.

• Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

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.

Qualification structure and units

Unit details are published in the OTHM specification.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/5279/6.

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.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

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.

Progression and career routes

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.

Fees and how to apply

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 3 Certificate
2. Level 6 Certificate
3. Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
4. University top-up

Related OTHM qualifications

• Level 6 Diploma in Information Technology
• Level 6 Diploma in Accounting and Business
• Level 6 Diploma in Business Management

Other OTHM Python qualifications

• Level 3 Certificate in Python