Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC)

The NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC) is an Ofqual-regulated qualfication. It is a general qualification that introduces the field of computing and equips students to show key transferable study skills, mathematical competency, and an understanding of the essential concepts of IT and practical computing skills.

What you’ll learn

In addition, successful candidates will fulfil the main entry requirements for the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC) or Level 4 Diploma in Computing with Business Management (L4DB BM), as well as opening up opportunities to access a range of higher education courses or employment. Examples of higher education opportunities include, but are not limited to, progressing to university degrees in:

Software Engineering
Computer Science
Computer Networking Systems
Digital Media Technology
Computer Forensics and Security

Examples of employment opportunities include roles such as:

IT Helpdesk Professional
Data Entry Clerk
IT Support Technician and Computer Service
Repair Technician

The Level 3 Diploma in Computing syllabus and assessment is suitable for students aged 16-19 as well as adult learners.

Units

Study and Presentation Skills
Digital World
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Programming with Python
Mathematical Skills for Computing

Entry Requirements

For entry onto the NCC Education L3DC qualification, Students must meet the following entry requirements:

Completed their GCSE/IGCSE ‘O’ Levels or an equivalent* qualification in their own country and passed 4 subjects with minimum grades of ‘C’, ‘4’ or equivalent* in each. English and Mathematics should be included in these minimum grades.
In instances where a student achieves a lower score in Mathematics, they will be required to pass a Mathematics pre-assessment test set by the centre and achieve the minimum mark.**
Students who do not have a GCSE/iGCSE ‘O’ Levels or equivalent at a ‘C’ ‘4’ in English, must have a valid score of 5.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Alternatively, students must take and pass the free NCC Education Higher English Placement Test which is administered by our Accredited Partner Centres.

*Centres need to provide evidence to justify any equivalency decision (both qualification equivalency and grade equivalency) they make pertaining to any enrolments via non-GCSE or non-standard routes.

**This is to be shared and agreed with NCC Education with evidence provided for each learner.

Academic Progression

Students that complete the Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC) can:

Enrol onto the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (L4DC), equivalent to Year 1 of a UK bachelor’s degree.

Choose where to study in the world. Click here to view the latest university progression routes.

Assessment

Assessments for all units will be offered in a number of assessment cycles throughout the year. The units are all assessed by either examination or assignments.

• Develop essential study skills.
• Foundations in IT & Business.
• Understand marketing & problem-solving techniques.

Core 1: Study and Presentation Skills
Date: October 19^th to November 23^rd 2026 (Every Monday & Wednesday)

Core 2: Digital World
Date: October 20^th to November 19^th 2026 (Every Tuesday & Thursday)

Core 3: Introduction to Computer Science
Date: November 30^th to December 30^th 2026 (Every Monday & Wednesday)

Core 4: Introduction to Programming with Python
Date: December 1^st to January 7^th 2026 (Tuesday to Thursday)

Core 5: Mathematical Skills for Computing
Date: January 4^th to February 3^rd 2026 (Monday to Wednesday)

Mode of Delivery

Monday and Wednesday – 1^st Module

Tuesday and Thursday – 2^nd Module

Day Session: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Night Session: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Duration

Duration: 4-6 months

Course Sessions: 10 sessions (3 hours per session)

Course Fees

L3 Diploma in Computing – $800/module

Other Fees

Application Fee – $190 (Non-refundable)

Non-Tuition Fee – $780* (Dip L3)

Access Rights – $30 (Maximum 6 months from the course start date – Dip L3) – Complimentary

Assessment Fee – $1,800

*Non-Tuition Fee includes Course Materials and Administration Fee.

Is there guided instruction?

lecturer to guide students for both online n classroom learning (minimum 30hrs/module)

How much shorter does it take if you take this pathway to attain a bachelor's degree?

shorter duration to attain a recognised Bachelor degree from UK n Australian University which operate campus in sg (NCC pathway - ard 4yrs as compared to traditional pathway of 6yrs)

What is the cost savings?

hugh cost savings (affordable fees for NCC courses which is about 40% as compared to the fees paid for the courses in the traditional pathway)

Does SMTC provide any other services?

SMTC provide the service to liaise with the various University's Admission Office to process the NCC graduates' applications to attend their bachelor's degree program.

Upcoming Schedule

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Level 3