About this qualification

The Level 5 Diploma: Data Engineer is designed to give learners the knowledge and associated skills and behaviours required to work in roles relating to data engineering. It will also prepare learners to progress to further study in this area.

This qualification is designed for learners who want to upskill or retrain within the digital sector. It is also suitable for learners who want to further their studies in the digital sector. This higher technical qualification (HTQ) will give learners the skills, knowledge and behaviours to meet specific employer needs and industry requirements.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners who want to begin or advance their career within data engineering. It is also suitable for learners who wish to progress to further study in this specialised area.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a relevant level 4 qualification. Learners must be at least 18 years old. 

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification is made up of 6 mandatory units and is graded pass, merit or distinction.

How is it assessed?

Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence, including task-based assessments. 

How many credits are required to complete it?

To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 120 credits overall, which is a minimum of a pass in each of the 6 graded mandatory units.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

1 year full time.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

Work/industry placement experience is not required.

 What related qualifications can you progress to?

 Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• further education:
  • related apprenticeships
• higher education:
  • data science degree.

Career opportunities

 Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:

• employment:
• data engineer
• machine learning engineer
• data architect
• ETL developer.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

Useful links

 Mandatory policies and fees

Assessment regulations and guides

For more information about HTQs, please refer to the Skills England website.