NPA Data Science SCQF level 4, 5 and 6

This National Progression Award (NPA) provides foundation knowledge and skills in data science to increase awareness of the discipline among learners and provide practical skills in data analysis. The qualification will also raise awareness of the societal aspects of this important, emerging technology

This qualification is available through schools, colleges, and training providers

This NPA can be taught over one year or as a part-time course over two years.

Qualification structure

Group award codes:   GV7W 44 (12 SCQF credit points); GV7W 45 (18 SCQF credit points); GV7W 46 (18 SCQF credit points)

GV7W 44 (SCQF level: 4)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units (12 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

GV7W 45 (SCQF level: 5)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units and one optional unit (18 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

GV7W 46 (SCQF level: 6)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units and one optional unit (18 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Group award specification (390 KB)

Unit search

Group award code SCQF credit points SCQF level Units
GP8N 44 12 4

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship
GP8P 45 18 5

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship

One optional unit (6 SCQF credit points).
GP8R 46 18 6

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship

One optional unit (6 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Group award specification (526 KB)

Unit search

How to assess

Assessment will be a combination of practical and knowledge assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions. See the assessment and evidence requirements for each unit.

Assessment and/or e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Learning and teaching materials

Learning and Teaching materials for the NPA Data Science are currently under development.

If your centre is already delivering the NPA Data Science and requires support, this is available through the Data Education in Schools project.

Resources

Why study this qualification

The NPA is suitable for:

  • learners wishing to develop and enhance data science skills to support their learning across a wide range of curricular areas
  • S4 to S6 school pupils who will undertake the qualification as a broadening of the Computing Science curriculum.
  • students at colleges who will be using the NPAs within full or part-time college programmes such as part of a NC Computing qualification
  • adults returning to education with an interest in developing fundamental skills relevant to accessing a career in data science.
  • employees in the industry wishing to gain knowledge in cyber security and expand their range of specialisms

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the school, college, or training provider.

Employment and progression

You could use this award to progress to the next level of the NPA in Data Science, for example at SCQF Level 5 or SCQF Level 6; or the PDA in Data Science at SCQF Level 7.

Qualification structure

Group award codes:   GV7W 44 (12 SCQF credit points); GV7W 45 (18 SCQF credit points); GV7W 46 (18 SCQF credit points)

GV7W 44 (SCQF level: 4)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units (12 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

GV7W 45 (SCQF level: 5)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units and one optional unit (18 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

GV7W 46 (SCQF level: 6)

This NPA consists of 2 mandatory units and one optional unit (18 SCQF credit points). Mandatory units are:

  • Data Citizenship
  • Data Science

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Group award specification (390 KB)

Unit search

Group award code SCQF credit points SCQF level Units
GP8N 44 12 4

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship
GP8P 45 18 5

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship

One optional unit (6 SCQF credit points).
GP8R 46 18 6

Two mandatory units:

  • Data Science
  • Data Citizenship

One optional unit (6 SCQF credit points).

See the group award specification for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Group award specification (526 KB)

Unit search