The Extended Certificate is made up of five units. Two units are assessed through external exams, with the remaining three assessed internally through coursework and practical project work.
Externally Assessed Units (Exams)
These focus on core analytical principles, digital systems and the use of data in society.
- Fundamentals of Data Analytics
Understanding how data is collected, stored, secured, analysed and presented, including the use of big data, data formats, legislation and ethical handling.
- Big Data & Machine Learning
Exploring large-scale data ecosystems, how organisations use AI and machine learning to process information, and the challenges of managing data at scale.
Internally Assessed Units (Coursework / Practical Projects)
These focus on developing applied technical skills.
- Spreadsheet Data Modelling
This unit focuses on using spreadsheet tools to organise, manipulate and analyse data. Students create models that test scenarios, automate calculations and present findings through charts and visual outputs, helping organisations make informed decisions from complex data sets.
- Data and the Internet of Everything (IoE)
This unit explores how connected devices collect, process and share data across networks in sectors such as healthcare, smart homes, transport and environmental monitoring. Students learn how IoE systems are designed, including device selection, communication methods and how data is used to deliver automated services and real-world solutions.
- Data and Digital Marketing
This unit looks at how organisations use data to plan, run and evaluate digital marketing campaigns. Students work with real marketing data to create visual outputs, gaining insight into audience behaviour, engagement metrics and how data-driven decisions shape effective digital strategies.
