How long is the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming?

The Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming runs 12 to 15 months on-campus, online or by distance learning.

Can I study the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming online?

Yes. LSCE delivers the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming on-campus, fully online with cloud lab access, or by distance learning.

Is the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming recognised in the UK?

The Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming is a UK Level 5 qualification aligned with BCS and Institute of Coding references, recognised by UK software employers.

What are the entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming?

You need a relevant Level 4 Diploma, Foundation Year or two years of programming experience, plus GCSE English and Maths at 4/C. IELTS 6.0 is required for non-native English speakers.

How much does the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming cost?

Fees are published each intake and vary by mode of study. LSCE admissions confirms current pricing and instalment options within one working day.

Adv Diploma in Computer Programming | LSCE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming is a UK Level 5 qualification, 12-15 months. The programme runs across 12-15 months and is focused on computer programming and applied software development. The course develops practitioners in object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, testing and version control, and it is designed for candidates who need a UK credential that carries clear weight with employers. The programme is aligned with IEEE Computer Society (UK & RI chapter) and Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), and it draws on the wider LSCE partnership with UK professional bodies including Institute of Coding. Teaching is structured around a senior-track Level 5 cohort, with weekly tutor visibility, structured critique of student work and a named programme tutor throughout your studies.

By the time you complete the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming, you will have produced a substantial applied project, a technical portfolio and evidence of independent problem-solving. Assessment across the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming blends coursework, laboratory or lab-book work and a larger applied project, so you leave with evidence you can put in front of a UK employer or a professional-registration panel. Marks are moderated to UK Level 5 standards, and the course sits inside the LSCE ladder so credit transfer and articulation are considered from your first tutorial. Where relevant, the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming also builds portfolio evidence toward professional-body membership and the Engineering Council or BCS chartership routes, and the wraparound English-language, careers and study-skills provision on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming remains available throughout your registered study period.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with IEEE Computer Society (UK & RI chapter) and Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) competency frameworks for the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming, reviewed each academic year against the latest professional-body guidance.
Applied laboratory, project or portfolio work in object-oriented programming embedded across every taught module of the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming, so learning stays close to industry practice.
Weekly named-tutor visibility on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming with structured written feedback on your applied Level 5 project or portfolio submission and clear progression targets.
A senior-track Level 5 cohort with cross-cohort critique, employer-style project reviews and mentor pairings drawn from the LSCE alumni network.
LSCE careers-service introductions to UK software product teams, digital agencies and fintech engineering teams through the London employer contact book, plus at least one industry-careers day each academic year.
Three parallel study modes on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming: on-campus in central London, fully online with provisioned lab or GPU access, or by distance learning with the same remote provisioning across the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming.
Rolling intakes and structured induction so working professionals on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming can start when the diary allows, plus wraparound English-language and study-skills support during induction.

What You Will Learn

Write clean, tested code in Python, JavaScript and one systems language
Design data structures and algorithms for real problems
Apply object-oriented and functional programming techniques
Use Git, code review and continuous integration in team workflows
Design tests using unit, integration and end-to-end approaches
Debug efficiently using structured tools and logs
Apply BCS and Institute of Coding practitioner discipline
Deliver a Level 5 senior-track project on a live programming build

Who This Course Is For

Junior developers moving into a mid-level engineering role
Career changers with self-taught programming backgrounds
Apprentices formalising a Level 5 software credential
International applicants targeting UK developer employment
Working technicians moving into a software career

Career Pathways

Software Engineer
Full-Stack Developer
Backend Engineer
Frontend Engineer
QA / Test Engineer
DevOps Engineer (junior)
Mobile Application Developer
Systems Analyst

The LSCE careers service maintains a working contact book across UK software product teams, digital agencies and fintech engineering teams, and runs one-to-one application coaching during the final stage of the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming. Structured application support covers CV, portfolio and interview preparation for UK employers, with warm introductions where cohort fit is close, plus alumni-network mentoring throughout your studies and after graduation.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C (or equivalent).
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
One academic or professional reference.
Applicants with a portfolio, GitHub repositories, or working project experience are encouraged to include these.

Why Study at LSCE

The London School of Computing and Engineering is a specialist computing and engineering division of Harold International College of London. LSCE teaches in small tutor-visible cohorts, partners with UK professional bodies including IEEE Computer Society (UK & RI chapter) and Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), and puts the AI Safety Institute, Alan Turing Institute, the NCSC, the ICE, IMechE and IET, and central London's engineering consultancies within a short tube ride of every classroom on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming. Alignment with AWS / Google Cloud / Microsoft Azure certification frameworks further strengthens the standing of the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming with employers.

Whether you study on-campus, fully online with provisioned lab or GPU access, or by distance learning, you join the same Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming intake with weekly tutor visibility and named programme-tutor support. LSCE students routinely attend BSides London, IET Young Professionals events, IMechE London Region evenings and BCS group meetings during their studies, and the careers service holds a working contact book with UK employers across UK software product teams, digital agencies and fintech engineering teams. Students on the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming also access the Harold International College shared library and elective-module catalogue subject to availability.

Apply for Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming

Step up into the Level 5 senior track with the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming at LSCE. Click Enrol Now, and admissions will respond within one working day with intake dates and credit-transfer guidance for the Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming. Enrol Now