Changes to NPA Data Science
It’s been a while since I posted an update about NPA Data Science and this seems a good time to let you know what’s been happening.
The NPA was first introduced in 2019 and has been popular, with almost 3,000 learners undertaking the qualification since then. The current review was initiated because of feedback from centres that the assessment was burdensome. We took the opportunity to tidy the contents and, of course, modernise the units so that they include the latest developments in data science such as Large Language Models.
The structure of the qualification has not changed; only the contents of the following units have been revised:
- Data Science (SCQF Level 4, 5 and 6)
- Data Citizenship (SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6)
- Machine Learning (SCQF Levels 5 and 6).
These units will be recoded, which will result in the qualification being recoded too. For session 2024/25, you will be able to do the current versions of the units or the new versions so that you can choose when and how to transition. I think the revised units are “cleaner” and have less assessment so I hope you choose to deliver some or all of the updated units next session.
We’re in the process of making final edits to the units and then we’ll recode and publish them, along with an updated group award specification. Everything will be published in May. Please contact Gayle for more information.
