OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology

Overview

The objective of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology is to provide learners with an excellent foundation for a career in a range of organisations. It designed to ensure that each learner is ‘business ready’: a confident, independent thinker with a detailed knowledge of Information Technology, and equipped with the skills to adapt rapidly to change.

The qualification is ideal for those who have started, or are planning to move into, a career in private or public sector business. Successful completion of the Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology will provide learners with the opportunity to progress to further study or employment.

Entry requirements

These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above.

The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:

• Relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification
• GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or equivalent qualification
• Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology consists of 12 mandatory units (six at level 4 and six at level 5) for a combined total of 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 960 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Level 4: 6 Mandatory units

• Cyber Security (20 credits)
• Principles of Computer Programming (20 credits)
• Systems Analysis and Design (20 credits)
• Web and Mobile Applications (20 credits)
• Computer and Network Technology (20 credits)
• Managing Digital Information (20 credits)

Level 5: 6 Mandatory units

• Software Engineering (20 credits)
• Database Systems (20 credits)
• Advanced systems Analysis and Design (20 credits)
• Management Information Systems (20 credits)
• Network Information Systems (20 credits)
• IT Project Management (20 credits)

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.

The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.

Assessment and verification

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Progression

Successful completion of Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions including OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Information Technology.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are eligible to gain direct entry into Final year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree. For more information visit University Progressions page.