Level 5 Extended Diploma In Information Technology - OTHM

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Level 5 Extended Diploma In Information Technology - OTHM
Instructor David Hulme
Last Update July 11, 2026
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Level 5 Extended Diploma In Information Technology - OTHM

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology provides learners with a strong foundation for a successful career in the IT industry. Designed to develop confident, independent, and business-ready professionals, the programme equips learners with practical technical knowledge and the adaptability needed in today's fast-changing technology sector. It is ideal for those starting or advancing a career in IT and provides a pathway to further university study or employment.

Course Information

  • Qualification Level 5
  • Study Mode Blended Learning (Self Paced)
  • Progression Route Wellness Advocate, Health Coach Assistant, Nutrition Support Assistant
  • Awarding Body OTHM

What you'll learn

  • Unit D/617/2274 Advanced systems Analysis and Design
  • Unit H/617/2275 Database Systems
  • Unit K/617/2276 Software Engineering
  • Unit L/617/2271 IT Project Management
  • Unit R/617/2272 Network Information Systems
  • Unit Y/617/2273 Management Information Systems
  • Unit D/650/3383 Cyber Security
  • Unit F/617/2266 Systems Analysis and Design
  • Unit F/650/3384 Principles of Computer Programming
  • Unit H/650/3385 Web and Mobile Applications
  • Unit J/650/3386 Managing Digital Information
  • Unit L/617/2268 Computer and Network Technology

Course Description

Overview

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology is a UK-regulated qualification designed for learners who are starting or progressing their career in the IT and technology sector. Regulated by Ofqual (UK), this qualification provides learners with practical knowledge, technical skills, and academic understanding equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree. The programme develops learners’ understanding of core areas in information technology, including cyber security, computer programming, systems analysis and design, web and mobile applications, networking, digital information management, software engineering, database systems, management information systems, network information systems, and IT project management. Throughout the course, learners will gain the skills needed to become confident, independent, and business-ready IT professionals. The qualification prepares learners for further university study as well as employment in a wide range of public and private sector organisations.

Why Choose This Qualification?

  • UK Ofqual Regulated Qualification
  • Level 5 Extended Diploma
  • 240 UK Credits
  • Equivalent to Foundation Degree / HND / second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree
  • Flexible blended learning
  • Assignment-based assessment
  • Practical IT-focused qualification
  • Pathway to final year top-up degrees
  • Suitable for learners aiming for careers in technology, software, systems, networking, and IT management

Assessment

This qualification is assessed through coursework, written assignments, projects, presentations, and practical/lab-based tasks. Learners are assessed on their ability to apply IT knowledge and technical skills to real-world scenarios.

Assessment methods include:

  • Coursework assignments
  • Practical projects
  • Lab demonstrations
  • Presentations
  • System design tasks
  • Software and database development work
  • IT project reports

Entry Requirements

To enrol on the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology, learners should normally:

  • Be aged 18 or above
  • Hold a relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification
  • Hold GCE Advanced Level qualifications in two subjects or equivalent
  • Mature learners over 21 with relevant experience may also be considered
  • Demonstrate English language competency where English is not their first language

Equivalency

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology is regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It represents practical knowledge, skills, and competence equivalent to a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), and the second year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology, learners may progress to:

  • Software Engineering degree at the University of Greater Manchester, Dubai
  • Software Engineering degree at the University of Greater Manchester, UK
  • BSc Computing at Arden University
  • BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Top-up) at the University of the West of England
  • BSc (Hons) Information Technology (Top-up) at the University of the West of England
  • Direct entry into the final year of a UK Bachelor’s degree, subject to university entry requirements
  • Employment in IT, software development, cyber security, networking, systems analysis, database management, and IT project management roles

Qualification Structure

The qualification consists of 12 mandatory units, totalling 240 credits.

Mandatory Units

  • Cyber Security
  • Principles of Computer Programming
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Web and Mobile Applications
  • Computer and Network Technology
  • Managing Digital Information
  • Software Engineering
  • Database Systems
  • Advanced Systems Analysis and Design
  • Management Information Systems
  • Network Information Systems
  • IT Project Management

Duration and Delivery

The qualification is designed to be completed over two academic years through full-time study. Flexible blended learning delivery is also available, making the programme suitable for learners who wish to balance their studies with work, personal commitments, or professional development goals.

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)

Qualification Details

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology is a UK-regulated qualification designed to develop the technical knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career in the IT sector. Equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor's degree, it provides a strong foundation in software engineering, programming, cyber security, networking, database systems, and IT project management. The programme combines academic learning with practical application, preparing learners to solve real-world technology challenges and adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Graduates are well equipped to progress to university top-up degrees or pursue careers across a wide range of IT and technology-related industries.

Career Progression

On completion, learners can pursue roles such as Wellness Assistant, Health Coach Support, and Nutrition Assistant, and progress towards further study to become a qualified Nutritionist, Health Coach, or Wellness Consultant. The course also provides a strong personal foundation for healthier living.

Accreditation

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology is an Ofqual-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ensuring it meets rigorous UK quality and academic standards. Worth 240 credits, the qualification is equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor's degree and is recognised by employers and higher education institutions internationally. Upon successful completion, learners can progress to a range of university top-up programmes, including degrees at the University of Greater Manchester (UK and Dubai), Arden University, and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), subject to the entry requirements of the chosen institution.

Contact Information

For course support, email support@theoxfordcollege.com or use the help centre inside your learner dashboard. Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, and aims to respond to all queries within 24 hours.

  • The aim of this unit is to provide learners with a deep understanding of the activities of the systems analyst and systems designer, and to be able to apply some current techniques.

  • The aim of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge in database systems development and enable them to develop strong database design and development skills.

  • The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of software development and its evolution as an engineering discipline, and to develop, maintain, and evolve software systems of high quality.

  • The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ skills in managing Information Technology projects to implement systems or change in their organisations. This unit is particularly relevant for middle and senior managers whose responsibilities include the introduction of operational or strategic change in their organisations.

  • The aim of this unit is to develop learners knowledge and skills in planning, configuring, setting up and managing networks (such as a LAN, PAN, MAN, WAN) as well as build skills in network monitoring, and knowledge of Network Security, network protocols and standards.

  • The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of how an organisation uses information to design, implement, maintain and manage secure information systems to support its operations. This unit examines how systems can be used to support core business functions and enable organisations to be more productive and competitive within the global marketplace.

  • In this unit, learners will learn the fundamentals of cyber security, including its historical development, laws and regulations, risk management and the impact it has on individuals and organisations. Learners will also gain knowledge and understanding about cyber security protection methods and how to manage a cyber security attack.

  • The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ awareness of system analysis and design in an organisational context. The unit introduces various techniques used within systems analysis and design and the methodologies used in the system development process.

  • The aim of this unit is to give learners a basic understanding of object-oriented programming languages and how to produce effective code. It also enables learners to gain a perspective of software development and the basic principles of algorithms.

  • The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of current web and mobile application design technology and the practices and tools used. The learner will learn to create websites or mobile applications to given design specifications.

  • The aim of this unit is to show how communications, knowledge and information can be improved within an organisation including making better use of IT systems. Learners will understand the interaction between communications, knowledge and information. The unit also explores how IT systems can be used as a management tool for collecting, storing, disseminating and providing access to knowledge and information.

  • This unit provides learners with an understanding of computer networking essentials and cloud technologies, their operating principles, protocols, standards, security considerations, and prototypes associated with this field. Learners will explore different hardware and software options as well as how to configure and install them. A wide range of networking technologies will be also examined including Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) and how they evolved to create large-scale networks. Protocol methodologies related to IP data networks will also be explored.

David Hulme

Course Lead

David Hulme is an accomplished information technology professional and educator with over 20 years of experience in software engineering, systems development, and IT leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked across a wide range of technology sectors, leading digital transformation projects, developing enterprise software solutions, and mentoring the next generation of IT professionals. As Course Lead for the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology, David combines extensive industry expertise with a passion for delivering high-quality, career-focused education. His specialist areas include software engineering, cyber security, systems analysis, database technologies, networking, and IT project management, ensuring learners gain the practical knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in today's fast-evolving technology industry and progress confidently to university or professional careers.

  • This course is ideal for individuals looking to build or advance a career in information technology. It is suitable for school leavers, aspiring IT professionals, and learners who wish to develop practical technical skills while progressing towards a university degree.

  • The programme covers a wide range of IT subjects, including software engineering, computer programming, cyber security, database systems, networking, systems analysis and design, web and mobile applications, and IT project management, providing learners with a strong foundation for the modern technology industry.

  • Successful learners can progress to a range of recognised university top-up degrees, including Software Engineering at the University of Greater Manchester (UK or Dubai), BSc (Hons) Computing at Arden University, and BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Top-up) or BSc (Hons) Information Technology (Top-up) at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), subject to the entry requirements of the chosen university.