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 29, 2026
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Level 5 Extended Diploma In Information Technology - OTHM

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology develops practical technical skills and prepares learners for careers in the fast-changing IT sector. It is ideal for those beginning or advancing their careers and offers a pathway to further university study or employment.

Course Information

  • Qualification Level 5
  • Study Mode Blended Learning (Self Paced)
  • Progression Route Progression Opportunities
  • 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 wish to begin or advance their careers in the IT and technology sector.

Regulated by Ofqual, the qualification combines practical knowledge, technical skills, and academic understanding at a level comparable to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree. The programme covers key areas of information technology, including cybersecurity, computer programming, systems analysis and design, web and mobile application development, networking, digital information management, software engineering, database systems, management information systems, network information systems, and IT project management.

Throughout the programme, learners develop the practical and professional skills needed to become confident, independent, and workplace-ready IT professionals. The qualification supports progression to further university study and employment across a wide range of public- and private-sector organisations.

Why Choose This Qualification?

  • UK qualification regulated by Ofqual
  • Level 5 Extended Diploma
  • 240 UK credits
  • Comparable to a Foundation Degree, HND, or the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree
  • Flexible blended-learning options
  • Assignment-based assessment
  • Practical, career-focused IT curriculum
  • Pathway to final-year top-up degree programmes
  • Suitable for careers in technology, software development, systems, networking, cybersecurity, and IT management

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through coursework, written assignments, projects, presentations, and practical or laboratory-based activities. Learners are evaluated on their ability to apply technical knowledge and IT skills to realistic workplace situations.

Assessment methods may include:

  • Coursework assignments
  • Practical projects
  • Laboratory demonstrations
  • Presentations
  • Systems design activities
  • Software and database development
  • IT project reports

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally:

  • Be aged 18 or above
  • Hold a relevant Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent qualification
  • Hold GCE Advanced Level qualifications in two subjects or an equivalent qualification
  • Demonstrate appropriate English-language competency if English is not their first language

Mature applicants aged over 21 who have relevant work experience may also be considered.

Qualification Equivalency

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

Progression Opportunities

After successfully completing the qualification, learners may progress to:

  • A Software Engineering degree at the University of Greater Manchester, Dubai
  • A 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 the receiving university’s admission requirements
  • Employment in software development, cybersecurity, networking, systems analysis, database management, IT support, or IT project management

Qualification Structure

The qualification comprises 12 mandatory units with a total value of 240 credits.

Mandatory Units

  1. Cyber Security
  2. Principles of Computer Programming
  3. Systems Analysis and Design
  4. Web and Mobile Applications
  5. Computer and Network Technology
  6. Managing Digital Information
  7. Software Engineering
  8. Database Systems
  9. Advanced Systems Analysis and Design
  10. Management Information Systems
  11. Network Information Systems
  12. IT Project Management

Duration and Delivery

The qualification is normally completed through two academic years of full-time study. Flexible blended-learning options may also be available, allowing learners to balance their studies with employment, personal commitments, and professional-development goals.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally:
Be aged 18 or above
Hold a relevant Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent qualification
Hold GCE Advanced Level qualifications in two subjects or an equivalent qualification
Demonstrate appropriate English-language competency if English is not their first language
Mature applicants aged over 21 who have relevant work experience may also be considered.

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

After successfully completing the qualification, learners may progress to: A Software Engineering degree at the University of Greater Manchester, Dubai A 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 the receiving university’s admission requirements Employment in software development, cybersecurity, networking, systems analysis, database management, IT support, or IT project management

Accreditation

The Ofqual-regulated OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT carries 240 credits and is equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree. Graduates may progress to eligible university top-up programmes, subject to entry requirements.

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.