How it works

Students on our IT and Networking course can complete a Level 4 (120 credits), Level 5 (120 credits) or a combined Level 4 & 5 (240 credits) Qualifi diploma, designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the IT industry.

The course is completed online and you can start at any time, it’s completely flexible. Each module (Level 4 & Level 5) consists of 40 hours of guided online learning, with an additional 30-50 hours worth of optional materials that include recommended exercises, readings, digital resources and self-test tasks.

To complete the course you’ll submit 6 online assignments at each level, and assignments are approximately 2,000-3,000 words each. Once you’ve passed your course, you’ll be awarded with a Qualifi diploma and you’ll be able to top up your qualification to a bachelor’s degree at a range of UK universities.

During this IT and E-Commerce course you’ll have access to 1-2-1 tutor support and webinars, social learning forums and additional materials to complete your diploma with ease. You can find out more about the support you’ll have available on our Student Resources page. You can also read about the academic credentials we meet and associations we’re part of to make sure you have the best learning experience.

Course Modules

Level 4 Module Listing

• Computer systems and software: This module will develop learners’ understanding of the integration of hardware and software components.
• Computer programming: Learners will use different tools and techniques to design, implement and test programs, following the system life cycle.
• Relational database systems: This unit will develop learners’ understanding of database systems and data analysis and modelling.
• Software engineering: Learners will gain an understanding of the need for software engineering and the different methods and techniques.
• Systems analysis and design: This module provides an understanding of IS concepts and how they relate to organisation needs in respect of business processes and transformation of information.
• E- commerce applications: This module explores the role of e-commerce in the modern world and in particular the identification of aims and objectives within a business and the design issues arising from the definition of requirements.
• Human computer interaction: This module will develop students understanding of principles and models of human computer interaction and evaluate existing HCI design and principles and use this to help them plan their own prototype multimedia user interface.
• IT and society: This module examines the impact of technology on society and explores trends and changes created. It will examine management issues and potential conflicts in terms of security and data management.
• Information systems theory and practice: This module explores elements of project management key to successful development and implementation of specific IT projects.
• Management information systems: This module focuses on understanding concepts of information systems and how they support business needs in terms of information processing and data processing.

Level 5 module listing

• Technopreneurship: The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to establish a new techno business. It includes understanding the characteristics of entrepreneurs, planning, marketing and finance.
• Network Security: The aim of this unit is to provide learners with knowledge of network security issues in a networked environment and the process of preventing and detection common security incidents.
• C.Net Programming: This unit aims to provide learners with the basic concepts and principles of ASP.NET programming using C#. This will enable learners to understand how to create dynamic web pages using server-side programming techniques.
• System administration: The unit initially discusses the main aspects of system administration. The discussion begins with the description of the administrator role, and an analysis of the main elements of system administration.
• Network routing and switching: The aim of this unit is to deliver the knowledge needed to carry out switching and the knowledge and skills needed to carry out routing how to set up and configure a router and switches to interconnect a multi area network.
• Network Design and Administration: The aim of this unit is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to enable learners to design a network i.e. how to scale and connect different networks to form an effective inter-connecting network. It covers hierarchical network design; gathering network requirements; identifying network performance issues.

Assignment unit titles:

The assignment unit titles for the level 4 course are:

1. Information technology and IT ethics
2. Mathematics and statistics for IT
3. PC maintenance and operating systems
4. Computer graphics editing and database concepts
5. Logical IT networking
6. Web design

More information about the level 4 units can be found here https://qualifi.net/qualifi-level-4-diploma-in-information-technology/

The assignment unit titles for the level 5 course are:

1. Technopreneurship
2. Network security
3. C#.NET programming
4. System administration
5. Network routing and switching
6. Network design and administration

More information about the level 5 units can be found here https://qualifi.net/qualifi-level-5-diploma-in-it-networking/

Am I eligible for this programme?

To enrol on the Level 4 course, you must be at least 18 and have a full secondary education. Before enrolling on the level 5 course, you must have attained a Level 4 or equivalent.

Career Progression

Whilst studying this course students will develop their skills in programming, systems analysis and design, software development. Upon successful completion of the course, students can pursue a career in IT within the public or private sector.

University Progression

Once you’ve completed your online Level 4 & 5 IT and Networking course you have the opportunity to complete a third-year top-up degree programme, known as a ‘BA top up’, from a wide range of UK universities.

Students can apply to any university offering the BA top up and you can choose to study for your degree either online or in-person on campus.

If you decide to top up to a full undergraduate degree through an accredited UK university, the costs are as follows.

Middlesex University

University of Derby

BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technology– £5,250

University of Huddersfield

BSc (Hons) Information Technology (Top-up)– ON CAMPUS– £9,250

NOTE: UK/EU students may be eligible for student loans for the top-up portion of their studies. Visit www.slc.co.uk for more information.

Sample Certificates

Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology

Qualification Number: 603/4781/8

Level 5 Diploma in IT and Networking

Qualification Number: 603/4792/2