How it works

Students on our IT and Computing 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 Computing 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 modeling.
• 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 organizational 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, particularly 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 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:

• Innovative technologies in computing: This module looks at innovative trends and disruptive advances taking place and examines the new generation of skills and knowledge that will be required to work successfully in the sector.
• Computing research methods: This module will explore the knowledge and skills required to undertake research in this field and the qualitative and quantitative approaches required including use of literature and design of research proposals.
• Software development methodologies: This module looks at the role of systems engineering in development of software and various models of data, software and processes using modelling approaches.
• Managing a computing project: Learners will find out about different project management tools and techniques that can be used when managing a computing project.
• Strategic management information systems: This module is concerned with developing an understanding of the strategic role of MIS within the organisation and how it impacts on the broader objectives and strategy of the business.
• Ethical, legal and professional issues in IT: This module explores current issues in the IT sector and how these may impact on areas of security, confidentiality, privacy and the law.
• Network Design: This module explores the principles of networks and network design and implementation and support of network systems.
• Web based development: This module will explore the design, deployment and management of virtualization and explore its commercial and potential impact.
• Cyber security: This module will enable an understanding of the importance of digital security to business, to understand industry standards of digital security and be able to recommend security improvements.
• Database design and development: Learners will extend their understanding of database design and development. They will research database management systems and will design and implement a complex database.

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.

The assignment unit titles for the Level 5 course are:

1. Technopreneurship
2. Network Security
3. C#.NET Programming
4. System Administration
5. Business to Business (B2B) E-commerce
6. Business to Consumer (B2C) E-commerce

More information about the Level 5 units can be found here.

Am I eligible for this programme?

To enrol in our Level 4 IT and Computing course, you must be at least 18 years old and have a full secondary education, meaning you must have a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent.

If you don’t have 2 A-levels or the equivalent, such as NVQ Level 3, you may also be able to enrol based on your work experience. 

To enrol on the Level 5 IT and Computing course, you must have completed the Level 4 Qualifi diploma in IT and Computing.

Career Progression

Whilst studying this course, students will develop their skills in programming, systems analysis and design, and 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 Computing 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.

f 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 Hertfordshire

BSc Honours Information Technology top up

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 Sample Certificate and Transcript

Qualification Number: 603/4781/8

Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology Sample Certificate and Transcript

Qualification Number: 603/4791/0