RQF Level 5 · Ofqual-regulated
Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology
120 credits · Typically one year · Fully online · English
120 credits · Typically one year · Fully online · English
The Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology prepares you for an IT career across a range of organisations, as a confident, independent thinker who can adapt quickly to change. Six units cover software engineering, database systems, advanced systems analysis and design, management information systems, network information systems and IT project management.
It is a 120-credit qualification with 1,200 hours of Total Qualification Time, including 480 guided learning hours. Level 5 qualifications are assessed as academically equivalent to a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and the second year of a three-year UK bachelor's degree. At Brussels College of Business and Technology (BCBT) it is studied fully online and typically takes one year.
Awarded by a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual (RQF Level 5). Offered by BCBT through our approved affiliated partners.
Learners aged 18 or over who hold a relevant Level 4 diploma, such as our Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology, and who have started, or plan to move into, an IT career in the private or public sector.
Software engineering, databases, networks and systems design at Level 5.
Lab demonstrations, practical work and an IT project alongside written coursework.
Assessed as equivalent to an HND, a Foundation Degree or Year 2 of a UK bachelor's degree.
Fully online, with live classes, a personal tutor and digital library access, from any country.
To enrol on this diploma:
Start dates: ask admissions.
No written examinations: every unit is assessed by coursework.
Fees on request — ask admissions.
You complete 6 mandatory units worth 120 credits in total.
| Unit | What you study | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | Software development as an engineering discipline: building, maintaining and evolving high-quality systems. | 20 |
| Database Systems | Database design and development, and testing a database system. | 20 |
| Advanced Systems Analysis and Design | The work of the systems analyst and systems designer, using current techniques. | 20 |
| Management Information Systems | How organisations design, run and secure information systems that support core business functions. | 20 |
| Network Information Systems | Planning, configuring, setting up, monitoring and securing networks. | 20 |
| IT Project Management | Managing IT projects that introduce new systems or change in an organisation. | 20 |
Every unit is assessed by coursework, with no written examinations. Assessment combines written assignments, presentations, lab demonstrations and practical work, and an IT project (around 5,000 words). Units are graded Pass or Fail: you pass a unit by meeting all of its assessment criteria, with feedback and support before any reassessment. Assessment is externally verified by the awarding organisation.
| Learning time | Hours |
|---|---|
| Guided learning (live classes, tutorials and supervised study) | 480 |
| Directed self-study, reading and coursework | 720 |
| Total Qualification Time | 1,200 |
Unit titles, credits and hours are set by the awarding organisation and may be updated.
Fees on request — ask admissions. Start dates: ask admissions. Our admissions team can also help you check your entry requirements.
Ask admissions