Programme Overview
A technical diploma covering software engineering, database systems, advanced systems analysis, management information systems, networking and IT project management.
Why Study This Programme?
This diploma moves beyond foundational IT into genuinely applied technical territory — software engineering, database design and network systems — while adding a project-management unit that most purely technical courses skip.
Who Is This Programme For?
- Holders of a relevant Level 4 qualification (including CIC's own OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology)
- IT professionals wanting formal, structured credentials
- Learners aiming toward computing, computer science or related degrees
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme may be suitable if you:
- Want to develop genuine, structured knowledge in technology & cyber security
- Want a GTEC-approved, internationally structured qualification
- Want a credible academic pathway rather than a one-off certificate
- Are ready to meet this programme's specific entry requirements
- Want assignment-based, coursework-led learning
- Want to keep options open for further OTHM study or university progression
What Does Level 5 Mean?
Level 5 represents more advanced, specialist study. OTHM assesses its Level 5 qualifications as academically equivalent to a Foundation Degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree. Again, this is a framework-level academic equivalence, not an automatic award of a Bachelor's degree or guaranteed advanced-year university entry.
Qualification Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology |
| Level | 5 |
| Qualification Type | Diploma |
| Awarding Organisation | OTHM Qualifications |
| Ofqual Reference | 603/3614/6 |
| Regulation Start Date | 08/09/2018 |
| Operational Start Date | 10/09/2018 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Credits | 120 |
| TQT | 1,200 Hours |
| GLH | 480 Hours |
| Assessment | Coursework |
| Grading | Pass / Fail |
| Delivery Mode | [CIC TO CONFIRM] |
| Language | English |
| GTEC Status | GTEC Approved |
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry
Applicants typically hold a relevant Level 4 Diploma or equivalent qualification. Admission is subject to CIC's GTEC-approved programme entry requirements.
Mature Learner Entry
Applicants over the qualification's standard age threshold with relevant work or life experience may also be considered, subject to CIC's and OTHM's mature-entry provisions. This should be confirmed with CIC Admissions at the point of application.
Programme Structure — Units
| Unit | Credits |
|---|---|
| Software Engineering | 20 |
| Database Systems | 20 |
| Advanced Systems Analysis and Design | 20 |
| Management Information Systems | 20 |
| Network Information Systems | 20 |
| IT Project Management | 20 |
Programme Objectives
This programme is designed to build software engineering practice and database design and management, alongside the broader subject knowledge summarised in the Programme Overview above. Detailed, unit-level learning objectives are set out in the official OTHM qualification specification.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, learners are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate software engineering practice
- Demonstrate database design and management
- Demonstrate advanced systems analysis
- Demonstrate information-systems management
- Demonstrate network systems knowledge
- Demonstrate iT project planning and management
Skills You Will Develop
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through coursework and structured assignments in accordance with the applicable OTHM qualification specification. Learners are assessed on their achievement of each unit's specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria, with work internally assessed and quality assured by the centre, and externally verified by OTHM.
Why Assignment-Based Learning?
Coursework and structured assignments let you apply what you're learning directly, build genuine research and critical-thinking skills, and demonstrate your understanding through written, evidence-based work rather than a single exam. This is not "easier" — it still requires meeting the qualification's full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Career Opportunities
Potential career areas may include:
- Software development
- Database administration
- Systems analysis
- IT project management
- Network administration
- Information systems management
Career Sectors
Professional Development
Certain professions require additional professional registration, licensing, practical experience or professional certification. Completion of this OTHM qualification does not automatically confer a professional licence unless specifically recognised by the relevant professional or regulatory body.
Academic Progression
Progression from one level to the next is subject to meeting that level's own entry requirements — it is never automatic, and not every learner progresses through every level.
University Progression
Graduates may be able to progress to a Bachelor's degree top-up programme (undergraduate level), subject to the admission, recognition and credit-transfer requirements of the receiving university.
Examples of Potentially Relevant Undergraduate/Further-Study Areas
International Progression
International progression opportunities may be available, subject to the receiving institution's admission, recognition and credit-transfer requirements. Recognition is not guaranteed by every university worldwide.
Career Pathway
Why CIC?
- GTEC-approved academic programme portfolio
- Internationally structured OTHM UK qualifications
- Student-centred, assignment-based learning
- Guidance on realistic academic and career progression
- A college that treats this qualification as one step in a longer pathway, not a one-off certificate
Student Experience
[CIC TO CONFIRM — specific facilities, support services and student life information for this programme area.]
Illustrative Student Profile
The Prospective Student
Background:
Motivation:
Why this level:
Potential next step:
Academic Integrity
Learners are expected to submit original work, reference sources appropriately, and follow CIC's and OTHM's academic policies on research ethics and plagiarism. Academic misconduct, including undisclosed collaboration or unattributed sources, may affect a learner's results.
Responsible Use of AI (proposed website guidance)
Where AI tools are used in study, they should support — not replace — independent learning. Students remain fully responsible for submitted work, must verify any AI-assisted content, and must follow CIC's and OTHM's assessment rules. Undisclosed or prohibited use of AI-generated work may constitute academic misconduct.
How to Apply
- Choose your programme.
- Check entry requirements.
- Submit application.
- Provide supporting documents.
- Application review.
- Admission decision.
- Enrolment.
- Begin studies.
Documents Required
- Identification [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Academic certificates [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Academic transcripts [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Passport photograph [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- CV, where required [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Proof of English proficiency, where applicable [CIC TO CONFIRM]
Fees
Programme Fees: Contact CIC Admissions for current fees and payment information.
Next Intake
Next Intake: Contact CIC Admissions for the current intake schedule.