1. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME

The qualification has been accredited to the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) and each qualification has its own unique Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN). This number will appear on the learner’s final certification document. Each unit with the qualification has its own RQF code.

The purpose of the qualifications is to provide learners with the technical skills and knowledge needed to work in the information technology (IT) industry. We hope that centres and learners take the opportunity to learn a great deal from this suite of qualifications that will provide relevant new skills and qualities.

It is envisaged that the qualifications will encourage both academic and professional development so that you learners move forward to realise not just their own potential but also that of organisations across a broad range of sectors.

The Diplomas are accredited at Level 5 and has a total equivalence of 120 credits.

2. RATIONALE FOR THE DIPLOMA

The rationale for the qualification is that it provides a career path for learners who wish to develop a broad base of knowledge and skills that will enable them to work in a variety of roles in the IT industry, notably in .NET programming, system administration and network security. Learners will also learn about entrepreneurship in a techno environment. The qualification is flexible in that it offers elective choices of networking, web design or e-commerce – the latter being much in demand in modern business.

The technical skills and knowledge delivered through the successful achievement of the qualification are required and recognized internationally. It covers:

• Technopreneurship
• network security
• C#.NET programming
• system administration
• network routing and switching
• network design and administration
• content management systems
• web design
• business to business (B2B) e-commerce
• business to consumer (B2C) e-commerce

The rationale for the qualifications is also to provide a career path for learners who wish to develop their management and entrepreneurial capabilities within the business sector. The outcomes of the Diplomas, which are all recognised UK Qualifications, are for learners to develop the skills required by organisations globally.

3. AIMS OF THE DIPLOMA

The qualifications provide the opportunity for individuals to forge a career in IT by seeking a greater knowledge and understanding of the industry, and to support the individual’s development into technical positions. Overall aims include:

1. To enable learners to apply analytical and evaluative techniques to business in private and public sectors
2. To enhance analytical and evaluative skills relating to business across a number of industries
3. To develop the learner’s ability to recognise and reflect on the process of personal learning and development, which facilitates the enhancement of key personal, sociable and other transferable skills
4. To encourage the learner’s self-reflection, analytical, intellectual and transferable skills.

4. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE DIPLOMA

The overall learning outcomes for all IT -related programmes are:

1. To understand and apply the principles of IT in a range of business environments
2. To understand and apply the principles in a specific environment
3. To improve the employability of learners by allowing them to explore the relationship between management theories and their practical application in the IT world.
4. Analyse problem solving techniques specific to business and industry
5. Select, collate, review and analyse information form a wide range of sources
6. Effectively use verbal and communication skills
7. Work independently and as part of a team
8. Manage one’s own personal development and growth.

These are the overall learning outcomes in line with Level 5 equivalences.

5. ENTRY CRITERIA

The qualifications have been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access and progression. Entry to the qualifications will be through centre interview and learners will be expected to hold the following:

• Demonstrated some ability and possess qualifications at Level 4 for example any Qualifi Level 4 or similar vocational awards;
• Spent some time in an organisational role and shown they have capability and drive to develop
• Seeking further professional development and to gain work related skills and know-how.

In certain circumstances, managers with considerable experience but no formal qualifications may be considered, subject to interview and being able to demonstrate their ability to cope with the demands of the programme.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6 (or equivalent) is required. International Qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes. The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.

6. PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Unit Reference	Mandatory Units	Level	TQT	Credits	GLH
5IT01	Technopreneurship	5	200	20	100
5IT02	Network Security	5	200	20	100
5IT03	C#.NET Programming	5	200	20	100
5IT04	System Administration	5	200	20	100
Elective Units
5IT06	Network Design and Administration	5	200	20	100
5IT10	Business to Consumer (B2C) E-commerce	5	200	20	100