How it works
With our IT and Networking course, you can study for a Level 4 diploma (120 credits), a Level 5 diploma (120 credits), or choose the combined Level 4 & Level 5 option (240 credits). The whole course is set up to build the kind of practical skills employers expect in the IT industry.
Everything is delivered online, and the best part is that you can start whenever you want. It’s fully flexible, so you’re not chasing deadlines every week. Each module at Level 4 and Level 5 includes 40 hours of guided study. On top of that, you’ll get access to extra optional materials worth around 30 to 50 hours, such as suggested practice tasks, readings, digital resources, and self-check activities.
To complete the qualification, you’ll submit 6 online assignments at each level. Each assignment is usually around 2,000 to 3,000 words. When you pass, you’ll receive your diploma. From there, you can top up your qualification to a bachelor’s degree with a selection of UK universities.
During the course, you’ll also have access to 1-2-1 tutor support, webinars, and social learning forums, plus additional materials to make the process feel a lot more manageable. If you want to know exactly what support you’ll get, take a look at our Student Resources page. You can also review the academic standards we follow and the associations we’re linked with, so you know you’re learning in a reputable environment.
Course Modules
Level 4 Module Listing
Computer systems and software: You’ll build a clear understanding of how hardware and software work together, and how that integration impacts real systems.
Computer programming: You’ll use different tools and techniques to plan, create, and test programmes, keeping in mind the system life cycle along the way.
Relational database systems: This unit focuses on database fundamentals, data analysis, and how modelling fits into the bigger picture.
Software engineering: You’ll learn why software engineering matters, plus the main approaches and methods used to develop software effectively.
Systems analysis and design: This module explains how IS concepts connect to organisational needs, especially around business processes and handling information changes.
E-commerce applications: You’ll explore what e-commerce actually involves today, including how businesses set aims and objectives, and the key design decisions that come from requirements.
Human computer interaction: You’ll look at core HCI principles and models, review existing design ideas, and then use what you learn to plan a prototype multimedia user interface.
IT and society: This module looks at how technology affects society, including the trends shaping change. You’ll also examine security and data management concerns, plus where conflicts can happen.
Information systems theory and practice: Here, you’ll cover important project management elements that support successful development and delivery of IT projects.
Management information systems: This unit helps you understand information systems and how they support business operations, from information processing to data handling.
Level 5 module listing
Technopreneurship: This unit is aimed at helping you understand how to start a new tech business. You’ll cover what makes entrepreneurs tick, along with planning, marketing, and finance.
Network Security: You’ll study security challenges in networked environments and learn how to prevent and spot common security incidents.
C.Net Programming: This unit introduces the basics of ASP.NET programming using C#. You’ll learn how server-side techniques can be used to build dynamic web pages.
System administration: You’ll begin with the main parts of system administration, starting with what the administrator role involves and then moving through the key elements of the job.
Network routing and switching: This unit teaches you the knowledge and skills for switching and routing. You’ll also learn how to set up and configure routers and switches to connect and manage a multi-area network.
Network Design and Administration: You’ll learn how to design networks, including how to scale and connect different networks so they work together effectively. Topics include hierarchical network design, collecting network requirements, and spotting network performance issues.
Assignment unit titles:
The assignment unit titles for the level 4 course are:
Information technology and IT ethics
Mathematics and statistics for IT
PC maintenance and operating systems
Computer graphics editing and database concepts
Logical IT networking
Web design
The assignment unit titles for the level 5 course are:
Technopreneurship
Network security
C#.NET programming
System administration
Network routing and switching
Network design and administration
Am I eligible for this programme?
To join our Level 4 IT and Computing course, you need to be at least 18 years old and have completed secondary education. Typically, that means you’ll have at least 2 A-levels, or an equivalent qualification.
If you don’t have 2 A-levels or the equivalent, like NVQ Level 3, you may still be able to enrol using your work experience. If you’re not sure where you fit, just speak to one of our team members at: 0333 772 1158
To enrol on the Level 5 IT & Networking course, you’ll need to have completed the Level 4 diploma in IT and Computing.
Career Progression
A Level 4/5 Diploma in IT and Networking from Online Business School can open up a lot of doors across the digital and technology world. The programme focuses on building practical ability and real experience, preparing you for roles such as:
Network Administrator
Network Administrator
IT Support Technician
IT Support Technician
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialist
Cloud Support Associate
Cloud Support Associate
Once you’ve completed the diplomas, you can also continue onto a full bachelor’s degree through a university top-up year. If you want to strengthen your CV even more, you can consider industry-recognised certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft certifications.
Overall, the Level 4/5 qualification gives you a solid base for building a career in the fast-moving IT and networking sector.
University Progression
After you finish your online Level 4 & 5 IT and Networking course, you may be able to go on to a third-year top-up degree. This is sometimes called a ‘BA top up’, and you can choose from a range of UK universities.
You can apply to any university that offers the BA top up, and you can decide whether you study online or attend in person on campus.
If you top up to a full undergraduate degree through an accredited UK university, the costs are listed below.
Middlesex University
BSc (Hons) Information Technology and Business Information Systems (Top-up) – ON CAMPUS – £9,250 (UK)/ £14,700 (INT/EU)
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 might be eligible for student loans for the top-up part of their studies. Head to www.slc.co.uk for more information.
