Course Overview

The Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology offers a comprehensive foundation for individuals aspiring to build a career in the IT industry. This programme equips learners with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to apply IT principles across a variety of business and organizational contexts. Through a balanced blend of technical modules and professional development, students will explore key areas such as IT ethics, mathematics for IT, systems maintenance, and database concepts, while also gaining exposure to specialized fields like networking, web development, and programming.

This qualification serves as a solid entry point into further academic study or professional advancement, nurturing both independent and collaborative work capabilities, enhancing employability, and developing critical problem-solving skills relevant to today’s digital economy.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must meet the following criteria to enroll in this qualification:
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake study at Level 4, assessed by the training centre during the application process.
• Proficiency in English is required. For non-native speakers, an IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent qualification is expected.
• International qualifications will be reviewed to ensure suitability for UK higher education entry, where applicable.
• Two supporting references are generally required, preferably with at least one academic reference.

• The programme encourages inclusive access and supports Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for those with existing knowledge, skills, or experience relevant to the course content.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology, learners must successfully complete four mandatory core units and two elective units, totaling 120 credits.

Mandatory Units (All Learners Must Complete):

Information Technology and IT Ethics

​ ​• Today ‘s technologies: computers, devices, and the web

​ ​• Connecting and communicating online: The Internet, websites, and media

​ ​• Microsoft Office Word

​ ​• Computers and mobile devices: evaluating options for home and work

​ ​• Programs and apps: productivity, graphics, security, and other tools

​ ​• Digital security, ethics, and privacy: threats, issues, and defences

​ ​• Computing components: processors, memory, the cloud,

​ ​• Microsoft Office PowerPoint

​ ​• Input and output extending capabilities of computers and mobile devices

​ ​• Digital storage preserving content locally and on the cloud

​ ​• Operating system managing, coordinating, and monitoring resources

​ ​• Microsoft Office Excel

​ ​• Communicating digital content wired and wireless networks and devices

​ ​• Building solutions database, system, and application development tools

​ ​• Catalysts for change

​ ​• Introduction to ethics

​ ​• Networked communications

​ ​• Intellectual property

​ ​• Information privacy

​ ​• Privacy and the government

​ ​• Computer and network security

​ ​• Computer reliability

​ ​• Professional ethics

​ ​• Work and wealth

Mathematics and Statistics for IT

​ ​• Functions

​ ​• Quadratic equations

​ ​• Simultaneous equations

​ ​• Indices and logarithms

​ ​• Exponential and logarithmic equations

​ ​• Coordinate geometry

​ ​• Equation of straight line and locus

​ ​• Measures of central tendency

​ ​• Measures of dispersion

​ ​• Permutations and combinations

​ ​• Probability

​ ​• Probability distribution

​ ​• Descriptive and inferential statistics, variables, data types and collection, sampling

​ ​• Frequency distribution and presentation of data

​ ​• Measures of location

​ ​• Measures of dispersion, skewness and coefficient of variation

​ ​• Index

​ ​• Time series

​ ​• Probability

​ ​• Discrete probability distribution

​ ​• Normal distribution

​ ​• Confidence intervals

​ ​• Hypothesis testing

​ ​• Testing the difference between two means, two proportion

​ ​• Correlation and regression

​ ​• Chi-squared tests and quality control

PC Maintenance and Operating Systems

​ ​• PC hardware components and software requirements

​ ​• The operating system

​ ​• PC repair

​ ​• Form factors and power supplies

​ ​• Processor and chipsets

​ ​• Motherboard

​ ​• Memory

​ ​• Hard drives v fixed drives

​ ​• Input/output devices

​ ​• Multimedia devices and mass storage

​ ​• Installing and maintaining operation systems (Windows)

​ ​• Supporting and troubleshooting operation systems

​ ​• Functions, types and features of operating systems

​ ​• Microsoft Windows

​ ​• File and printer sharing

​ ​• Distribution, strengths and weaknesses of Linux, open sources and GPL

​ ​• Installation of Linux

​ ​• Operation of Linus

​ ​• Using applications in Linux

​ ​• Types of shell and fundamental shell command

Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts

​ ​• The work area, tools, options bar, other panels, customizing documents and

​ ​workspace

​ ​• Working with selections

​ ​• Photoshop

​ ​• Photo corrections

​ ​• Layers

​ ​• Mask and channels

​ ​• Typographic design

​ ​• Selecting and aligning in Adobe Illustrator

​ ​• Creating and editing shapes including techniques to create movement in a graphical

​ ​environment

​ ​• Transforming objects

​ ​• Drawing with pen and pencil tools

​ ​• Colour and painting

​ ​• Working with type

​ ​• Blending colours and shapes

​ ​• Preparing files for the web

​ ​• Data, information, database management, DMS and DAP

​ ​• Relational database

​ ​• Database Management System (DBMS)

​ ​• Structured Query Language (SQL) – Data Manipulation Language (DML)

​ ​• SQL – Data Definition Language (DDL)

​ ​• Entity relationship modelling

​ ​• Deriving ER Diagrams

Elective Units (Choose Any Two):

• Logical IT Networking
• Physical IT Networking
• Web Design 1
• Web Programming
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Programming Concepts and Java for Android

Important Note: Certain combinations of electives are restricted to avoid overlapping specializations. Learners may not choose both units from the same specialist pairings:

Logical IT Networking and Physical IT Networking

Web Design 1 and Web Programming

Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Programming Concepts and Java for Android

Key Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand and apply IT principles in various business environments.
• Analyze and implement IT concepts in specialized areas.
• Bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application in real-world IT contexts.
• Utilize effective problem-solving strategies specific to business and industry challenges.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data from diverse sources.
• Communicate proficiently using verbal and written methods.
• Operate effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Manage personal learning, development, and career progression.

Duration and Delivery

This qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible to a diverse range of learners. It can typically be completed over one academic year, depending on the mode of study (full-time or part-time) and the learner's pace.

Delivery methods may include:

1. Instructor-led classroom sessions
2. Online learning modules
3. Self-directed study
4. Group projects and collaborative tasks
5. Practical IT labs and case studies