INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
Level 5 Diploma in IT – E-Commerce
Scale Smarter—Master Strategy, Analytics, and Global E-commerce
Course Overview
The Level 5 Diploma in IT – E-commerce is tailored for individuals seeking to specialise in digital commerce technologies, platforms, and strategies. This qualification blends core IT skills with targeted knowledge in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce environments. Learners will explore how technology drives commercial success in both traditional and online retail sectors.
The programme provides learners with practical and theoretical expertise in systems administration, C#.NET programming, and e-commerce security, while also introducing entrepreneurial thinking essential for launching and managing digital ventures. This qualification is ideal for future e-commerce managers, developers, or digital strategists aiming to thrive in an increasingly online economy.
Entry Requirements
To enrol, learners should meet the following requirements:
Must be 18 years or older.
Possess a Level 4 qualification in IT or an equivalent discipline.
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
International qualifications will be assessed for comparability to UK standards.
Typically, two references are required—one academic and one professional (where possible).
Applicants with relevant professional experience may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Qualification Structure
To achieve the Level 5 Diploma in IT – E-commerce, learners must complete all six mandatory units, earning a total of 120 credits.
Core Units:
Technopreneurship
• Technology Entrepreneurship: trends and opportunities
• Five pillars of technology entrepreneurship
• Technology venture idea generation
• Markets and product of service development
• Protecting intellectual property
• Legal structures and equity distribution
• Developing and implementing the technology business plan
• Capital and capital sources
• Launching the venture
• Marketing and selling products
• Contracts
• Venture management and leadership
• Valuing and closing the venture (exit)
• Exit strategies and valuations
Network Security
• Network security (understanding security threats, creating a secure network &
Windows server access control
• Authentication
• Attacks and malicious codes
• Remote access
• Web security
• The use of AI in the defence of networks
• Directory and file transfer services
• Wireless and instant messaging
• Network devices
• Transmission and storage media
• Network security topologies
• Intrusion detection
• Physical security
• Disaster recovery and business continuity
C#.NET Programming
• Evolution of web development, HTML, ASP.NET, the .NET framework the C#
language
• Visual studio
• Web form fundamental
• Web controls
• Validation
• Styles, themes and master pages
• Website navigation using ASP.NET
• ADO.NET
System Administration
• System administrators: duties, related fields; professional certification
• Managing users and groups
• Managing file systems
• Automating tasks, processes and Daemon
• Shell scripting
• PowerShell
• NFS, NIS servers and WINS servers
• File and printer sharing
• Application management
• Customizing with Registry
• Local and group policies
• Backup and restore policies
• Performance tuning
Business to Business (B2B) E-commerce
• Early Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) implementation
• Standards in EDI including transmission protocols
• Direct and VAN EDIs
• Types of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems including online banking, instant
payment and contactless payment
• Online transaction processing including concurrency, atomicity, system design
• Inventory management including tracking systems, ERP and the cloud
• Supply chain management
• Just-in-time (JIT)
• Material requirements planning (MRP)
• Total quality management (TQM)
Business to Consumer (B2C) E-commerce
• Concepts and techniques used in mobile e-commerce and ticketing
• Good practice in the use of fonts and graphics
• Psychology of marketing and the buying process
• Internal and external influences on purchasing decisions
• Eye-tracking technologies
• Artificial intelligence (AI) in image classification
• AI to manage inappropriate content
• Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality AI
• AI tools to identify Opinion SPAM
• Elements of social commerce: community, reciprocity, authority, scarcity, liking,
social proof
• Features of social commerce: content, community, commerce, context, connection,
conversation
• Categories of social commerce: onsite versus offsite
This structure combines robust technical IT foundations with a dual approach to e-commerce models, preparing learners to implement secure and scalable online solutions in both corporate and consumer markets.
Key Outcomes
Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
Develop and manage e-commerce systems tailored to both B2B and B2C models.
Apply secure coding practices and understand key e-commerce vulnerabilities.
Build functional, dynamic e-commerce platforms using C#.NET.
Administer IT systems that support online commerce and secure transactions.
Evaluate commercial trends and consumer behaviours to optimise digital retail strategies.
Launch or scale digital ventures with a solid foundation in technopreneurship.
Work collaboratively on projects that require both business acumen and IT fluency.
Duration and Delivery
The course typically spans one academic year, with flexible delivery options depending on the centre.
Modes of study include:
In-person and/or virtual classroom instruction
Practical labs and e-commerce simulations
Live project assignments and industry case studies
Access to digital tools and CMS platforms
Assessment and Verification
Assessments are practical and scenario-based, reflecting real-world e-commerce development and operations:
E-commerce project builds (B2B and B2C)
Backend development using C#.NET
Security configuration and analysis tasks
Technopreneurship project work
Reflective logs and business reports
Assessments are conducted internally and subject to verification processes to ensure academic quality and fairness.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for learners with relevant qualifications or work experience.
Career Opportunitites & Progression
Graduates of the Level 5 Diploma in E-Commerce are prepared for a wide range of roles in the digital business and online retail sector. With a strong foundation in online marketing, digital operations, and consumer engagement, learners can explore career paths such as:
E-Commerce Specialist
Manage and optimize online stores, drive sales through digital platforms, and improve customer experience.
Digital Marketing Executive
Execute campaigns across SEO, PPC, email, and social media to increase traffic and conversions.
E-Commerce Manager
Oversee the entire digital sales operation, from inventory management to user experience and analytics.
Content & Product Listing Coordinator
Create compelling product descriptions, manage listings across marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
Online Business Consultant
Advise startups and businesses on how to build or scale their online presence effectively.
Customer Experience & CRM Specialist
Focus on improving digital customer journeys and retention through data-driven strategies.
Further Education & Progression
After completing Level 5, learners can advance to:
A Level 6 Diploma in Business, Digital Marketing, or E-Commerce
The final year of a Bachelor’s degree in E-Commerce, Digital Business, or Marketing (subject to university requirements)
Specialized certifications in Google Ads, Meta Ads, Shopify, Amazon Seller Central, and analytics platforms
With e-commerce playing a central role in global trade, this qualification opens doors to a fast-growing and highly scalable career landscape.