Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It combines Level 4 and Level 5 study in IT-Networking and carries 240 credits, with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2400 hours and 1200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed through written assignments designed to address the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit. Assessments are internally marked by the Qualifi-approved centre and subject to external quality assurance and moderation by Qualifi before certification.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 12 mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Information Technology and IT Ethics

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the applications of information technology.
• Understand the ethics involved in information technology.

Unit 2: Mathematics and Statistics for IT

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the mathematics underpinning information technology.
• Understand the statistics underpinning information technology.

Unit 3: PC Maintenance and Operating Systems

Learning outcomes:

• Understand a range of operating systems.
• Understand Windows and Linux operating systems.

Unit 4: Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts

Learning outcomes:

• Use computer graphic editing techniques to edit photos and create illustrations.
• Create a database system.

Unit 5: Logical IT Networking

Learning outcomes:

• Understand logical networking.
• Understand the components and interfaces between different logical networking attributes.
• Understand the security requirements of a logical network.

Unit 6: Physical IT Networking

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the components of a physical network.
• Understand the security requirements of a physical network.
• Install security protocols in a physical network.

Unit 7: Technopreneurship

Learning outcomes:

• Assess the nature of technological entrepreneurship.
• Establish a new techno business.

Unit 8: Network Security

Learning outcomes:

• Understand computer network security.
• Understand methods of maintaining computer security.

Unit 9: C#.NET Programming

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the use of ASP.NET.
• Design web applications using ASP.NET and ADO.NET.

Unit 10: System Administration

Learning outcomes:

• Understand switching.
• Perform routing.

Unit 11: Network Routing and Switching

Learning outcomes:

• Understand system administration.
• Perform user management and file system management.

Unit 12: Network Design and Administration

Learning outcomes:

• Understand network design.
• Configure a local area network and a VLAN.
• Administer a network.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in IT-Networking is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge of IT infrastructure, computer networking, network security and systems administration through a structured UK-regulated qualification.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Aspiring network professionals who want to build a strong foundation in logical and physical networking before progressing to advanced routing, switching and network design.
• IT support and technical professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge of operating systems, system administration, network infrastructure and security.
• Learners with an interest in network security who want to understand network threats, security protocols, access control and approaches to protecting IT environments.
• Students progressing from previous IT study who want to develop their academic and technical knowledge across Level 4 and Level 5.
• International learners seeking a UK-regulated RQF qualification in IT-Networking that provides structured study across networking, systems, security, programming and database concepts.
• Professionals planning further study in information technology, computer networking, systems administration or related computing disciplines.

The qualification is appropriate for learners who are looking for a comprehensive pathway rather than a narrow networking course, as it covers both core IT concepts and advanced areas such as network routing and switching, network design and administration, system administration, network security and C#.NET programming.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in IT-Networking provides learners with a strong foundation in core information technology and networking principles. The qualification develops knowledge across operating systems, logical and physical networking, network security, system administration, routing and switching, and network design, while also covering programming, database concepts, mathematics, and IT ethics. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to develop their technical knowledge and progress to higher-level qualifications or related academic and professional pathways in IT, computer networking, and network administration.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in IT-Networking provides learners with a broad foundation for further academic study and entry-level opportunities across information technology and networking environments. The qualification develops knowledge of logical and physical networking, operating systems, network security, system administration, routing and switching, network design, programming, databases, and IT ethics, providing a comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure that can be relevant across technical support, networking, systems administration, and IT security environments.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications or degree-level study in areas such as information technology, computer networking, cybersecurity, computing, systems administration, and related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification can also support continued professional development through specialist study in networking, infrastructure, cloud technologies, or information security.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Network Support Technician, Network Administrator, IT Support Technician, Network Technician, Systems Administrator, Junior Network Engineer, Network Security Technician, Infrastructure Support Technician, and Network Operations Centre Analyst, depending on the learner’s experience, technical competence, and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for understanding network infrastructure, configuring and maintaining IT systems, troubleshooting connectivity issues, supporting network security, administering operating systems, and applying networking concepts to practical IT environments.