Qualification Structure

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

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with Qualifi assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of IT and networking principles.

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

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Information Technology and Related 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
• The qualification specification’s extracted text does not display the second learning outcome clearly; the unit focuses on database concepts and database system development.
• 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:

• Apply the components of physical networking.
• Understand the components and interfaces between different physical networking attributes.
• Install security protocols in a physical network.

Unit 7: Technopreneurship

Learning outcomes:

• Assess the nature of technological entrepreneurship.
• Establish a new techno business.
• Evaluate the rationale for businesses’ creation, delivery and capture of value.

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

Unit 11: Network Routing and Switching

Learning outcomes:

• Understand switching.
• Perform routing.

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 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking is designed for learners who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding of computer networking, IT infrastructure and network administration. It is particularly suitable for those seeking to strengthen their technical capabilities and progress towards higher-level study or professional development in IT and networking.

This qualification may be suitable for:

• Aspiring network engineers who want to build a structured understanding of network design, routing, switching and administration.
• IT professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of network security, system administration and IT infrastructure.
• Networking technicians who want to develop their understanding of logical and physical networking environments.
• IT support professionals looking to progress from general technical support into networking and infrastructure-focused roles.
• Computing and IT learners seeking a UK-regulated Level 5 qualification with a specialist focus on networking.
• International learners who want to gain a UK-regulated qualification relevant to IT and computer networking.
• Learners planning further study in networking, computing, cybersecurity, systems administration or related IT disciplines.
• Career changers who have an appropriate foundation in IT and want to specialise in computer networking.

The qualification is especially relevant to learners interested in how networks are designed, configured, secured and administered. Its curriculum covers areas such as logical and physical IT networking, network security, system administration, routing and switching, network design, operating systems and programming.

For learners considering a progression route in IT, the qualification provides a structured opportunity to develop networking-focused knowledge alongside broader computing and technical skills. It can therefore serve as a useful academic foundation for further higher-level study or professional development in networking and related areas, without implying a guaranteed job outcome.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking provides learners with advanced knowledge of information technology, computer networking, and network administration. The qualification develops knowledge of logical and physical networking, network security, system administration, routing and switching, network design, operating systems, and related IT disciplines, helping learners build the technical and analytical skills required for further study and professional development in IT and networking. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to progress to higher-level IT qualifications or related academic and professional pathways.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT-Networking provides learners with advanced knowledge for further academic study and professional development in information technology and networking. The qualification develops knowledge of logical and physical networking, network security, system administration, routing and switching, network design, operating systems, programming, and related IT disciplines, providing a broad understanding of computer networks and IT infrastructure that can be relevant across technical, infrastructure, support, and network-focused environments.

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

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Network Technician, IT Support Technician, Systems Administrator, Network Security Technician, Infrastructure Technician, Network Operations Technician, and Junior Network Engineer, depending on the learner’s experience, practical skills, and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for understanding network architecture, configuring and administering network environments, troubleshooting connectivity, supporting IT