Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT – Web Design 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 – Web Design 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 information technology and web design principles.

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

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Information Technology and Related Ethics

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the uses, strengths and limitations of different hardware and software categories.
• Analyse applications of artificial intelligence in information technology.
• Develop application requirements that meet a specified brief.
• Create and present an application layout using appropriate planning tools.
• Analyse the nature and application of IT ethics.
• Examine the relationship between ethics, morality and society.
• Assess why information technology creates ethical dilemmas.
• Evaluate IT ethical issues and justify conclusions.

Unit 2: Mathematics and Statistics for IT

Learning outcomes:

• Explain mathematical concepts including quadratic equations, exponents, logarithms and functions.
• Explain relationships between domains, ranges and functions.
• Convert between exponential and logarithmic forms.
• Calculate values involving functions, geometry, measures of central tendency, dispersion and probability.
• Analyse the impact of mathematical equations on hardware design.
• Calculate and interpret statistical summary measures.
• Define and interpret probability models.
• Evaluate estimation and hypothesis-testing methods.
• Analyse statistical methodologies used in IT.

Unit 3: PC Maintenance and Operating Systems

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the functionality of PC hardware.
• Install and commission a working personal computer to the required standard.
• Optimise the operating system environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common PC problems.
• Analyse the role and use of operating systems.
• Establish an appropriate disk operating environment.
• Configure Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Use appropriate utilities to configure file systems and manage users and groups.

Unit 4: Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts

Learning outcomes:

• Apply computer graphics editing techniques for photo editing, retouching and repair.
• Use Photoshop to create required visual effects.
• Create illustrations using appropriate graphics software.
• Analyse techniques for creating movement within graphical environments.
• Define the principles of relational databases.
• Develop entity-relationship diagrams and validate relationships through normalisation.
• Create and manipulate databases using SQL, including DDL and DML.

Unit 5: Web Design 1

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the requirements and stages involved in website design.
• Analyse the business context and purpose for which a website is required.
• Analyse the purpose and use of meta tags.
• Analyse techniques for creating attractive, accessible and easy-to-navigate websites.
• Analyse the importance of cross-platform and cross-browser testing.
• Analyse the use of different content management systems.
• Create web pages using HTML and CSS.
• Produce attractive and user-friendly website designs.
• Develop appropriate interfaces between websites and corporate databases.
• Analyse website payment and security requirements.
• Select an appropriate payment system.
• Ensure website compatibility across different platforms and browsers.
• Respond creatively and practically to website design problems.

Unit 6: Web Programming

Learning outcomes:

• Define server-side programming and analyse its role in web development.
• Analyse the use of form elements in web programming.
• Analyse modular programming techniques.
• Analyse the stages of the database system development lifecycle.
• Install and configure Apache, PHP and MySQL.
• Create web pages using PHP to meet a specified brief.
• Develop dynamic web pages using PHP and MySQL.
• Build interactive web-based applications.
• Pass variables between web pages according to specified requirements.

Unit 7: Technopreneurship

Learning outcomes:

• Evaluate the characteristics and processes of technology entrepreneurship.
• Evaluate trends and opportunities within technological entrepreneurship.
• Analyse the five pillars of technological entrepreneurship.
• Evaluate potential new technology products, services and markets.
• Identify appropriate measures for protecting intellectual property.
• Structure a technology business to optimise assets, investment and ownership.
• Prepare a technology business and marketing plan with SMART objectives.
• Implement marketing activities in accordance with the business plan.
• Evaluate business creation, value delivery and value capture using the Business Model Canvas.
• Evaluate appropriate methods for business exit.

Unit 8: Network Security

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse factors affecting computer and network security.
• Identify common security issues within networked environments.
• Analyse the potential role of artificial intelligence in network defence.
• Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different authentication methods.
• Analyse different types of network attacks and malicious code.
• Select security tools appropriate to identified security issues.
• Evaluate practices for preventing common network, remote-access, email, web, wireless and messaging attacks.
• Analyse differences between network-based and host-based intrusion detection systems.

Unit 9: C#.NET Programming

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the components and structure of ASP.NET.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of ASP.NET compared with other web development models.
• Analyse the advantages of using validators.
• Use styles, themes and master pages to create navigable web applications.
• Display dynamic relational database information using ADO.NET and data binding with C#.
• Create web pages using client-side navigation, browser redirects, cross-page posting and server-side transfer.

Unit 10: System Administration

Learning outcomes:

• Analyse the role and responsibilities of a system administrator.
• Analyse the main elements of system administration.
• Analyse the development and role of Active Directory and LDAP.
• Analyse the differences between snapshots and backups.
• Analyse local and group policies in Windows and Linux environments.
• Analyse backup and restoration requirements.
• Analyse requirements for application management.
• Write shell scripts for common Linux and Windows administration tasks.
• Configure users and groups to agreed requirements.
• Install and configure file and printer sharing.
• Create scripts for server snapshots.
• Apply utilities and tools to improve system performance.

Unit 11: Content Management Systems

Learning outcomes:

• Define the purpose of CMS platforms for digital content development and publication management.
• Evaluate functional roles within a CMS.
• Evaluate factors involved in selecting and acquiring a CMS.
• Evaluate considerations involved in content modelling.
• Evaluate approaches to content aggregation.
• Select and use CMS tools to create digital content.
• Model and edit content according to a specified brief.
• Aggregate digital content appropriately.
• Migrate content between different CMS platforms.
• Publish content to server-side and client-side applications.

Unit 12: Web Design 2

Learning outcomes:

• Differentiate between client-side and server-side programming.
• Analyse the development and role of the Document Object Model (DOM).
• Analyse similarities and differences between XML and JSON.
• Evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with event-driven web programming.
• Analyse differences between desktop and web applications.
• Analyse browser multimedia issues and identify practical solutions.
• Create data models using XML and JSON.
• Use JavaScript to validate forms and user input.
• Process user input on the client side using JavaScript.
• Create dynamic navigation menus using JavaScript.
• Use Adobe Dreamweaver and CSS to create dynamic web pages.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT – Web Design is designed for learner seeking to develop advanced knowledge and practical capability in web design, programming, information technology and digital systems. The qualification is particularly relevant for individuals who want to build a stronger technical foundation while preparing for employment, professional development or further higher-level study.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Learner seeking a career in web design, website development, front-end development or digital technology.
• Learner with an existing Level 4 IT or computing qualification who wants to progress to Level 5 study.
• Learner working in IT, web development or digital roles who wants to formalise and broaden technical knowledge.
• Learner interested in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, C#.NET, databases and content management systems.
• Learner seeking practical knowledge of website development, web programming and dynamic web applications.
• Learner interested in computer graphics, operating systems, system administration and network security alongside web technologies.
• Learner aiming to develop technology entrepreneurship knowledge for digital products, services or technology-based business opportunities.
• Learner preparing for progression to higher-level IT, computing, web development or related degree-level study, subject to the receiving institution's admission and recognition requirements.
• Learner seeking an internationally relevant qualification that combines theoretical understanding with applied IT and web design skills.

The qualification can also support career development across web design, web development, content management, IT support, junior programming, system administration and related digital technology roles. Its combination of web design, programming, database, security and IT systems knowledge provides a broad foundation for continued professional development in the technology sector.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT – Web Design provides learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills across web design, programming, information technology and digital systems. The qualification develops capabilities in web development, HTML and CSS, web programming, databases, content management systems, C#.NET, network security, system administration and computer graphics. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to strengthen their technical expertise, progress to higher-level IT or computing qualifications, or pursue academic and professional pathways in web design, web development and related technology fields.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in IT – Web Design provides learners with a strong foundation for further academic study and entry-level opportunities across web design, information technology and digital development. The qualification develops knowledge of web design, programming, databases, content management systems, network security, system administration and computer graphics, providing a broad technical foundation relevant to digital and IT environments.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications in information technology, computing, web development, software development or related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution. The qualification may also support progression towards the final stage of a relevant degree programme where accepted by the receiving higher education institution.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Web Designer, Junior Web Developer, Front-End Web Developer, Web Content Developer, CMS Specialist, Junior PHP Developer, Junior .NET Developer, Junior Database Developer, IT Support Technician and Junior System Administrator, depending on the learner’s experience and employer requirements. The knowledge developed through the qualification provides a foundation for designing websites, developing web applications, managing digital content, working with databases, applying programming techniques, supporting IT systems and understanding network security.