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Information Technology
OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology
An Ofqual-regulated Level 3 foundation diploma awarded by OTHM. At 60 credits it is the shortest route we offer, and it carries UCAS Tariff points.
Awarded by OTHM
OTHM is a UK awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual.
Qualification number: 603/7029/4
The essentials
At a glance
- Level
- Level 3 (Regulated Qualifications Framework)
- Credits
- 60
- Guided learning hours
- 240
- Total qualification time
- 600 hours
- Assessment
- A report per unit, with a presentation in unit 2
- Grading
- Pass / Fail
- Delivery
- Online
- Structure
- Six mandatory units
- Awarding organisation
- OTHM
- Ofqual qualification number
- 603/7029/4
- UCAS Tariff points
- 24 (indicative)
How this course is delivered. You study online, working through the course materials on our learning platform at times that suit you, and submit your assignments there by the deadlines you are given.
UCAS points are indicative. Universities set their own entry requirements and are not obliged to accept a qualification or its tariff value.
Duration and fees
Choose your pace
Both routes cover the same 600 hours of total qualification time. Fast-track completes them in fewer weeks, so it asks for more of your week. Standard is the more balanced option.
Standard
6 months to complete 600 hours of total qualification time
Steady routeThe 600 hours of study spread across 6 months. The more balanced option alongside work or family.
List price £725, so you save £36.
Instalments£250 deposit + 3 × £183£799 in total, 10% more than paying in full
Fast-track
3 months to complete 600 hours of total qualification time
Intensive routeThe same 600 hours of study packed into 3 months. A demanding pace that will take up a large part of your week.
List price £798, so you save £40.
Instalments£250 deposit + 2 × £314£878 in total, 10% more than paying in full
Fees are subject to change. Payment plans, refunds and withdrawals are covered by our Fees, Refunds and Withdrawals Policy. We advertise study duration only. Certificates are issued by OTHM once its final external quality checks are complete. The timing of those checks is set by OTHM, not by the College.
Course content
What you will study
Programming, networks, systems analysis, web and mobile applications, cyber security and managing data.
Six mandatory units.
Unit 1Computer Systems10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- The types and roles of computer systems, their hardware and software, open source compared with closed source, and configuring a system.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- L/618/6090
Unit 2Coding and Website Development10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Programming language principles, how the web is put together and kept secure, and building and testing parts of a website.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- R/618/6091
Unit 3Networks10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- How computer networks work, the hardware, software and addressing behind them, setting up a local network, and network security.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- Y/618/6092
Unit 4Mobile Communications10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Mobile devices and how they transmit data, the business benefits of wireless working, and the wider implications of mobile technology.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- M/618/6096
Unit 5Cyber Security10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- Key cyber security concepts and terminology, who carries out attacks and which sectors are targeted, and how to assess and improve network security.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- T/618/6097
Unit 6Social Media for Business10 credits · 40 guided learning hours
- What the unit covers
- What social media does for a business, planning content and strategy, building an online community, and producing a social media plan.
- Credit value
- 10 credits, 40 guided learning hours
- Unit reference
- A/618/6098
Progression
Where it leads
This qualification is listed on the UCAS Tariff, so it can be used in a UCAS application alongside or instead of other Level 3 qualifications.
Progression arrangements belong to the awarding organisation, not to Ravenscroft College. Universities set their own entry requirements, assess each applicant individually, including English language, and are not obliged to accept a qualification or its tariff value.
Before you apply
Entry requirements
- Typically open to learners aged 18 or over with a standard of education equivalent to GCSE or above.
- Appropriate English language proficiency where English is not your first language.
- If you do not meet a stated requirement but believe your experience makes you suitable, speak to admissions. In some cases we can consider applications based on relevant professional background.
Specific requirements for your programme, including any minimum grades, language test scores, or prior qualifications, will be set out in your offer letter.
Studying from outside the UK
Ravenscroft College does not currently sponsor student visas.