Diploma (BCS Level 5 Diploma in IT)

Course Details

Mode: Full Time and Part time

This level is the academic equivalent to Year 2 of a UK university honours degree and is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) as Level 5.

By beginning the Diploma in IT level course BCS assumes knowledge of the Certificate in IT level modules (or exemption) and focuses on the following:

Compulsory Module
Professional Issues in IS Practice

Plus THREE Optional Modules can be choosen from the following list.
Computer Networks
Database Systems
Object Oriented Programming
Internet Technologies
IT Project Management
IT Service Management
Principles of User Interface Design (new)
Software Engineering
Systems Analysis Systems Design

BCS recommends a minimum of 225 hours study per module. The course culminates in a 2 hour written exam focusing on the one core module and another 2 hour written exam allowing you to focus on three optional modules of your choice.

Completion of the Diploma Examinations level means you are eligible to apply for BCS Membership if you have 3 years' experience as an IT professional.

Professional Project

In order to finish the Diploma in IT level candidates must complete a project. Recommended minimum study time of 200 hours.

Successful completion of the project and examination enables you to apply for selected degree courses with universities and means you are eligible to apply for BCS Membership (MBCS) if you have 2 years' experience as an IT professional.

Commencement: January/April/September of each year.
Duration: Six months to One year.

Entry requirement:

For all three levels there are no formal academic entry requirements. However, BCS recommends UK GCE A-Level standard and are at least 19-year-old.