OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology
Course overview
The objective of the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology is to equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to work in the IT sector or progress to further study.
The qualification is designed to ensure that each learner has an opportunity to build sector knowledge and learn current skills and practices in computer systems, networks, coding, website development, mobile communications, cyber security and social media for business.
OTHM Qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). OTHM has progression arrangements with several UK universities that acknowledge the ability of learners after studying Level 3 to 7 qualifications to be considered for advanced entry into corresponding degree year / top-up and Master's / top-up programmes.
Equivalence. OTHM qualifications at Level 3 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to GCE AS/A Levels.
Entry requirements
OTHM Level 3 qualifications can be offered to learners from age 16. OTHM does not specify entry requirements for these qualifications, and ensures that learners admitted to the programme have sufficient capability at the right level to undertake the learning and assessment. This qualification is offered in English.
Centres must ensure learners are recruited with integrity onto appropriate qualifications that will:
Structure & units
The OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 240 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to introduce learners to the basic hardware and software components that make up computer systems and for learners to carry out basic installation and configuration. This unit is designed to assist learners to understand the basic components of computer systems and how they are adapted to individual needs.
- Explain different types of computer systems.
- Evaluate the role of computer systems in different environments.
- Identify a range of computer systems that you use.
- Discuss the common hardware components of a computer system.
- Discuss the common software components of a computer system.
- Evaluate the differences between open source and closed source software.
- Analyse different operating systems and their suitability in managing resources in a professional environment.
- Describe the characteristics of different styles of computer system users.
- Evaluate suitable components to meet user requirements within a professional environment.
- Configure a computer system for a given user requirement.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the fundamental processes involved in developing simple programmes and applications, as well as details of basic website design.
- Identify popular programming languages that are used within computer systems.
- Differentiate between high level and low-level programming languages.
- Explain how principles of computer programming are applied in different languages to produce software applications.
- Explain the web architecture and components which enable internet and web functionality.
- Discuss the security risks and protection mechanisms involved in website performance.
- Be able to create or modify components of websites to meet business needs.
- Demonstrate that a created website meets the defined requirements and achieves the defined purpose.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the importance of networks to computer systems and their essential use in a variety of applications. Learners will also gain knowledge about network technologies and the delivery of a wide range of networked services.
- Explain a computer network.
- Differentiate between 'client computers' and 'peer computers' from a network services perspective.
- Describe local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
- Describe the benefits and constraints of different network topologies.
- Explain how hardware, software and addressing combine to support network communications.
- Describe potential issues with computer networks.
- Explain the steps required to set up and test a simple local area network.
- Evaluate the features and services provided by a local and a wide area network.
- Identify security issues related to networking and how those security issues can be minimised.
- Explain steps to configure security on a local area network.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to explain the growth of mobile communication and how it has changed everyday life and to provide learners with an understanding of the functionality that underpins key business and e-commerce uses.
- Differentiate between different types of mobile communication device.
- Describe the main features of different types of mobile communication devices.
- Evaluate usage of modern mobile communication devices.
- Discuss various transmission technologies used by mobile communication devices.
- Evaluate the need for various standards and protocols used by mobile communication devices.
- Describe how wireless mobile communication technologies are benefitting businesses.
- Assess the benefits of mobile devices in the workplace.
- Evaluate social and legal implications of using mobile technologies.
- Discuss the health implications of long exposure to mobile technologies.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand about cyber security and the consequences and implications of inadequate cyber security. They will understand key terminology and the motivations of good and bad actors. They will also investigate the advantages and disadvantages of security by design.
- Describe the concepts of cyber security.
- Explain the importance of cyber security for businesses.
- Describe the consequences and implications of inadequate cyber security for businesses.
- Define core terminology used in cyber security.
- Compare typical behaviours of good actors and bad actors.
- Discuss key sectors that are most vulnerable to a cyber-attack.
- Identify key concepts of cyber threat intelligence.
- Explain the following terms in relation to cyber security: threats, exploits, vulnerabilities and risks.
- Identify improvements to secure a network against cyber attacks.
Mandatory
Unit aims. The aim of this unit is to allow learners to explore how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. Learners will also create a social media policy and plan to meet business requirements.
- Discuss recent developments in social media that have changed the way businesses promote products and services.
- Identify sources for social media channels to meet business needs.
- State the importance of publishing social media content which engages the audience.
- Explain the risks and issues related to social media engagement.
- Discuss considerations for regular posts and other content to be published on social media websites.
- Explain the relationship between a social media website and company website.
- Evaluate strategy required to create and encourage an online community.
- Explain why a social media policy is important and consider the implications of not having a policy in place.
- Develop a social media policy for a business.
- Produce a plan to use social media in a business environment.
- Produce a reflective account of the plan to suggest improvements.
All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes. To achieve a pass for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and met the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Each unit is assessed by coursework (approximately 3000 words).
Progression
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology provides learners with the opportunity for workplace and academic progression to a wide range of relevant undergraduate programmes, including OTHM Level 4 diplomas. As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual, many universities acknowledge the ability of learners after studying relevant Level 3 to 7 qualifications and may consider them for advanced entry into corresponding degree programmes.
Degrees you can progress to
Our students progress to
- AUArden University
- ARAnglia Ruskin University London
- LMLondon Metropolitan University
- USUniversity of Sunderland London
Career opportunities
Completing this course opens up a range of career opportunities across the IT and digital sector.
After completing this qualification, you may pursue entry-level roles such as:
These roles exist across a wide range of organisations and sectors, including technology, finance, education, retail, healthcare and the public sector, where digital, technical and IT skills are increasingly in demand.
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