OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology in Pakistan

Qualification overview

The Extended Diploma combines six Level 4 and six Level 5 units into a broad technical programme. Learners develop programming, systems analysis, networking, database and project management skills.

It prepares learners for technical IT roles and for progression to a final-year degree top-up.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification suits:

• Learners who have completed Level 3 study or equivalent
• Career changers seeking a technical IT qualification
• Learners aiming for a top-up degree in computing

Qualification structure

All twelve units (six at Level 4 and six at Level 5) are mandatory.

1. 01Level 4: Cyber Security20 credits
2. 02Level 4: Principles of Computer Programming20 credits
3. 03Level 4: Systems Analysis and Design20 credits
4. 04Level 4: Web and Mobile Applications20 credits
5. 05Level 4: Computer and Network Technology20 credits
6. 06Level 4: Managing Digital Information20 credits
7. 07Level 5: Software Engineering20 credits
8. 08Level 5: Database Systems20 credits
9. 09Level 5: Advanced Systems Analysis and Design20 credits
10. 10Level 5: Management Information Systems20 credits
11. 11Level 5: Network Information Systems20 credits
12. 12Level 5: IT Project Management20 credits

Unit details follow the current OTHM specification for QN 610/2571/9. Any later changes published by OTHM take priority.

What you will learn

• Program computers and engineer software
• Analyse and design information systems
• Build web and mobile applications
• Design and manage databases and networks
• Manage IT projects and digital information

Entry requirements

This qualification is suitable for learners usually aged 18 or over with a relevant Level 3 diploma or equivalent, two A Levels, or a suitable mature-learner profile with relevant experience.

Learners whose first language is not English may need to show suitable English-language competence. We review every application before registration.

Registration and training delivery in Pakistan

We manage international training for learners in Pakistan together with our UAE office, Hopes Safety Consultancy LLC SPC:

1. 01Enquiry and course adviceOur Bannu branch office answers your questions, reviews your documents and helps you choose the right course.
2. 02Registration and portal loginOur UAE office processes all registrations and then emails you your registration portal login details.
3. 03Online training on ZoomWhen the course runs online, classes take place live on Zoom. Our UAE office schedules them and shares session times in Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).
4. 04Classroom training in BannuWhen we offer the course in the classroom, batches run at our Bannu branch office.
5. 05Final registration with OTHMHopes Safety Consultancy UAE office then completes your final registration with OTHM.

Learners from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad and other cities in Pakistan can join live online classes on Zoom, and classroom training takes place at our Bannu branch office in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Assessment and certification

Learners complete written coursework assignments for OTHM qualifications. Our centre team marks the work and carries out internal quality assurance, and OTHM then verifies the assessment externally. To achieve the qualification, you must meet every learning outcome and assessment criterion.

There are no written examinations. Tutors give feedback on drafts to help you meet the required standard.

Career development and progression

Learners can progress to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Information Technology or eligible top-up degree routes, depending on each university’s requirements.

Entry checks before you apply

Before we register you, our admissions team reviews your CV, academic certificates and work experience against OTHM’s entry criteria for the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology. Where English is not your first language, we may ask for evidence of your English or a short interview, because you write all assignments in English.

We only confirm registration when we feel sure the qualification suits your background and goals. If a different level would suit you better, we tell you before you pay any fees.

Study arrangements, tutor support and workload

The qualification lists 960 guided learning hours and 2400 hours of total qualification time. Guided learning means time with tutors and assessors; the rest is independent reading, research and writing.

Online classes run live on Zoom. Our UAE office, Hopes Safety Consultancy LLC SPC, schedules them and shares session times in Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). Support is available by WhatsApp and email. We can also arrange classroom sessions at our Bannu branch office. Working learners should plan regular weekly study time to keep up with assignment deadlines.

Assessment, evidence and quality assurance

For each unit, you complete a written assignment that must meet every learning outcome and assessment criterion. Your work must be your own: we check submissions for plagiarism and for improper use of AI tools, and tutors give feedback on drafts.

Our assessors mark the work and carry out internal quality assurance. OTHM then verifies the assessment externally before issuing certificates, and employers can check certificates with OTHM.

Qualification pathway comparison

If you are comparing options, these related qualifications may also suit you:

• OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology (Level 3): an introductory OTHM IT diploma covering computer systems, coding and web development, networks, mobile communications, cyber security and social media for business.
• OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Information Technology (Level 6): an advanced OTHM IT diploma covering advanced networks, data analytics, database management, information systems, computing law and computing projects.

Course fees, tutor expertise and certificate verification

Fees depend on the qualification, study mode and any group arrangement. We give you a written fee breakdown, including OTHM registration and certification charges, before you enrol, and you can ask us about payment arrangements.

We select our tutors and assessors for their subject knowledge and their experience of OTHM assessment standards. After successful completion, OTHM issues the certificate, which employers can verify with OTHM.