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The ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology (120 Credits) is equivalent to Year 2 of a UK Bachelor’s degree and is designed to deepen students’ technical expertise while enhancing their problem-solving and analytical abilities. Building on Level 4, this qualification focuses on advanced IT concepts and practical application across modern digital systems.
Students explore key areas such as advanced programming, network security, database management, cloud technologies, software engineering, and IT project management. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, innovation, and hands-on learning to prepare learners for higher academic study or professional roles in the tech industry.
Upon completion, graduates can progress to Level 6 Top-Up degree programs at UK universities, ultimately earning a full BSc (Hons) in Computing or Information Technology.
ATHE Level 4 Diploma in Business or equivalent
Intermediate / A-Levels (with bridging if needed)
Adequate English proficiency (IELTS recommended for Top-Up)
Standard Pathway
Duration: 6-8 months per level
Ideal for students who prefer a steady, structured pace with regular support and guidance.
Fast-Track Pathway
Duration: Based on prior educational background
Eligible students may complete the level in a shorter time
Learning Modes Available
On-Campus Classroom Sessions
Learn in a structured environment with face-to-face teaching, peer interaction, and classroom support.
Online / Distance Learning
Flexible, self-paced learning through our online platform-perfect for working professionals or students outside the city.
Blended Mode (Hybrid)
A combination of online learning and on-campus sessions.
Ideal for students who want flexibility without compromising in-person support.
Computing Projects for Digital Transformation 15 Credits Mandatory
This unit enables learners to begin to think about how digital transformation may benefit their organisation, their job role, or the day-to-day activities within their organisation or their team. This understanding should be pathway neutral as learners at Level 5 will be expected to understand and contribute to plans for a digital transformation, regardless of their role.
Professional Development and Business Communication 15 Credits Mandatory
This unit builds on the professional practice content first introduced in Level 4’s Unit 21 (Synoptic Project and Professional Best Practice) where learners considered team behaviours that contribute to effective working, written and oral communication and wider considerations such as ethical practice and an understanding of relevant legislation.
Because the IT industry is fast moving, practitioners should understand that working in this sector will necessitate continuous professional development (CPD), often including the updating of technical skills as well as the development of professional skills as practitioners are promoted.
Innovative Technologies and Connected Devices 15 Credit Mandatory
This unit aims to equip you with an e understanding of innovative technologies like AI, IoT, Blockchain, AR, VR, and the world of connected devices. You will explore their applications, understand their working principles, and learn about their implementation and ethical challenges. This knowledge and skill set will prepare you to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape..
Information Systems 15 Credits Mandatory
This unit enables learners to examine a wide range of information systems that they will find in industry. When working in industry, IT practitioners must be able to see the bigger picture, drawing on all of their knowledge and previous experiences to find the best and most viable solutions to the problem. This is particularly important when working with non-technical managers who may not understand the technologies that they need to be able to perform their role. Practitioners must be able to share their knowledge and understanding in an appropriate way to promote the use of data and information systems to support modern business and enterprise.
Advanced Database Practice 15 Credits Optional
This unit will teach the learners relational theory concepts such as normalisation, foreign keys, ensuring consistency, three value logic, indexes for efficiency, database optimisation etc. As an advanced course, it will presume that the learners have some familiarity with basic SQL extraction and manipulation techniques, such as those taught in L4 Unit 8. It will teach how to create various database objects and their benefits, e.g. tables, dynamic/materialised views, triggers, stored procedures, user defined functions etc.
Programming for Data Engineering 15 Credits Optional
This unit introduces various tools and languages used for data engineering. It presumes that the learners have a basic understanding of programming at the level normally taught in L3 or L4 computing programming syllabi. It will use the SciPy ecosystem of module in Python to perform efficient programmatic data loading and data manipulation using a variety of functions provided by the modules.
Implementing Data Flows and Data Warehouses 15 Credits Optional
This unit will familiarise learners with the techniques used to implement data flows, both near real-time and batch processing. It will introduce the ETL paradigm, the tasks performed at each stage and how they are typically implemented in a data warehouse. It will introduce the logical hierarchical modelling structure that is implemented in star and snowflake schemas in data warehouses.
Data Analytics and Machine Learning 15 Credits Optional
This unit will introduce machine learning algorithms from an implementational point of view. It will present a few of the popular algorithms without delving into the statistical behaviour or mathematical theory behind them. It will also introduce methods to evaluate and document their performance.
Advanced Programming 15 Credits Optional
This unit enables learners to focus on the popular Object-Oriented paradigm and associated SOLID principles as exemplified in programming languages such as Java, C++, C# and Python.
It includes a strong promotion of the DevSecOps practice; the notion of security being “shifted to the left” to avoid costly baked-in bugs, encouraging a shared responsibility through the software’s lifecycle and its quality assurance processes.
Furthermore, it encourages learners to consider modern approaches (and tooling) used when products are designed, written, and then deployed at scale in potentially costly (and high-profile) software engineering projects.
Client and Server Technologies 15 Credits Optional
This unit enables learners to understand how data can be transmitted between different client and server technologies in both unsecured and secured states.
UDP and TCP based connections are the very heart of the transport layer of the ISO OSI 7-layer model, providing a way for commercial applications to transfer data between a range of client and server-oriented technologies.
Although not intended as a networking unit as such, any aspiring software developer should have both an appreciation and technical understanding of the processes required to achieve this type of application connectivity in a commercially oriented programming language.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing 15 Credits Optional
This unit enables learners to understand how digital transformation using virtualisation and cloud computing can solve many issues experienced by organisations which need to operate efficiently and cost effectively in a rapidly changing world.
This unit places additional focus on the impact of these technologies, and on the development, deployment and testing aspects of the software development discipline.
Cloud Native Solutions 15 Credits Optional
This unit enables learners to understand how digital transformation is facilitated through the use of cloud native solutions, an approach which incorporates the building and running of applications that fully leverages the advantages of a cloud computing platform.
It also provides learners with knowledge and experience in designing and building cloud-native applications that are cost-effective, automated, scalable, and resilient. This is achieved using modern DevOps tools, design applications, microservice architectures, and the deployment of containerised applications to cloud platforms using cloud-native best practices. Note: learners would benefit if they have studied the Cloud Computing unit prior to this unit.
Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking 15 Credits Optional
This unit aims to teach the learner to understand the role of ethical hacking and the types of penetration testing (“pen testing”) used in the development of secure systems. Learners who aspire to the pen testing/ethical hacking role will need to understand a range of pen testing tools and be able to explain their role with respect to adversarial behaviours and to malware and attack technologies. Learners will need to be capable of planning, performing, and reporting on a pen test for a given scenario.
Learners should appreciate that successful hacking is largely down to the skills of the hacker (analytical skills, problem solving skills, understanding of networks, computer systems and programming) than their respective equipment/tools and methodologies.
Digital Forensics 15 Credits Optional
This unit is designed to help students acquire the necessary skills to fulfil the increasing need for computer forensics in the security and law enforcement sectors. It introduces the fundamentals of computer forensics and enhances cyber security knowledge through an exploration of the evolution and history of digital forensics. The unit also provides opportunities for students to consider professional standards and policies, as well as to learn about the management and investigation of digital crime scenes.
Network Developer and IT Operations 15 Credits Optional
The continuing growth of cloud-based networks has led to the concept of Infrastructure as Code. Network engineers now need to think about their networks differently and this unit aims to develop the skills required to plan and code complex cloud systems. It will form a basis to gain the skills needed to build and operate cloud-based networks and examine how they can be deployed and monitored using manual and automated systems.
Network and Cloud Design and Configuration 15 Credits Optional
This unit aims to develop the skills required to be a network engineer with advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. It involves exploration of cloud infrastructure architecture to design and provision cloud-based solutions, providing the opportunity to discuss, apply and analyse network and cloud infrastructure security measures.
Advanced Project 15 Credits Optional
This unit is designed to enable learners from any pathway to resolve a business problem or show how a business opportunity could be pursued using appropriate tools and technologies. The project should be a suitable match to their study pathway and should make use of the knowledge and skills gained when studying the other units making up their qualification.
After completing the ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology (120 Credits)-equivalent to the second year of a UK Bachelor’s degree-students become eligible for direct entry into the final year (Level 6 Top-Up) of a UK university program.
Through this pathway, learners can complete a full UK BSc (Hons) degree in just one additional year, choosing from specializations such as:
Computing
Information Technology
Software Engineering
Cyber Security
Network Engineering
Data Analytics & AI
Cloud Computing
Web & Mobile Application Development
Most Top-Up programs are completed within 10–12 months, after which students receive a BSc (Hons) degree awarded directly by the UK university.
After completing the ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Computing, learners gain the technical depth and professional competence needed for more advanced roles in the IT and software industry. With strong skills in system design, software engineering, cyber security, databases, and web technologies, graduates are prepared to step confidently into the global tech workforce.
Career pathways include:
Software Developer / Software Engineer
Web & Mobile Application Developer
Network Administrator / IT Systems Engineer
Database Developer / Database Administrator (Junior Level)
Cyber Security Associate
IT Project Coordinator / Technical Analyst
Cloud & Infrastructure Support Engineer
QA Engineer / Automation Testing Assistant
Level 5 graduates are also eligible to progress directly into the final year (Top-Up) of a UK BSc (Hons) Computing or IT degree, further enhancing career prospects and international mobility.
Students who complete the ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Computing can progress directly into the final year (Level 6 Top-Up) of a UK Bachelor’s degree at globally recognised institutions, including:
Bangor University (UK)
Arden University (UK)
Solent University (UK)
University of Bolton (UK)
University of Portsmouth (UK)
Central University (Ghana)
No Exams - Assignment-Based Assessment
Learn through real-world business case studies, projects, and research instead of traditional exams.
Choose On-Campus ,Online, or Blended Learning based on your lifestyle and commitments.
Affordable & Accessible
Study the UK pathway locally with a cost-effective structure and flexible payment options.
Dedicated Academic Support
Our mentors and instructors guide you throughout your learning journey - from your first class to your UK top-up application.
EdSkills offers flexible and affordable fee options for ATHE Level 4, Level 5, and UK Top-Up pathways.
Flexible Payment Options
Monthly installments
Quarterly payments
Discounts for full upfront payment
Scholarships and early-bird offers (subject to eligibility)
What’s Included
Tuition & learning sessions
Online learning portal access
Assignment support & tutor guidance
Student services and admin support
Convenient Payment Methods
Bank transfer
Online payment
Credit/Debit card (where available)
1. What is the UK IT / Computing Diploma Pathway?
This pathway allows students to complete ATHE Level 4 & Level 5 in Computing (equivalent to the 1st and 2nd year of a UK Bachelor’s degree) and then progress to a Level 6 Top-Up year at an international university to earn a full BSc (Hons) Computing / IT degree.
2. Is ATHE recognized internationally?
Yes. ATHE is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and its qualifications are widely accepted by universities worldwide for academic progression.
3. Is Level 4 & 5 equivalent to the first two years of a UK degree?
Yes:
Level 4 = Year 1 (120 credits)
Level 5 = Year 2 (120 credits)
Completing both levels makes students eligible for direct entry into the final Top-Up year.
4. Do I need IELTS to enroll in Level 4 & Level 5?
Not required for Level 4 and Level 5.
IELTS may be required only if you study the final Top-Up year on-campus.
Most online Top-Up options do not require IELTS.
5. What is the duration of the pathway?
Level 4: 8–12 months
Level 5: 8–12 months
Top-Up Year: 12 months
Total: Approximately 2.5–3 years
6. Are there exams in Level 4 & 5?
No. Assessments include:
Practical projects
Coding assignments
System development tasks
Case studies & research
7. Can I study the Top-Up online instead of going abroad?
Yes. Many international universities offer 100% online Top-Up degrees with the same BSc (Hons) qualification as on-campus students.
8. Can I start the Top-Up online and later transfer to on-campus study?
In many cases, yes. Several universities allow students to:
Start online
Move to the UK/EU campus later (subject to visa rules and availability)
9. Which universities accept ATHE Level 4 and 5 Computing for Top-Up entry?
Popular progression universities include:
Bangor University
Arden University
Solent University
University of Bolton
University of Portsmouth
Central University (Ghana)
(Acceptance always depends on meeting each university’s admission criteria.)
10. Will my final BSc (Hons) IT/Computing degree be awarded by the university?
Yes. After completing the Top-Up, the final degree, transcript, and certificate are issued directly by the awarding university.
11. What career roles can I pursue after this pathway?
Graduates commonly enter fields such as:
Software Development
Cybersecurity
Database Administration
IT Support Engineering
Network Administration
Cloud Computing
Web & App Development
Business IT Analysis
Digital Solutions Management
12. Can international students enroll in this pathway?
Yes. Students from any country can enroll in Level 4 and Level 5 and then progress to global universities.
13. What is the fee structure?
Flexible installment plans are typically available. Students may request a detailed breakdown through the admissions team.
14. Do students receive academic support during the diploma?
Yes, learners typically receive:
Tutor-assisted learning
Support for coding assignments
Access to student portals
Research & project guidance
Live/recorded sessions (depending on mode)
15. What is ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Computing?
ATHE Level 5 is the advanced diploma that builds on Level 4 and focuses on:
Software engineering
Database concepts
Information systems
Network security
Practical IT project development
After completing Level 5, students can directly progress to a Level 6 Top-Up BSc (Hons) at many international universities
16. Do I get support for university selection and legal career guidance?
Yes, Students generally receive support for:
University selection
Application assistance
Documentation guidance
Visa-related support (for on-campus Top-Up)