OTHM Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology Assignment Briefs 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES
QUALITY, STANDARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
REGULATORY INFORMATION
EQUIVALENCES
QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE
DEFINITIONS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
PROGRESSIONS
DELIVERY OF OTHM QUALIFICATIONS
ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS TO PASS
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
CODING AND WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
NETWORKS
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
CYBER SECURITY
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR BUSINESS
IMPORTANT NOTE

QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES

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

QUALITY, STANDARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

OTHM Qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Visit the register of Regulated Qualifications. 

OTHM has progression arrangement with several UK universities that acknowledges the ability of learners after studying relevant Level 3-7 qualifications to be considered for advanced entry into corresponding degree year/top-up and Master’s/top-up programmes.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE 

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. 

DELIVERY OF OTHM QUALIFICATIONS 

OTHM do not specify the mode of delivery for its qualifications, therefore OTHM Centres are free to deliver this qualification using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their Learners. However, OTHM Centres should consider the learners’ complete learning experience when designing the delivery of programmes. 

OTHM Centres must ensure that the chosen mode of delivery does not unlawfully or unfairly discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, and that equality of opportunity is promoted.  Where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, it will take steps to address identified inequalities or barriers that may arise.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are listed in each unit gives the Centres the number of hours of teacher-supervised or direct study time likely to be required to teach that unit.

ASSESSMENT AND VERIFICATION

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 that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria.  
 
Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor. 
The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at. 
 
Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNERS TO PASS 

Centres are responsible for managing learners who have not achieved a Pass for the qualification having completed the assessment. However, OTHM expects at a minimum, that centres must have in place a clear feedback mechanism to learners by which they can effectively retrain the learner in all the areas required before re-assessing the learner.

 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

OTHM provides equality and diversity training to staff and consultants. This makes clear that staff and consultants must comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and all other related equality and diversity legislation, in relation to our qualifications.  

We develop and revise our qualifications to avoid, where possible, any feature that might disadvantage learners because of their age, disability, gender, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation. 

If a specific qualification requires a feature that might disadvantage a particular group (e.g. a legal requirement regarding health and safety in the workplace), we will clarify this explicitly in the qualification specification. 

UNIT SPECIFICATIONS

Computer Systems 

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.

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content  

Coding and Website Development 

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.

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content  

Networks 

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 application. Learners will also gain knowledge about network technologies and the delivery of a wide range of networked services.  

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content

Mobile Communications  

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. 

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content  

Cyber Security 

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. 

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content  

Social Media for Business 

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. 

Learning Outcomes, Assessment Criteria and Indicative Content