Pearson Education Ltd · Level 5
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (ICT Systems Support)
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelLevel 5
- Total credits24
- Guided learning98 hours
- Units in this qualification32
Awarded by Pearson Education Ltd · on the Ofqual register
What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Aimed at those pursuing careers in ICT systems support, this Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (ICT Systems Support) covers key areas within the digital technology sector. Learners will study internet server management, networking concepts, and WAN communications. A networking project also forms part of the qualification.
These are the units Pearson Education Ltd registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Computer Network InfrastructureReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study computer network infrastructure components and cabling standards. The unit includes configuring network devices, troubleshooting infrastructure problems, and understanding security and virtualisation concepts within network environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the components of a computer network infrastructure, including servers, routers, switches and cabling
- Know network cabling standards, including Ethernet and fibre optic cabling, and their installation requirements
- Configure network devices, including routers, switches and firewalls, according to specified requirements
- Troubleshoot network infrastructure problems, using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques
- Understand network security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs
- Understand virtualisation concepts and their application in network infrastructure design
Computer platformsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore different computer platforms, their characteristics, hardware components, and security considerations. The unit supports learners in selecting appropriate platforms for specific purposes.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the different types of computer platforms available.
- Know the key characteristics and features of various computer platforms.
- Select the most appropriate computer platforms for specific purposes.
- Understand the security considerations relevant to different computer platforms.
Data analysis and designReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit equips learners with skills to analyse data using various techniques and design tailored data analysis solutions. You'll evaluate data quality, understand presentation methods, and interpret analysis results effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyse different data analysis techniques and their applications
- Design data analysis solutions to meet specific requirements
- Evaluate data quality using appropriate metrics and methods
- Understand various data presentation methods and their suitability for different audiences
- Interpret data analysis results and draw meaningful conclusions
Database design conceptsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore various database models including relational, NoSQL, and object-oriented, alongside design principles such as normalisation and indexing. The unit teaches you to design and implement databases while ensuring data integrity and security.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different database models, including relational, NoSQL, and object-oriented models
- Know database design principles, such as normalisation and indexing
- Design a database to meet specific requirements
- Understand data integrity and security considerations in database design
- Implement database designs using appropriate database management systems
Design and Support for Business NetworksReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll explore business network design principles, support methodologies, and security measures. The unit develops skills to design, implement, and troubleshoot business networks that meet organisational requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the principles of business network design, including network topologies, addressing schemes, and routing protocols
- Know different network support methodologies, including proactive monitoring, incident management, and change management
- Design a business network that meets specific requirements, including scalability, security, and performance
- Implement network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control lists
- Troubleshoot network issues, including connectivity problems, performance bottlenecks, and security breaches
Designing and Managing Internet ServersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study internet server design principles and infrastructure management. The unit covers implementation of security measures, performance optimisation, and capacity planning to ensure scalable and reliable server environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand internet server design principles, including scalability and redundancy
- Manage internet server infrastructure, including hardware and network resources
- Implement server security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems
- Optimise server performance, using techniques such as caching and load balancing
- Understand capacity planning for internet servers, considering future growth and demand
End user supportReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll understand end user support principles and develop skills to diagnose and resolve common hardware, software, and network problems. The unit includes providing remote support, escalating complex issues, and understanding relevant legislation.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles underpinning end user support services
- Diagnose end user hardware, software and network problems effectively
- Provide remote technical support to end users, adhering to service level agreements
- Escalate complex technical issues to appropriate specialists, providing detailed information
- Understand relevant legislation and regulations relating to data protection, security and accessibility in the context of end user support
Formal methodsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces formal methods in software development, covering their purpose, types such as model checking and theorem proving, and application in analysing system specifications and verifying system properties. You'll also understand the limitations of formal methods in improving software quality and reliability.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand formal methods in software development and their purpose
- Apply formal methods to software development processes
- Analyse system specifications using formal methods
- Verify system properties using formal methods
- Understand the limitations of formal methods in software development
IT Security ManagementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain an understanding of IT security principles, management frameworks, risk assessment, implementation of security controls, and ongoing security monitoring to protect organisational IT assets.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental IT security principles and their importance
- Know different IT security management frameworks and their application
- Assess IT security risks within an organisation
- Implement appropriate security controls to mitigate identified risks
- Monitor IT security to ensure ongoing protection
Internet Server TechnologyReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides knowledge of internet server technologies and server operating systems. You'll learn to configure internet servers, manage server security, and deploy web applications effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core technologies underpinning internet servers, including web servers, database servers, and application servers
- Know the features and functions of different server operating systems, such as Windows Server and Linux
- Configure internet servers, including installing software, configuring network settings, and managing user accounts
- Manage server security, including implementing firewalls, configuring access controls, and monitoring for security threats
- Deploy web applications on internet servers, including configuring web server settings, deploying application code, and managing databases
Internet server managementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides knowledge of internet server architecture and management of server configurations. You'll monitor server performance, troubleshoot issues, and understand server security principles to maintain effective server operations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand internet server architecture, including hardware and software components
- Manage internet server configurations, including operating systems and applications
- Monitor server performance, using appropriate tools and techniques
- Troubleshoot server issues, identifying and resolving problems effectively
- Understand server security principles, including access control and data protection
Knowledge systemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers knowledge systems concepts, types such as expert and decision support systems, and the knowledge management lifecycle. You'll learn to design, implement, and evaluate knowledge systems.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core concepts underpinning knowledge systems.
- Know the different types of knowledge systems and their applications.
- Design a knowledge system to address a specific need.
- Implement a knowledge system using appropriate technologies.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a knowledge system.
Local Area NetworkingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study local area networking principles, hardware, and software components. The unit covers designing, implementing, securing, and troubleshooting LANs to meet specified performance requirements.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand local area networking principles, including topologies, protocols, and addressing schemes
- Know LAN hardware and software components, including network interface cards, switches, routers, and operating systems
- Design a LAN that meets specific performance and security requirements
- Implement a LAN, including configuring hardware and software, and connecting devices
- Troubleshoot LAN issues, including connectivity problems, performance bottlenecks, and security breaches
- Understand LAN security measures, including access control, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
Management in ITReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study management principles within IT, including leadership, communication, governance frameworks, project and team management, and IT risk management to support effective IT operations.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key management principles applicable to IT environments.
- Know the established IT governance frameworks and their purpose.
- Manage IT projects effectively, adhering to timelines and budgets.
- Manage IT teams, fostering collaboration and productivity.
- Understand the principles of IT risk management and mitigation strategies.
Network Operating SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study the principles and architecture of network operating systems (NOS) and develop skills to configure network services, manage user accounts, monitor performance, and troubleshoot network issues effectively.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of network operating systems and their functions
- Configure network services, such as DNS, DHCP, and web servers
- Manage user accounts and permissions within a network environment
- Monitor network performance using appropriate tools and techniques
- Troubleshoot network issues and implement effective solutions
Networking conceptsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces fundamental networking concepts, network topologies, and protocols. You'll configure network devices and understand network security principles to support effective network communication.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental networking concepts, including OSI model and TCP/IP
- Know different network topologies, including bus, star, and ring
- Configure network devices, including routers and switches
- Understand network protocols, including HTTP, FTP, and SMTP
- Know about network security, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Networking infrastructureReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of networking infrastructure components and their configuration. The unit covers troubleshooting infrastructure issues, applying network security principles, and considering network design factors.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand networking infrastructure components, including hardware and software
- Configure networking infrastructure devices and services
- Troubleshoot networking infrastructure issues and implement solutions
- Understand network security principles and their application to networking infrastructure
- Know about network design considerations, including scalability, performance, and security
Networking projectReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll learn to plan, implement, test, and document networking projects. The unit emphasises project management principles, resource allocation, and detailed project planning for successful networking project delivery.
What you'll be able to do
- Plan a networking project, defining its scope, objectives, and resources
- Implement a networking project according to the project plan
- Test a networking project to ensure it meets the specified requirements
- Document a networking project, including its design, implementation, and testing
- Understand project management principles and their application to networking projects
Networking technologyReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides an understanding of networking technology, including principles, topologies, and protocols. You'll configure network devices, troubleshoot issues, and apply network security concepts to maintain network integrity.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental networking principles, including the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite
- Know different network topologies and protocols, and their suitability for various applications
- Configure network devices such as routers, switches and firewalls, according to specified requirements
- Troubleshoot common network issues, using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques
- Understand network security concepts, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs
Personal skills developmentReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to apply personal development techniques in professional contexts. You'll set realistic goals, manage time effectively, communicate proficiently, and reflect on their own performance for continuous improvement.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand a range of personal development techniques and their application in a professional context
- Set realistic and achievable personal and professional goals, using recognised frameworks
- Manage own time effectively, prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, using appropriate communication methods
- Reflect on own performance, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans
Professional developmentReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
It teaches you to understand the significance of professional development, identify personal development needs, plan and evaluate development activities, and explore various career pathways. You'll use self-assessment tools to support their professional growth.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the importance of professional development for career advancement and maintaining competence
- Identify own development needs based on skills gaps and career goals
- Plan professional development activities, including training courses, conferences, and self-study
- Evaluate own development and its impact on performance
- Understand different career pathways within the digital technology sector
Programming conceptsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit provides learners with fundamental programming concepts, including variables, control structures, functions, and data structures. You'll understand different programming paradigms and develop skills to write and debug basic programs.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand fundamental programming concepts, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions
- Know different programming paradigms, such as object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming
- Write basic programs using a suitable programming language
- Debug code to identify and fix errors
- Understand common data structures, such as arrays, lists, and trees
Project ManagementReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit introduces project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2. You'll learn to plan, manage resources, monitor progress, control risks, and evaluate project outcomes.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different project management methodologies, such as Agile, Waterfall, and PRINCE2
- Plan a project, including defining scope, setting objectives, and creating a schedule
- Manage project resources, including people, equipment, and materials
- Monitor project progress and identify potential problems
- Control project risks and implement mitigation strategies
- Evaluate project outcomes and identify lessons learned
Quality systemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers quality management principles, quality assurance methods, and quality control procedures. You'll learn to monitor quality performance and implement improvements in quality systems following recognised standards such as ISO 9000.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand quality management principles, including ISO 9000 and other relevant standards
- Know different quality assurance methods, such as audits, inspections, and testing
- Implement quality control procedures to ensure products and services meet specified requirements
- Monitor quality performance using key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Improve quality systems through continuous improvement initiatives
RoutersReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain comprehensive knowledge of router functions and configuration. The unit covers routing protocols, packet forwarding, network address translation, troubleshooting, and security considerations related to routers.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the functions of routers in network communication, including packet forwarding, routing protocols, and network address translation.
- Know router configuration parameters and settings, including IP addresses, subnet masks, and routing tables.
- Configure routing protocols such as RIP, OSPF, and BGP.
- Troubleshoot router problems using diagnostic tools and techniques.
- Understand network security on routers, including access control lists, firewalls, and VPNs.
Routing and SwitchingReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers routing protocols and switching technologies, enabling learners to configure and troubleshoot these on network devices. You'll also understand network security considerations related to routing and switching.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand routing protocols and their functionalities
- Understand switching technologies and their applications
- Configure routing protocols on network devices
- Configure switching technologies on network devices
- Troubleshoot routing and switching issues in a network
- Understand network security considerations related to routing and switching
Supporting NOS and OSReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll gain knowledge of network operating systems (NOS) and operating system (OS) principles, including process and memory management. The unit focuses on supporting, troubleshooting, and securing NOS and OS within network environments.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand network operating systems (NOS) and their functionalities
- Understand operating system (OS) principles and their relevance to network environments
- Support NOS and OS in a network environment
- Troubleshoot NOS and OS related issues
- Know about NOS and OS security measures and best practices
System analysisReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll examine system analysis methodologies, techniques for gathering requirements, modelling processes, analysing data, and documenting system specifications. The unit emphasises selecting appropriate methodologies for different contexts.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different system analysis methodologies and their applications
- Gather system requirements from stakeholders using appropriate techniques
- Model system processes using recognised modelling tools and notations
- Analyse system data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies
- Document system specifications clearly and comprehensively
WAN CommunicationsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers WAN communication technologies and configuration of WAN connections. You'll troubleshoot WAN issues, understand security considerations, and monitor WAN performance to maintain reliable wide area networks.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand WAN communication technologies, including MPLS and VPN
- Configure WAN connections, including routers and firewalls
- Troubleshoot WAN issues, identifying and resolving connectivity problems
- Understand WAN security considerations, including encryption and authentication
- Monitor WAN performance, using appropriate tools and techniques
Wireless Networks and Communication SystemsReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit covers the principles and architectures of wireless networks, including key protocols and standards like IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth. You'll learn to configure wireless networks and troubleshoot common wireless communication issues.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the fundamental principles of wireless networks, including topologies, protocols, and architectures
- Know the various wireless communication standards, such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and cellular technologies
- Configure wireless networks, including setting up access points, configuring security protocols, and managing network resources
- Troubleshoot wireless network issues, including connectivity problems, interference, and security vulnerabilities
Work experienceReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
This unit prepares learners to understand workplace expectations, apply relevant skills, follow procedures, communicate professionally, and reflect on their work experience to support personal and professional development.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand workplace expectations regarding behaviour and professionalism
- Apply learned skills and knowledge effectively in a real work environment
- Follow established workplace procedures and protocols
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in the workplace
- Reflect on personal performance and learning during work experience
e-Business strategyReal unit · Pearson Education Ltd
You'll study various e-business models and the technologies that support them. The unit teaches you to develop, implement, and evaluate e-business strategies aligned with organisational goals and market opportunities.
What you'll be able to do
- Understand different e-business models and their characteristics
- Understand the technologies that underpin e-business, including infrastructure, security, and payment systems
- Develop an e-business strategy that aligns with organisational goals and market opportunities
- Implement an e-business strategy, including managing resources and coordinating activities
- Evaluate the effectiveness of e-business strategies using appropriate metrics and analysis techniques
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 5 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Computer Network InfrastructureComputer platformsData analysis and designDatabase design conceptsDesign and Support for Business NetworksDesigning and Managing Internet ServersEnd user supportFormal methods
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (ICT Systems Support)
- Deliver Network Infrastructure Services Support
- Design and Implement Data Analysis Studies
- Installation, Implementation and Handover of Network Infrastructure Services
- Manage Data Analysis Services
- Manage information security testing activities
- Manage secure software development activities
- Undertake digital skills learning and development activities
Where this can lead
Associate Network Optimisation Specialist
Your journey starts here, but where it goes is entirely up to you. We'll provide the tools, the training, and the opportunities. Your curiosity and drive will do the rest. This isn't just a job; it's the start of a serious career in a critical field.
See the whole journey →Opens the roleAssociate Network Optimisation SpecialistOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Opens the roleIT Administrator ManagerOne of the jobs this qualification is a route intoSee the role →Future FluencyAll ten future skillsSee how every unit is contextualised by the tenExplore →
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
Deliver Network Infrastructure Services SupportDesign and Implement Data Analysis StudiesInstallation, Implementation and Handover of Network Infrastructure ServicesManage Data Analysis ServicesManage information security testing activitiesManage secure software development activitiesUndertake digital skills learning and development activities
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
Which job do you mean?
Learners will study computer network infrastructure components and cabling standards. The unit includes configuring network devices, troubleshooting infrastructure problems, and understanding security and virtualisation concepts within network environments.
How the thinking builds
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (ICT Systems Support)
32 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Pearson Education Ltd.
- Computer Network Infrastructure
- Computer platforms
- Data analysis and design
- Database design concepts
- Design and Support for Business Networks
- Designing and Managing Internet Servers
and 26 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is
take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying
for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with
you, on your real work, is for.
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
This qualification is no longer awarded.
Registrations for it closed some time ago, so it cannot be started today. It appears here because it is on the Ofqual register and may be one you already hold. If you are looking for a current route, browse the qualifications that are still open.
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