BCS Diploma in IT

Select the modules that match your chosen career path when you study the Diploma in IT – comparable to the second year of a university degree course.

Important announcement: Higher Education Qualifications (HEQ)

As the Chartered Institute for IT, it is our responsibility to ensure our qualifications are continually reviewed and updated to ensure they support the needs and demands of the future workforce.

Read the full announcement

Important dates to be aware of:

The last date for you to sit an exam for the following qualification is as follows:

Module April 2025 October 2025 April 2026
Big data management Yes Yes Yes
Computer networks Yes  Yes Yes
Database systems Yes Yes Yes
IT project management Yes Yes Yes
Object oriented programming Yes Yes Yes
Principles of internet technologies Yes No Yes
Professional issues in information system practices Yes Yes Yes
Smart systems Yes Yes Yes
Software engineering (part 1) Yes No Yes
Systems analysis and design Yes Yes Yes
User experience Yes Yes Yes
Web application development Yes Yes Yes

Who is it for?

  • The Diploma in IT is for students who understand the fundamental principles in IT and are ready to start developing specialist skills.

What are the entry requirements?

  • You need to have passed, or been made exempt from, the BCS Certificate in IT
  • You must be a BCS member to sit the exam
  • You must be aged 16 years old and over

While not a requirement, it is recommended that those studying HEQ are working at International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Level 5.5 or above.

Apply for membership

What is the professional IT project?

  • If you’re not going on to study the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT, you’ll need to complete a 5000-word professional IT project as part of your Diploma in IT.

    Project guidance

Is there any exemption?

  • If you already hold a qualification that covers the HEQ syllabus, you can apply for exemption from specific modules (no more than two).

    Check exemption criteria

What will I learn?

A core module and three selected modules allowing you to tailor your learning.

Core module

Selected modules (choose three) 

 

Our qualification guide provides further information.

How do I get this qualification?

Complete training programme (recommended)  

Complete your study with a BCS approved training provider - they're located around the world.

How long will it take?

We recommend a minimum of 225 hours of study for each module.

An additional 200 hours of study will be required if you need to complete a professional project in IT.

Where can I study?

We have BCS approved training providers in:

  • Ghana
  • Mauritius
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Zimbabwe

How much does it cost?

Course prices vary depending on your chosen training provider and course format.

Find a training provider

Exam and project only (study on your own)

Ideal if you’re self-motivated and already an understanding of the subjects of your chosen modules.

How long will it take?

  • To prepare for your exam, we recommend a minimum of 225 hours of study for each module.
  • You’ll sit a two-hour exam which covers all modules.

When can I sit my exams?

Find out more about the annual availability for HEQ exams.

Where do I sit my exam?

We have exam venues across the world, including Colombo and Reduit. 

Where do I submit my project?

There are two assessment periods each year: March and September.

How much does it cost?

Exam price: £50

Project submission: £75

Register for exam

What format is the exam?

Written exam covering each module

  • Two hour 'closed book' per module
  • Pass mark: 40% per module

Past papers and exam reports

Need some help?

Read our guidance on exam technique for tips on what to do when you open your exam paper.

"Studying for BCS qualifications was the wisest decision I made - coupled with excellent teaching support, I was able to achieve the highest accolades."

Mohomed Nillar, PGD in IT graduate, Sri Lanka

What's next?

Complete your HEQ journey with the internationally-recognised BCS Professional Graduate Diploma in IT.

Professional Graduate Diploma in IT

  • Demonstrate your knowledge and practical skills at degree level.
  • You're eligible to sit the Professional Graduate Diploma in IT when you've achieved your Diploma in IT

Read more about Professional Graduate Diploma in IT