What you are signing up for
Mathematical Foundations for Machine Learning is the second unit and the one that decides who finishes. Linear algebra, probability and a little calculus are not optional in this field, and this diploma is honest enough to teach them. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Applications opens the year, Data Science Using Python gives you the practical toolset, Big Data Management addresses where the data lives, Introduction to Deep Learning gets you to a working neural network, and Artificial Intelligence Ethics asks what you should and should not do with it.
It attracts career changers from analytical jobs, graduates in other subjects who want a structured entry into data work, and a smaller number of school leavers with strong maths. Assignments are project-based: you will clean and analyse a real dataset in Python, train and evaluate a model, and write an ethics assessment of a deployed AI system. This is a 120-credit Level 4 diploma and an introduction; it is not a data science degree and it will not by itself make you a machine learning engineer. What it will do is tell you whether this is your field and give you the foundations to continue.
The six units
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Applications
- Mathematical Foundations for Machine Learning
- Data Science Using Python
- Big Data Management
- Introduction to Deep Learning
- Artificial Intelligence Ethics
Unit titles and credit values are taken from the Qualifi qualification specification. The order in which LSPM teaches them is set by LSPM and confirmed at enrolment.
The introductory unit and the mathematics run together over the first third, then Python and big data, then deep learning, with ethics threaded through and assessed at the end.
Entry requirements
Qualifi sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:
- learners who possess qualifications at Level 3 and/or;
- learners who have work experience in the governmental and non-governmental sector and demonstrate ambition with clear career goals.
Qualifi asks for Level 3 qualifications or relevant work experience with clear career goals. My addition is that you should have A-level standard maths, or be willing to do some bridging work before the mathematics unit, because it will not wait for you.
How you are assessed
Practical projects with written reports, including code notebooks, model evaluation and an ethics case study. There are no exams. Ask LSPM whether drafts and code reviews precede final submission.
Where it leads, stated carefully
Level 5 Diploma in Artificial Intelligence from Qualifi, which the awarding body publishes as a continuation.
An application for year-two entry to a data science, AI or computer science degree, if the university recognises the diploma.
Junior data analyst, data engineer trainee or AI operations roles, typically alongside a portfolio of projects.
We do not name partner universities on this page. If and when LSPM shows us a written progression agreement for this diploma, it will be listed here with the date it was signed.
Who it suits
Likely to get a lot from it
- Analysts already working with spreadsheets and SQL who want to move into modelling.
- Career changers with a quantitative background who want a structured route into AI.
- Strong school leavers who want to test the field before a three-year degree.
Better served by something else
- People who want to discuss AI's implications without doing the mathematics; the ethics unit is one of six.
- Learners who have never programmed and are unwilling to learn Python quickly.
- Anyone expecting to be job-ready as a machine learning engineer after 120 credits; this is a first year.
Asked about this programme
How hard is the mathematics unit?
It covers the linear algebra, probability and calculus that machine learning depends on, at roughly the level of a first university year. If your maths stopped at GCSE you can do this, but plan to work at it and ask LSPM what bridging support it offers.
Do I need my own powerful computer?
No. Cloud notebooks are sufficient for everything at Level 4; ask LSPM what access it provides. A laptop that can run a browser is enough.
What does the ethics unit involve?
Case studies of real systems, bias and fairness measures, data protection principles and an assessed impact analysis of an AI application. It is treated as a technical subject as much as a moral one.
Read before you decide
Programme brochure
Brochure slot: PDF to be supplied by LSPM, with its fees, dates and tutor profiles for this programme. Ask us for it by email in the meantime and we will obtain the current version from LSPM.
Official specification
Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Artificial Intelligence specification, published by the awarding body. The authoritative source for units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Also listed on the Ofqual register under 610/3934/2.