What you are signing up for
Cyber Security Threat and Risk sets the frame; Network Security and Data Communications and Database Security and Computer Programming are the technical core; Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics is the unit learners most look forward to; and Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation places all of it in the legal and organisational context that security work actually happens in. Our data also lists Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance and Cyber Wars, which in the awarding body's structure are sector-specific units; LSPM confirms at enrolment which of the seven titles your cohort will take.
Set against the OTHM Cyber Security diploma, which is a computer science foundation with one security unit, this is the specialist option. Qualifi's own entry note includes people with a Level 4 qualification in another discipline who want to move into cyber security, and that describes a good share of the people we have advised onto it: helpdesk and infrastructure staff, developers, and risk or compliance officers who need to understand the technical side. It is 120 credits at Level 4 and confers no professional or vendor certification; it does give you the knowledge base those certifications assume.
The seven units
- Cyber Security Threat and Risk
- Network Security and Data Communications
- Database Security and Computer Programming
- Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics
- Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation
- Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance
- Cyber Wars
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.
Threat and risk first, then network and database security together, then incident response, then strategy and law is the logical run. Where a cohort takes a sector unit it sits best alongside strategy; LSPM confirms the sequence.
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:
- Qualifications at Level 3 and/or;
- Some technical and risk management experience in a computing or security business environment and demonstrate ambition with clear career goals;
- A Level 4 qualification in another discipline and who want to develop their careers in cyber security.
Qualifi accepts Level 3 qualifications, technical or risk management experience in a computing or security setting, or a Level 4 in another discipline. You should be comfortable with networks and at least one programming language before you start; this is not a first computing course.
How you are assessed
Assignments combining technical exercises, such as a network security review or an incident report, with written analysis. There are no exams; draft feedback is a question for LSPM.
Where it leads, stated carefully
Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security from Qualifi, continuing the specialist route.
Advanced entry to a cyber security degree, if the university is prepared to recognise the diploma.
Security analyst, SOC, incident response or GRC roles, usually with vendor certifications taken in parallel.
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
- IT professionals with a few years' experience who want to move into security.
- Compliance, audit or risk staff who need the technical grounding behind the policies they write.
- Holders of a Level 4 in another computing area who want to specialise.
Better served by something else
- Complete beginners in computing; the OTHM Cyber Security or Information Technology diplomas build the foundations first.
- Anyone who expects to leave with a recognised professional security certification; none is included.
- People who want a heavy mathematics and algorithms component; this programme is applied rather than theoretical.
Asked about this programme
Will I take all seven listed units?
Not necessarily. The specification distinguishes core and sector-related units; LSPM confirms the exact set with each cohort before enrolment and notes it on your paperwork.
Is there hands-on forensics?
Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics includes practical exercises with disk and log analysis in a lab environment; ask LSPM how it provides that in your study mode. It is introductory, but it is real.
How does it compare with the OTHM cyber diploma?
The OTHM diploma is five computer science units plus one security unit, suited to beginners. This Qualifi diploma is security throughout, suited to people who already have the computing basics. Same level and credits, different starting point.
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 Cyber Security specification, published by the awarding body. The authoritative source for units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Also listed on the Ofqual register under 603/3331/5.