Overview
The objective of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security is to give learners a solid background in the theoretical and practical skills necessary to understand the range of cyber security risks that face individuals and organisations in the modern day.
Learners will gain a background in fundamental topics in computer science and mathematics that will help them to competently explain and reason about topics in the domain of security. After completing the qualification, learners will have a broad understanding of information technology, computer architecture and networks, and operating systems. They will also have acquired a wealth of practical skills that enable them to develop essential digital applications and software such as databases and deep neural networks.
The qualification provides learners with a grasp of essential digital security practices and develops within them an understanding of the mindset of malicious threat actors. Learners will gain an appreciation for the common security problems that are exploited, as well as the skills to understand, analyse, mitigate, prevent, and recover from modern cyber security attacks.
Successful completion of this qualification will allow learners to take on a variety of roles within the field of cyber security with confidence, and to progress to further study in the fields of computer science or security.
Entry Requirements
These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above
The entry profile for learners is likely to include at least one of the following:
- Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent qualification
- GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects or equivalent qualification
- Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, they must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the
English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.
Equivalences
OTHM qualifications Level 4 represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Year 1 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.
Mandatory Units
- Information Technology Security (20 credits)
- Principles of Computer Science (20 credits)
- Algorithms and Data Structures (20 credits)
- Computer Networks (20 credits)
- Mathematics for Computer Science (20 credits)
- Operating Systems (20 credits)
Duration and Delivery
The qualification is designed to be delivered over one academic year for full-time study, but it is also flexible in its delivery in order to accommodate part-time and distance learning.
The qualification is delivered face-to-face, through lectures, tutorials, seminars, distance, online by approved centres only.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured 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.
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.
The assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.
Progressions
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress into employment as an assessor or onto to further qualifications For more information visit University Progressions page.
