Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security

What is the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security?

The objective of the OTHM Level Extended 5 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.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 5 extended diploma suits learners who hold a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience and want second-year degree-level knowledge in cyber security.

• Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
• Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.
• Each level carries 120 credits, so you can progress one level at a time.

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.

Qualification structure and units

Unit details are published in the OTHM specification.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/5102/0.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over two academic years 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.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

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.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security provides learners the opportunity for a wide range of academic progressions.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners are eligible to gain direct entry into Final year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree.

For more information visit University Progressions page.

Fees and how to apply

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Progression path

1. Level 4 Diploma
2. Level 5 Extended Diploma
3. Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Related OTHM qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security
• Level 5 Extended Diploma in Information Technology
• Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology

Other OTHM Cyber Security qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security — 120 credits
• Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security — 120 credits