OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security
OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security is a Level 4 qualification of 120 credits, made up of 6 units. It is assessed by coursework and delivered online.
Duration: 600 guided learning hours, 1200 total qualification time, 120 credits
- Level
- Level 4
- Qualification number
- 610/5103/2
- Awarding organisation
- OTHM
- Regulated status
- UK regulated qualification
- Guided learning hours
- 600 hours
- Total qualification time
- 1200 hours
- UCAS Tariff points
- None at this level
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Study pattern
- 600 guided learning hours, 1200 total qualification time, 120 credits
Course overview
The qualification carries 120 credits, 1200 hours of total qualification time and 600 guided learning hours. Every unit is internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM Qualifications, and each unit is graded Pass or Fail.
What you will study
The units below, their unit reference numbers and their guided learning hours are taken directly from the OTHM Qualifications qualification specification.
| Unit | Title | Unit reference | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology Security (mandatory) | A/651/4218 | 100 | |
| Principles of Computer Systems (mandatory) | D/651/4219 | 100 | |
| Algorithms and Data Structures (mandatory) | J/651/4220 | 100 | |
| Computer Networks (mandatory) | K/651/4221 | 100 | |
| Mathematics for Computer Science (mandatory) | L/651/4222 | 100 | |
| Operating Systems (mandatory) | M/651/4223 | 100 | |
| Total guided learning hours | 600 | ||
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 Diploma 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.
How you are assessed
Your work is assessed by our qualified assessors, internally quality assured, and externally quality assured by OTHM Qualifications. Assessment is against the criteria published in the qualification specification, and your assessor tells you what is needed before you start each unit.
For what happens after you submit: who marks it, who checks the marking, how long feedback takes and what to do if you disagree with a decision, see how assessment works.
If you need an adjustment to how you are assessed, for a disability or any other reason, ask us before you begin. We arrange adjustments under our Reasonable Adjustments policy, and you can request one online.
How we assess and quality assure is set out in DAIS-POL-016 Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance.
How you study, and what you need
You study online through our virtual learning environment, which is where the teaching material, your assessment submissions, your feedback and your progress all live. You work at your own pace, with tutor support throughout. Everyone completes a short online induction before starting an assessed unit.
| Device | Laptop or desktop computer |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later |
| Browser | Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, latest version |
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload |
| Webcam | Required for live sessions and identity verification |
| Microphone | Required for live sessions |
These are the minimum requirements published in DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery.
Support, and how quickly we reply
These are the response times we commit to in policy, not an aspiration.
| What | How | Response |
|---|---|---|
| General questions | Message your tutor in the VLE | Within 2 working days |
| Assessment feedback | Returned in the VLE or e-portfolio | Within 10 working days of submission |
| Technical problems | Technical support email | Within 1 working day |
| Urgent welfare concerns | Email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead | Within 1 working day |
Published in DAIS-POL-024 and DAIS-POL-009 Learner Support.
Registration and your certificate
When your assessment decisions are finalised and quality assured, we claim your certificate from OTHM Qualifications. The certificate comes from OTHM Qualifications, not from us.
Set out in DAIS-POL-008 Learner Registration and Certification.
Progression
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 4, Level 5 or Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security provides learners with the opportunity to access a wide range of academic progression.
Other names for this qualification
The regulated title is OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security, qualification number 610/5103/2. People also look for it as:
- Level 4 Cyber Security
- Cyber Security Level 4
- OTHM Level 4 Cyber Security
- Level 4 cybersecurity
- cybersecurity Level 4
- OTHM Level 4 cybersecurity
- 610/5103/2
- OTHM 610/5103/2
- Cyber Security course online
- Cyber Security qualification UK
- Cyber Security distance learning
- cybersecurity course online
If you arrived searching one of those, you are in the right place: they all describe this one qualification.
Fees and paying for it
Spread the cost with Klarna
Many employers will pay for this, and most people never ask. Send them the one-page case: what it costs, what it asks of the business, and how to check us independently. How employer funding works.
Common questions
Who awards OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security, and how do I get my certificate?
OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security is awarded by OTHM Qualifications. The qualification number is 610/5103/2. The Data and AI School of London is an OTHM Qualifications approved centre. Once your work is assessed and quality assured we claim your certificate from OTHM Qualifications, and it is issued by OTHM Qualifications rather than by us.
How long does OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security take?
This qualification carries 600 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of 1200 hours. It is studied online at your own pace, so how long it takes in calendar time depends on how much you can commit each week.
What do I need before I can start?
These qualifications are designed for learners who are typically aged 18 and above. We assess every applicant individually and will tell you if a different level would suit you better.
Can I study this entirely online?
Yes. Teaching, materials and assessment are all delivered through our Moodle-based virtual learning environment, so you can study from anywhere in the UK. You need a laptop or desktop computer, a current version of Chrome or Firefox, and a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Tutor support is available throughout, and we answer questions within 2 working days and return assessment feedback within 10 working days of submission.
Can I enrol now, and when do I pay?
The fee is £1,495. Enrolment is open, so you can apply online today. Nothing is paid at application: payment is taken only after you accept an offer.
Not sure this is the right qualification?
Ask before you apply. We will say honestly if a different level would suit you better.