In brief

What you are signing up for

Principles of Computer Programming, Web and Mobile Applications, Systems Analysis and Design, Computer and Network Technology, Managing Digital Information and Cyber Security, all at 20 credits, give you one unit in each of the main areas of the field. It is the diploma we recommend to anyone who says 'I want to work in IT' and cannot yet say which part, because by the end of it you can.

OTHM publishes 480 guided learning hours for this programme, fewer than the 600 on most of its Level 4 titles, which in practice means slightly more independent study per credit; ask LSPM how it supports the programming units given that. Assignments include a small working application, a systems analysis of a real process, and a data management plan, so you leave with artefacts as well as marks. Like every diploma on this site it carries no vendor certification, and second-year degree entry depends on the university you apply to. Against the Qualifi IT diploma, this one has programming and systems analysis at its heart where Qualifi's has hardware, maths and networking.

Intended photograph: Intended photograph: a computing lab with a learner debugging code on one monitor and a flowchart of the same system on the other. Any teaching setting shown would be LSPM's; this site has no premises of its own.
Contents

The six units

  1. Cyber Security20 credits
  2. Principles of Computer Programming20 credits
  3. Systems Analysis and Design20 credits
  4. Web and Mobile Applications20 credits
  5. Computer and Network Technology20 credits
  6. Managing Digital Information20 credits
six mandatory units, no optional units 120 credits

Unit titles and credit values are taken from the OTHM qualification specification. The order in which LSPM teaches them is set by LSPM and confirmed at enrolment.

Programming has to come first, because the web and mobile unit builds directly on it; Systems Analysis and Design and Managing Digital Information sit naturally in the middle, and Computer and Network Technology and Cyber Security close as a pair. LSPM sets and confirms the order.

Entry

Entry requirements

OTHM 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:

  • Relevant Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification
  • GCE Advanced level in 2 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)

Source: the OTHM specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

A Level 3 diploma, two A levels, or mature entry are OTHM's routes in. No prior programming is assumed, but you should be comfortable with a computer beyond office software and willing to break things to see how they work.

Assessment

How you are assessed

A mix of written assignments and practical artefacts, including code with documentation and a systems design report. There are no exams. Draft feedback is LSPM's practice to confirm.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by OTHM before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

Progression

Where it leads, stated carefully

Level 5 Diploma in Information Technology from OTHM, which begins to specialise.

Direct application for year-two entry to a computing, IT or software degree, at the university's discretion.

First-line support, junior developer, junior analyst or IT technician roles.

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.

Readership

Who it suits

Likely to get a lot from it

  • Anyone starting in IT who wants to sample programming, systems, networks and security before choosing.
  • Support desk staff who want to move into development or analysis.
  • Adults returning to study who last touched computing at school.

Better served by something else

  • People who already know their specialism; the Qualifi pathway diplomas in networking, web design or e-commerce go deeper faster.
  • Learners who want a cyber-first programme; the two Cyber Security diplomas are better fits.
  • Anyone who expects industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ or CCNA to be bundled in.
Questions

Asked about this programme

Which programming language is taught?

OTHM does not prescribe one; LSPM chooses. Ask which languages it currently uses for Principles of Computer Programming and the web and mobile unit. The principles matter more than the language, and they transfer.

Why 480 guided learning hours instead of 600?

That is OTHM's published figure for this specification. The total qualification time is still 1200 hours, so the balance is expected to come from independent work; ask LSPM what extra support it provides.

OTHM IT or Qualifi IT?

This OTHM diploma leads with programming, systems analysis and web development. The Qualifi general IT diploma leads with hardware, maths and statistics, and networking, then branches into pathways. Pick the one whose first three units you would rather do.

Documents

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

OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Information Technology specification, published by the awarding body. The authoritative source for units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Also listed on the Ofqual register under 610/1191/5.

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