In brief

What you are signing up for

Four units are common to every Qualifi Level 4 IT title: Information Technology and IT Ethics, Mathematics and Statistics for IT, PC Maintenance and Operating Systems, and Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts. The general diploma then adds from the specialist units, and our data lists two networking units, a web programming unit, a GUI and programming concepts unit and an Android programming unit against it. Nine units would exceed the credit total, so the general route takes a selection; LSPM confirms the exact combination with each cohort from the current specification.

The character of this diploma is practical and close to the hardware. PC Maintenance and Operating Systems has you inside a case and a boot sequence, the networking units get you cabling and configuring, and the programming arrives later. That order suits people who came to IT through fixing things rather than through code, and it suits technicians who want to formalise what they do. The OTHM Information Technology diploma is the mirror image, programming and analysis first; both are 120 credits at Level 4, and neither includes a vendor certification.

Intended photograph: Intended photograph: an open desktop case on a bench, a learner seating a memory module, anti-static strap visible, a network rack blurred behind. Any teaching setting shown would be LSPM's; this site has no premises of its own.
Contents

The nine units

  1. Information Technology and IT Ethics
  2. Mathematics and Statistics for IT
  3. PC Maintenance and Operating Systems
  4. Computer Graphics Editing and Database Concepts
  5. Logical IT Networking
  6. Physical IT Networking
  7. Web Programming
  8. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
  9. Programming Concepts and Java for Android Programming
nine mandatory units, no optional units 120 credits

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.

The four common units come first, and pairing maths and ethics with the hands-on maintenance unit keeps the week from being all theory. The pathway units are confirmed by LSPM at enrolment and taught in the second half.

Entry

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:

  • demonstrated some ability and possess qualifications at Level 3, for example ‘A’ Levels or vocational awards;
  • spent some time in an organisational role and shown they have capability and drive to develop;
  • seeking further professional development and to gain work related skills and know-how.

Source: the Qualifi 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.

Qualifi's general wording applies: Level 3 qualifications, organisational experience or a wish to develop professionally. You need basic comfort with computers and a willingness to do the statistics unit; no programming experience is needed.

Assessment

How you are assessed

Practical tasks with written write-ups for the hands-on units, and written assignments for ethics, maths and databases. There are no exams. Ask LSPM about feedback on drafts.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by Qualifi 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 Qualifi, or one of its Level 5 pathway titles.

An application for second-year entry to a computing or IT degree, which the university decides.

IT technician, field engineer or junior network roles, often alongside CompTIA-style certifications taken separately.

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

  • Self-taught fixers who want a qualification to match the skills.
  • IT support technicians who want networking and a first programming unit.
  • Learners who prefer to start with hardware and see code later.

Better served by something else

  • Anyone who wants to program from day one; the OTHM IT diploma starts with programming.
  • People who already know their pathway; the dedicated networking, web design and e-commerce diplomas are better targeted.
  • Learners who dislike statistics, since the maths unit is compulsory.
Questions

Asked about this programme

Which of the nine units will I take?

The four common units, then a selection of the pathway units set by the specification and the cohort. LSPM tells you the exact list before you register.

How different is this from the IT Networking, Web Design and E-commerce diplomas?

They share the same four common units. Each specialist diploma then commits to two units in its field; the general diploma mixes. If you are undecided, start general.

Do I need to buy hardware?

No. The maintenance and networking units use LSPM's equipment; ask how that works in your study mode. A reasonably modern laptop for your own work is all you need.

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

Qualifi 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 603/4781/8.

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