OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security
An Ofqual-regulated qualification equipping learners with theoretical and practical cyber security skills, covering security testing, ethical hacking, digital forensics, AI, databases, and malware analysis at HND-equivalent level.
Course Features
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security is a 120-credit, Ofqual-regulated qualification delivered over one academic year, comprising six mandatory units assessed entirely through coursework.
- Qualification Number: 610/5104/4, regulated by Ofqual (RN5284)
- 6 mandatory units totalling 120 credits
- 1,200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) with a minimum of 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
- No examinations — 100% assignment-based assessment
- Flexible delivery: face-to-face, distance learning, and online via approved centres
- Equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND) and Year 2 of a UK Bachelor's degree
About This Course
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security provides learners with a solid grounding in both the theory and practice of cyber security. The programme builds upon foundational computer science and mathematics knowledge to help learners competently analyse and reason about security challenges faced by individuals and organisations in the modern digital landscape. Learners develop broad exposure to key technical areas including computer networks, IT architecture, and operating systems, while gaining hands-on experience building digital solutions such as databases and deep neural networks.
Ofqual-approved and externally verified by OTHM for national quality assurance
Academically benchmarked at HND level and equivalent to Year 2 of a UK Bachelor's degree
Develops both theoretical understanding and hands-on practical cyber security competencies
Covers critical domains including ethical hacking, malware analysis, and digital forensics
Integrates artificial intelligence and database development into the cyber security curriculum
Provides direct academic progression to the final year of a UK Bachelor's degree
What You'll Learn
The six mandatory units of this qualification are designed to deliver measurable, criterion-referenced learning outcomes across all core cyber security domains. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
Apply security testing methodologies to identify, assess, and report vulnerabilities in web and mobile applications using industry-standard tools
Understand and implement artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques relevant to cyber security applications
Design, develop, and manage relational and non-relational database systems with appropriate security controls
Conduct digital forensic investigations, including evidence acquisition, analysis, and legally compliant reporting
Perform ethical hacking activities using penetration testing methodologies, tools, and frameworks within a professional and legal context
Analyse, classify, and respond to malware threats through static and dynamic analysis techniques and appropriate mitigation strategies
Who Should Attend?
This qualification is designed for learners aged 18 and above who wish to build or advance a career in cyber security, whether entering the field from an IT background, seeking to formalise existing knowledge, or progressing from a Level 4 qualification. It is suitable for:
IT professionals seeking to specialise in cyber security roles
Graduates of the OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security or equivalent Level 4 qualifications
Career changers with relevant technical backgrounds wishing to enter the cyber security sector
Individuals aiming to progress to a final-year UK Bachelor's degree in cyber security or computer science
Learners interested in roles such as penetration tester, digital forensics analyst, or malware analyst
Mature learners (aged 21 and above) with relevant management or IT industry experience
Course Content
Explore the comprehensive OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security course content designed to help you master the material through structured modules and lessons.
Artificial Intelligence (Unit Ref: T/651/4225 | Level 5 | 20 Credits | 100 GLH)
Databases (Unit Ref: Y/651/4226 | Level 5 | 20 Credits | 100 GLH)
Digital Forensics (Unit Ref: A/651/4227 | Level 5 | 20 Credits | 100 GLH)
Ethical Hacking (Unit Ref: D/651/4228 | Level 5 | 20 Credits | 100 GLH)
Malware Analysis (Unit Ref: F/651/4229 | Level 5 | 20 Credits | 100 GLH)
Course Requirements
Entry to the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security requires learners to demonstrate an appropriate academic or professional background. The entry profile is likely to include at least one of the following:
Relevant Level 4 qualification or equivalent qualification (e.g. OTHM Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security)
GCE Advanced level in 3 subjects or an equivalent qualification
Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management or IT experience (to be confirmed with the delivery centre prior to registration)
English language competency evidence for learners from non-majority English-speaking countries
Assessments
All units within the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security are assessed entirely through internal assessment — there are no written examinations. Each unit is assessed and internally quality assured by the approved centre, then externally verified by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced, meaning learners must meet all specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve a pass.
Internal coursework assignments for each of the six mandatory units
Formative assessment throughout delivery to guide learner progress and improvement
Summative assessment at unit completion to confirm achievement against all learning outcomes and assessment criteria
External quality assurance conducted by an OTHM External Quality Assurer (EQA) to verify centre assessment decisions
Progression
Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security, as an Ofqual-regulated qualification, opens a wide range of academic and professional progression pathways. Learners are eligible to gain direct entry into the final year of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme through OTHM's established university progression agreements.
Direct entry into the final year of a UK Bachelor's degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline at OTHM-partnered universities
Progression to the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security (240 credits) for deeper specialisation
Employment in cyber security roles such as Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Digital Forensics Analyst, Malware Analyst, or IT Security Consultant
Further professional certifications in cyber security (e.g. CEH, CompTIA Security+, CISSP) to complement the academic qualification
Apply Now For This Course
Fill out the application form below to enroll in OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security. Our team will review your application and contact you shortly with enrollment details.
