The Security Institute, the UK's largest membership body for security professionals, has reported phenomenal levels of interest in its pioneering Diploma in Security Management, proving that the image, perception and importance of the industry is at an all time high.

A key part of its on-going commitment to raising professional standards, the Security Institute's Diploma in Security Management was launched in 2009 and is aimed at middle and senior managers seeking career advancement via an industry specific qualification. Its popularity has rapidly grown year-on-year and over 100 people successfully completed it in 2012.

‘The qualification is open to all those who work within the private and public security sectors and who possess a minimum of five years' security management experience,' explained Di Thomas, general manager at The Security Institute. ‘It offers a logical progression from our Certificate in Security Management and those currently on the course include security managers, health and safety managers, facilities managers, senior police officers, fire service personnel and experienced members of the armed services.'

Combining theoretical and practical content, it is available as a distance-learning course, and is recognised by four of the UK's top universities - The University of Lancaster, The University of Leicester, Buckinghamshire New University and The University of Portsmouth. The course consists of five mandatory modules and usually takes no more than 12 months to complete.

Many of those taking the course have full time jobs and it has been carefully designed to allow students to configure their coursework around their daytime activities. Support, advice and guidance is also offered from a number of expert tutors who, as well as configuring the course content, are also members of The Security Institute and holders of masters degrees in security. Successful students are awarded an Edexcel accredited BTEC Level 5 Professional Award in Security Management.

The Diploma in Security Management acts as a stepping stone to higher education and is now recognised as a part of existing degree courses. The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at The University of Portsmouth recognises the Diploma, and awards 80 credits towards a total of 360 for its BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management. The University of Lancaster awards the Diploma to those completing its Foundation Degree in Security Management at Blackburn College, while The University of Leicester exempts students from three core modules on its Foundation Degree in Security and Risk Management. Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe offers credits towards the second year of their BA in Security Consultancy.

Upon embarking on the course, individuals are encouraged to apply for student membership of The Security Institute, which remains valid whilst they are studying. Blackburn College and the University of Leicester offer this as standard to all their security students. After they have finished the course they become eligible to apply for full membership grade and can gain access to the complete range of benefits.

‘We are thrilled with the part the Diploma in Security Management continues to play in enhancing the professionalism of the security industry,' concluded Emma Shaw CSyP, chairman of The Security Institute. ‘Given the tough economic climate the high demand we are seeing for the course is exceptional and illustrates the growing popularity of the sector and the calibre of the people working in it.'

For further information, please contact: Di Thomas on +44 (0) 8453 707 717, di@security-institute.org.uk or visit www.security-institute.org.uk