Computing for England (Cyber Security) HNC
Key Information:
Start date: September
Institutional code: O10
UCAS Code: SC89
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Course type: Full and Part Time
Fees per year 2024/25 entry: Full-time £5,995; Part-time £2,998
Fees per year 2025/26 entry: Full-time £6500; Part-time £3250
Additional costs per year: PC or laptop. Relevant software including a Creative Cloud subscription
Entry Requirements
A typical profile for a student who has recently been in education would consist of:
- GCSE English and Maths grades at C/4 or above, or equivalent level 2 qualifications
- a BTEC Level 3 qualification in a related field
- a GCE Advanced level profile which demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or an adequate performance in more than one GCE subject
- Other vocationally-related level 3 qualifications
- An Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
Mature students may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their sector.
Award
HNC Computing for England (Cyber Security)
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ)
Some of our courses have been accredited by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as HTQs. This means that the qualification has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that our students get the specific training, knowledge and skills required for their chosen career.
Our HNC in Cyber Security has been created to meet global demand for skilled individuals who understand how software is used to monitor and secure systems in a vulnerable online world.
On this course, you will gain skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems, as well as learning how to protect them against hacker attacks. You will combine your interest in forensics, computer networks and security to become the cyber security professional of the future.
Course content year 1 - modules
- Programming
- Networking
- Professional Practice
- Database Design & Development
- Security
- Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set)
- Cyber Security
- Website Design and Development
Placements and work experience
The course has been developed to meet the needs of industry and the curriculum has been planned to reflect working practices. Contact with employers is a key part of this, including live briefs, industry seminars and conferences.
Students are encouraged to seek placement work to enhance their employability and are supported by a dedicated HE Careers & Graduate Outcomes Officer.
What careers can the course lead to?
After successful completion of this course you could progress to Employment or Higher Education at level 6.
The course is considered as a basis for a career in the fast-growing cyber security industry.
Career opportunities may include:
- IT Security Operative
- Network Technician
- IT Operations
- Information Security Technician
- Organisational Security Auditor
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching consists of lectures and seminars, workshops and tutorials. These are designed to build autonomous and independent learning facilitating development of academic skills, experiences and techniques.
Live briefs and visits enable students to engage with industry and employers while the VLE supports and extends the learning experience. Assessment is through coursework and portfolio building.
Facilities particular to the course
Students will benefit from our excellent cutting-edge computing facilities, small student groups and extremely supportive, industry-experienced teaching staff.