HNC in Computing for England (Cyber Security)

Study LevelLevel 4 Course TypeHigher Education Duration2 Academic Years Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModePart-time LocationDavid Hockney Building

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Overview

Cyber security is the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from cyber attacks. This course will help to develop your knowledge in the computing and cyber security sector in order to secure a successful career. Learn about the importance of networking and protecting from valuable and sensitive data from hackers, understanding prevention and how to deal with cyber attacks as well as developing programming and coding skills. You will benefit from partnerships with key industry professionals including CISCO, AWS Academy and CompTIA as well as the opportunity to visit specialist events such as the IPExpo in Manchester, Tech Huddle and Leeds Digital Job Fair.

Key Info

You will study specialist topics such as:

Networking
Cyber Security
Applied Cryptography in the Cloud
Information Security Management
Forensics

Qualification Gained: Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing for England

For students who have recently been in education, the entry profile is likely to include one of the following:

A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing (or a related subject)
A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject; this profile is likely to be supported by GCSE grades A* to C and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Maths and English
Other related Level 3 qualifications
An Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved further education institution
Related work experience
An international equivalent of the above

One core 15-credit unit at Level 4 will be assessed by a mandatory Pearson-set assignment targeted at particular skills. All other units are assessed by centre-devised internal assignments.

Although this course does not directly offer work experience, there are opportunities for you to undertake a work placement or work experience during your time studying on this course. Additionally, practical hands-on skills have been built into the design of this course meaning that you will have the opportunity to use relevant contexts, scenarios and materials to enable you to develop a portfolio of evidence demonstrating the breadth of their skills and knowledge in a way that equips you for employment.

Career progression can include further study or careers in:

Software Engineering
Data Analytics
Network Engineering
Applications Development and Testing

Progress with us, view our higher level courses.

You will have the opportunity to visit conferences, seminars and events during your time on the course. These visits include:

IPExpo in Manchester
Leeds Tech User Group
Tech Huddle in Manchester
Leeds Digital Job Fair
UK World Skills
JISC Digifest

Notice: Fees are currently under review and will be posted as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.

This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]

Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.