We are currently going through a big technological change in the Cyber Security and Networking sector. The College is excited to offer the Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking) course accredited by Pearson.  The course will provide you with a flexible, unit-based structure, that focuses on developing the practical, interpersonal and thinking skills you will need to succeed in employment and higher education.  Providing the core skills required for a range of careers in digital technologies, including cyber security, software development, data analytics, networking, and change management.

In 2021, IT Governance discovered 1,243 security incidents, which accounted for 5,126,930,507 breached records. That represents an 11% increase in security incidents compared to 2020 when there were only 1,120 incidents. The increased risk for cyber-attacks has meant organisations are putting cyber security at the top of their priorities, to build secure digital infrastructures to protect company and client data.  According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, more than 6,000 new jobs were added to the UK’s 50,000-strong cyber workforce. - https://www.technojobs.co.uk/info/career-advice/the-growing-demand-for-c...

The south-west of England or 'Digital South' is home to many global IT companies, so you will be well placed for job opportunities and career prospects. 

Key programme features

  • One-year programme
  • A blended learning alternative which responds to the changing needs and demands in a post COVID world
  • Good opportunity for those wanting to pursue a career in Cyber Security and Networking
  • Offers a great path to higher qualifications

What the course leads to

What courses can I do after this? 

Progression

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be perfectly positioned to further your learning by moving on to study an HND. We will be offering an HND progression route subject to successful year one completion numbers.

You also have the opportunity to progress straight to year 2 (or year 3 from HND) of a Cyber Security related degree such as BSc Cyber Security.  On successful completion of the level 5 HND you may be able to progress on to a level 6 (BSc Top UP), at another institution. Alternatively, you may wish to seek employment opportunities locally, regionally or nationally.

 

What jobs can I get? 

Career opportunities could include becoming a cyber security specialist, security risk analyst, network security engineer or software engineer to name a few.

What do I need to apply

To do this course you should have... 

You will be expected to possess the following:

  • a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing, Business or Creative Digital Media Production with a minimum of a Merit overall -   48 UCAS Tariff points 
  • 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 at A* to C (or equivalent) 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 from an approved further education institution
  • relevant work experience

Applications from students returning to education who do not possess the formal entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant industry experience, will be considered on merit but would normally be expected to have achieved a Level 2 Maths and English qualification.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate that their level of English is acceptable by achieving a score in a recognised test such as:

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
  • PTE Academic 51, or
  • IELTS 5.5 (reading and writing must be at 5.5)

What about work experience? 

Course costs

Course CodeUCAS Code Start Date Costs
BP10038CSCN 04/09/2024 TBC

* Please note fees are subject to change.

Costs 

The fee associated with the full time option of 1 year (HNC) delivered over 2 days per week is £6750

Course content

Course Content 

Course content and units:

The HNC programme will provide scope for you to work across different digital technologies and disciplines.  

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking) will enable you to build skills, knowledge and understanding if you decide to continue your studies to Level 5 Higher National Diploma (Digital Technologies) or onto further higher-level study at university.

The programme is designed to be studied full-time over one academic year of 32 weeks, this is equivalent to two days a week.

? Requires at least 120 credits = eight units, each with a value of 15 credits.

? Two core units and six optional units.

? Total qualification time = 1,200 hours.

? Total guided learning hours = 480 hours.

? All units are at Level 4.

Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary:

  • Professional Practice in the Digital Economy (15 credits)
  • Innovation and Digital Transformation (15 credits)
  • Cyber Security (15 credits)
  • Programming (15 credits)
  • Big Data and Visualisation (15 credits)
  • Networking in the Cloud (15 credits)
  • Security (15 credits)
  • Networking (15 credits)

More info

Start Day/Time 

The exact date and hours of attendance will be confirmed at enrolment or interview. The course will start September 2023.

Duration 
HNC – 1 Year

Attendance 
Full-time

HNC – Level 4

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

UCAS Code 

CSCN

Campus Code 

L

Qualification Name 

HNC

Institution 

Bournemouth & Poole College

Awarding Body 

EDEXCEL

Curriculum Area 

Creative and Digital Industries - Digital & Computing

More about the course 

Applications: For the Full Time option students should apply via UCAS using course code 

Alternatively, if you have any concerns regarding your application please contact the Higher Education Unit, details below.

The Higher Education Unit +44 (0)1202 205180
email: heunit@bpc.ac.uk

Home/EU* Fee for September 2023 entry: £6,750 per year

*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:

you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements

you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue

Venue: The course is delivered at The College's Lansdowne campus, Bournemouth

The college reserves the right to make changes to the information given, including the addition, withdrawal, re-location or restructuring of courses.

Academic Year 

2024/25

Duration 

1 Year

Attendance 

Full-time

UCAS Code 

CSCN

Campus Code 

L

Qualification Name 

HNC

Institution 

Bournemouth & Poole College

Awarding Body 

EDEXCEL

What Uni? Student Choice Awards 2018 Third Place FE College