HND Computing for England - Cyber Security (HTQ)

Mode of study

Full Time

Start date

15/09/2025

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission into the programme, applicants should meet the following criteria: 1. Educational Qualifications: ' -48 UCAS Tariff Points. ' -Possess a Level 3 qualification in a subject related to the industry. ' -Alternatively, have completed two A levels in science or technology subjects. 2. GCSE Passes: ' -Possess GCSE passes in English and Maths at grade 4/C (H) 3. Mature applicants without formal qualifications, but with evidence of sufficient, relevant industrial experience will be considered. You will also be required to attend an interview with the Course Leader. Please note that meeting these entry criteria will be essential for consideration into the programme

Teaching staff

Oaklands College has a team of highly qualified ICT teachers. All are experts in Microsoft software, as well as networking, programming and hardware installation. Most have come from the ICT and business industry and have a wealth of experience to share with you. They are supportive and motivational tutors who will do their best to make your time at Oaklands enjoyable, interesting and an excellent learning experience. You will also receive support in finding employment or a university place of your choosing.

Course Code

HTQCSA1F/1

Duration

2-Year

Location

Welwyn Garden City Campus

Awarding body

Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)

Assessment

Candidates are assessed by a variety of methods, including case studies, assignments, presentations and work-based projects. You will be provided with details of the assignment requirements for each Unit. Students will be encouraged to engage with personal and professional development, gaining formative feedback on progress towards Unit outcomes, and developing knowledge and competence in the discipline. Summative assessment is mainly through coursework. Students will evidence their progress through written academic essays and reports, or practical activities, which will vary according to each individual Unit assessment requirements. Each Unit will carry more than one assessment task to meet the learning outcomes and criteria for the Unit as a whole. There are no summative written exams for this course, however in some Units, your knowledge may be formatively assessed through in class tests.

About the course

Year 1 - The BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England builds underpinning core skills effectively, preparing students for further subject specialisation at Level 5. They will gain a wide range of sector knowledge that is tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios. Year 2 - level 5 units help you move on to specific areas of knowledge and skills at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making. By the end of the second stage (level 5), you should have a sound understanding of the principles in your area of specialist study and will know how to apply those principles more widely in the business world.

Career options

On successful completion of this course, students may progress onto studies at Level 6 at another Institution.

Successful completion of your chosen course could lead onto a higher level course, university or into employment.

Potential careers:

Computer Games Designer
Computer Hardware Engineer
Database Administrator
Interactive Media Designer
IT Product Developer
IT Trainer
Network Manager
Software Developer/ Programmer
Systems Analyst
Technical Support Person
Web Designer/ Developer

Course Content - What will I learn?

This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of cyber security concepts, practices, and skills. It is typically intended for individuals who want to pursue a career in the field of cyber security, which involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from attacks, threats and unauthorized access. YEAR 1 Units: U1: Programming U2: Networking U3: Professional Practice U4: Database Design & Development U5: Security U6: Planning a Computing Project (Pearson Set) U10: Cyber Security Plus one additional L4 15 credit unit. YEAR 2 Units: U16: Computing Research Project U17: Business Process Support U30: Applied Cryptography in The Cloud U31: Forensics U32: Information Security Management Plus two additional L5 15 credit units

The pathways at both Level 4 and Level 5 are mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's Occupational Standards, professional body standards and vendor-accredited certification (where appropriate) and can provide professional status and progression to direct employment. Course Cost - '5,600.00 per year

Please contact us to find out if you require any specific equipment for this particular course.

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