Level 5

Digital Technologies (Cybersecurity) Level 5 HTQ

Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
2 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 09/09/2025
£7,000 per year * Centre for Digital Technologies – Basildon
Duration Age Group Study Start Cost Available Locations
2 YEARS ADULT FULL TIME 09/09/2025
£7,000 per year * Centre for Digital Technologies – Basildon

Overview

Unlock the World of Cybersecurity Excellence with Pearson BTEC HTQ Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies – Your Gateway to Securing the Future.

The Pearson BTEC HTQ Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies with a focus on Cybersecurity is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

This cutting-edge qualification offers a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing individuals for rewarding careers in the realm of digital security.


Key Highlights:

Cybersecurity Specialisation: Tailored for the digital age, this program delves deep into the principles and practices of cybersecurity. From threat detection and risk management to ethical hacking and secure network design, students gain a holistic understanding of safeguarding digital assets.

Practical Learning: Emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Practical labs, simulations, and industry-relevant projects cultivate the skills needed to address contemporary cybersecurity challenges.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum: The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring its relevance to current cybersecurity trends and demands. Students are exposed to the latest technologies, threat landscapes, and compliance standards.

Comprehensive Module Coverage:

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Explore foundational concepts, terminology, and principles of cybersecurity.
  • Network Security: Focus on securing and defending network infrastructures against cyber threats.
  • Ethical Hacking: Learn ethical hacking techniques to identify and rectify vulnerabilities.
  • Incident Response and Forensics: Develop skills in responding to and investigating cybersecurity incidents.
  • Security Policies and Compliance: Understand legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance in cybersecurity practices.

Professional Development: Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes professional development. Students enhance their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for success in the cybersecurity industry.

Industry Certifications: The curriculum aligns with industry certifications, providing students with the opportunity to pursue qualifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Career Pathways: Graduates are well-positioned for diverse roles, including cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, and information security manager. The program also serves as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits or specialized certifications.

The Pearson BTEC HTQ Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies (Cybersecurity) is not just an education; it's a transformative journey into the heart of digital defence, empowering individuals to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of information in an interconnected world.

Entry Requirements

  • a BTEC Level 3 qualification in Computing
  • 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, or
  • an international equivalent to the above qualifications.

Course Structure

Level 4 Units:

  • Unit 1: Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
  • Unit 2: Innovation & Digital Transformation 
  • Unit 3: Cyber Security 
  • Unit 4: Programming 
  • Unit 5: Big Data & Visualisation 
  • Unit 6: Networking in the Cloud 
  • Unit 8: Security 
  • Unit 9: Networking

Level 5 Units:

  • Core Unit 19: Business Intelligence 
  • Core Unit 20: Internet of Things 
  • Core Unit 21: Emerging Technologies 
  • Specialist Unit 23: Applied Security in the Cloud 
  • Specialist Unit 24: Applied Cryptography in the Cloud 
  • Specialist Unit 25: Information Security Management in the Cloud

Plus 30 credits from the following Level 5 optional units.

  • Optional Unit 22: Work-based Learning in the Digital Economy
  • Optional Unit 41: Digital Sustainability 
  • Optional Unit 42: Pitching and Negotiating Skills 

Assessment & Feedback

The assessment methods for the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies (Cybersecurity) typically include a variety of approaches to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and understanding. The assessment strategies are designed to be comprehensive and may include the following:

Assignments and Projects:

Written assignments: These could be essays, reports, or case studies related to network engineering topics.

Project work: Practical projects where you apply your skills to solve real-world problems or design and implement network solutions.

Examinations:

Written examinations: Traditional exams assessing your theoretical knowledge of network engineering principles and concepts.

Practical examinations: Hands-on assessments where you may be required to configure network devices or troubleshoot network issues.

Presentations:

Oral presentations: Communicating your understanding of specific network engineering topics to an audience, often including a Q&A session.

Portfolio Submission:

Compilation of evidence: Building a portfolio that showcases your achievements, projects, and practical work throughout the course.

Case Studies: Analysing and solving network-related case studies, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Group Work:

Collaborative projects: Working in groups to complete assignments or projects, assessing your teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Skills Assessments:

Hands-on assessments: Evaluating your ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructure in a controlled environment.

Research Projects: Conducting and presenting the findings of a research project, demonstrating your ability to explore and analyse topics in-depth.

Work-Based Assessments: Evaluation of your performance during work-based experiences, assessing your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting.

It's important to note that the assessment methods may vary between units and modules within the program. Additionally, some assessments may be formative (designed to provide feedback and support learning) while others are summative (aimed at grading and determining overall achievement).

Course Cost

Adult, full_time: £7,000 per year

Attendance type: Full time

What Next...

Upon completing the Pearson BTEC HTQ Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies with a specialisation in Cybersecurity, you will be well-equipped for a variety of career paths and further educational opportunities.

Here are some potential avenues you can explore:

Cybersecurity Professional:

Roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Consultant, Information Security Officer, or Network Security Engineer are common career paths. You'll be responsible for safeguarding organizations against cyber threats.

Ethical Hacker or Penetration Tester:

Specialise in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment to help organizations identify and rectify security vulnerabilities.

Incident Responder or Forensic Analyst:

Work in incident response teams or forensic analysis roles, investigating security incidents, analysing digital evidence, and implementing strategies to prevent future incidents.

Security Consultant or Advisor:

Provide expert advice to organizations on improving their cybersecurity posture, developing security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst:

Monitor and respond to security alerts, analyse threats, and implement measures to protect an organization's information assets within a Security Operations Centre.

Information Security Manager:

Take on leadership roles where you oversee and manage an organization's overall information security strategy, policies, and initiatives.

Further Education:

Pursue a bachelor's degree or master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field to deepen your knowledge and potentially open doors to advanced roles or research positions.

Certifications:

Acquire industry-recognized certifications to enhance your skills and marketability. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or CompTIA Security+ are widely recognised.

Entrepreneurship:

Start your own cybersecurity consultancy or business, offering services to organisations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Teaching and Training:

Share your knowledge and expertise by becoming an instructor or lecturer in cybersecurity education programs, training institutions, or corporate training programs.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD):

Stay updated with emerging trends in cybersecurity through continuous learning, attending conferences, workshops, and obtaining additional certifications.

Global Opportunities:

Explore job opportunities internationally, as cybersecurity skills are in demand worldwide.

Remember that the field of cybersecurity is dynamic, and staying current with the latest technologies, threats, and security measures is essential for career growth. Networking with professionals in the industry, participating in cybersecurity communities, and regularly updating your skills will contribute to a successful and fulfilling career in cybersecurity.