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.