Where will this course lead?

The Higher National Diploma in Computing (Cyber Security) with HTQ status is for anyone looking to develop their understanding of their specialist technical knowledge in Cyber Security, enhance their understanding of Digital Technologies, and broaden their ICT skillset and prepare for employment in the exciting and rewarding field of Cyber Security. The qualification will lead to the award 'BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing (Cyber Security)' giving students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to achieve high performance in the national and international digital technologies environment. It will develop students with enquiring minds, who have the abilities and confidence to work across different digital technologies functions and to lead, manage, respond to change, and tackle a range of complex digital technologies. and to provide the core skills required for a range of careers in digital technologies including Cyber Security.

What are Higher Technical Qualifications: These qualifications have been developed by awarding bodies, who have worked with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge, and skills they need for their chosen career.

What will I study?

Some of the modules which can be undertaken are listed below:

Year 1 HTQ

· Cyber Security

· Professional Practice

· Planning a Computing Project

· Database Design and Development

· Networking

· Security

· Website Design and Development

· Programming

Year 2 HTQ

· Computing Research Project

· Forensics

· Emerging Technologies

· Business Process Support

· Information Security Management

· Applied Cryptography in the Cloud

· Network Security

Looking to get your career in Cyber Security started?

The Higher National Diploma in Computing with HTQ status in Cyber Security is a two-year higher-level course, equivalent to the second year of a university degree programme. The qualification has a core focus in Cyber Security, Digital Technologies, Networking, Information Security Management, Applied Cryptography in the cloud, Forensics, Emerging Technologies, and the Internet of Things.

What's the learning experience like?

· Project based learning: You will manage projects from beginning to end, solving employer-generated problems, and maximising higher skills.

· Active partnerships with employers: Employers will participate in course, module, and assignment design, learner expectations, and implementation of learning outcomes.

· Real research and development: You will undertake detailed research, enquiry, writing and analysis and communicate results effectively.

· Friendly and approachable: The Solihull College team is welcoming and will encourage you at every step of your learning journey.

What types of jobs could you expect afterwards?

You will be preparing for opportunities as a Cyber Intelligence officer, Forensic Computer Analyst, Cyber Ops Associate, IT security co-ordinator. You are not limited to these job roles with the HND in Computing with HTQ status in Cyber Security you will be preparing for exciting career opportunities in Digital Technologies. The roles and responsibilities of working in Cyber Security include:

· Defending against the latest cyber threats that organisations face.

· Configuring and utilising threat detection tools.

· Performing data analysis to identify security vulnerabilities, threats, and risks.

· Securing and protecting organisations systems and applications from threat actors.

· Vulnerability assessment and tracking.

· Monitoring for cyber threats, malware, and security vulnerabilities.

· Diagnosing data vulnerability and regulating the use of data.

· Configuring network devices to enhance organisational security.

· Running data usage reports.

· Training staff in the latest security measures to minimise cyber security threats.

How will this course be delivered?

The Higher National Diploma in Computing (Cyber Security) HTQ is a two-year full-time course.

The programme consists of practical classroom-based exercises and study. The course delivery uses traditional teaching, presentations and demonstrations, tutorials, group seminars, on-line and self-directed study.

What qualifications will I get?

You will obtain The Higher National Diploma in Computing (Cyber Security) upon achieving 240 credits, of which 120 credits are at Level 5 (7 units) and 120 credits are at Level 4 (8 units).

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through course work, assignments, individual or group projects.

How do I get a place on the course?

All full-time applications are to be submitted via UCAS using the following codes:

INSTITUTION CODE: S26 (Solihull College & University Centre)

UCAS CODE: 006J

CAMPUS: Blossomfield Campus

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview at Solihull College & University Centre.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application, we can help with this too. https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

· A minimum of 64 Tariff points and/or a BTEC Extended Diploma with an overall grade of PPM.

· You will also need English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, or a recognised equivalent.

· Entry is also available from T Levels with a passing grade.

English language requirements

Students who are non-native English speakers or who have not studied the final two years of school in English but can demonstrate capability in English at a standard commensurate to IELTS 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 being awarded on individual sections for a level 4, 5 or 6 qualifications may be considered as eligible to apply for the programme.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a full-time programme. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants at induction and enrolment in September of the current Academic year.

If you are applying for financial help from Student Finance England, then you should do this as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of your course. https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

Please note that when you enrol you are accepting that the course content and module descriptions are accurate at the time of publishing and that the course content as described is based on what is possible to deliver under the government advice and social distancing rules at that particular time. In the event of changes made to those rules, by national or local government, the College may need to make further alterations to the published course content. By enrolling with the College, you will be confirming that you are content to proceed with the course as detailed at that time and on the basis that the programme may be subject to reasonable change.

Is there anything else I will have to pay for in order to do this course?

Additional costs It is recommended that you budget for your own laptop, if this is not possible the college has IT resources that you can use.

*Free for anyone who is 19+ on 31st August 2024 who lives in a West Midlands Combined Authority postcode if unemployed, otherwise a fee will apply.

What can I do after this course?

Following successful achievement of the Higher National Diploma in Computing with HTQ status in Cyber Security further study can be achieved through a Top Up Degree, to gain a BSc at University level.