Cyber Security HNC @ SCQF Level 7

Introduction

This course gives you the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in areas such as data security and ethical hacking.  

 

This course is equivalent to first year of degree study and we offer this course as a standalone HNC or as part of a three-year programme which will allow you to graduate with the University of West of Scotland Batchelor of Engineering Cyber Security degree which is also available on campus at Dumfries & Galloway College.  

By studying this programme, you will develop suitable competencies and industry knowledge to enhance a career in computing. You will develop other relevant skills that employer’s value such as meeting deadlines, attention to detail, personal target setting, managing your own performance and that of others.  

Opportunities exist to enable learners to attend part-time on an individual subject basis.

Course code

HCYB

Location:

Dumfries

Duration

Full time: 2 – 2.5 days per week; Part time: 1 day per week over 2 years 

Blended delivery (face to face and remote).

Entry Requirements

One of the following:  

  • Two Highers at C or above in appropriate academic subjects or equivalent 
  • Successful completion of Advanced Certificate in Computing at SCQF Level 6  
  • In addition, all applicants should have an SQA Numeracy Core Skill profile (or equivalent) at level 5 or above OR, National 5/Int 2 Mathematics at grade C or above. 

Entry may be possible for mature students depending on their prior knowledge and experience. 

All applicants may be invited to attend an Interview Session prior to being offered a place on the course.

Information and Interview Session Requirements

You must confirm your attendance should you be offered an appointment. During the Information and Interview Session, we will ensure the entry requirements and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of learning you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.

Course Content

You will learn computer architecture, programming, networking, and professionalism and ethics in cyber security.

Assessments

Assessments are undertaken by continually assessments throughout the year and a year-end graded unit exam.

Progression

Successful completion will allow direct entry into HND Cyber Security which is equivalent to second year Degree programme.  

If you are currently studying at the College, you will also require a positive Progressing Learner Reference. 

Career Prospects

The HNC award will prepare candidates for entry to a wide range of positions including: 

Data Protection Officer, Ethical Hacker, Forensics Engineer, Information Security Architect, Information Systems Auditor, Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, Security Incident Response team member, Security Software Developer, Virus Technician, Vulnerability Assessor. 

 

The above positions are just some examples of a wider range of suitable posts.

Additional funding information

Full Time Students: You should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).  Please visit their website: www.saas.gov.uk for further details.

Part Time Students: Fees will be discussed on an individual basis. Please contact Gillian Rose roseg@dumgal.ac.uk

All students are liable for payment of their course fees, unless they make a successful application to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for full time fees or Part-Time Fee Waiver Grant (PTFG), are entitled to a SFC Fee Waiver, or their fees are to be paid by a third-party sponsor e.g. employer. It is the student’s responsibility to provide evidence of a successful application. If a student discovers they are ineligible for funding the student will become liable for unpaid fees Where students are self-financing, their course fees must be paid in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date, unless an instalment plan has been agreed.
PAYMENT INSTALMENT PLANS Where students are self-funding the course fee must be paid in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date unless they select one of the following payment options.

  • Where any net fee (after any applicable grant) is £300 or less the fee is payable in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date.
  • Where any net fee is in excess of £300 up to £800 and the duration of the course exceeds 3 months - a 3-month instalment plan is available.
  • Where any net fee is in excess of £800 and the duration of the course exceeds 6 months – a 5-month instalment plan is available.
  • The 1st instalment is due no later than 7 days prior to the course start date with the remaining instalments payable on a monthly basis thereafter. Any application to pay by instalments must be made to the Finance department (Tel 01387 734000) who have sole discretion on accepting any application for payment in this way.

Selling Points

This exciting HNC meets the needs of the skills gap for employment within the sector and enables you to study through to degree level.