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Fight the climb in cyber crime and help reduce the threat of online crime on individuals, organisations and governments. This course will provide you with the technical and analytical skills in cyber security needed to combat and catch cyber criminals and succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving industry.
HTQ – Become a Network Engineer or Cyber Security Technologist
This foundation degree is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) . This means it will give you the technical skills and training to move into a Network Engineer or Cyber Security Technologist role.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)
A Levels: 2xD grades
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade
Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
GCSE English (Desirable): English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
GCSE Maths : Maths grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
Mature applicants: Leeds City College welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Part Time: Students applying for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will be working in the sector.
Apprentices: In addition to the entry requirements of the academic programme, outlined above, apprentices must also meet the entry requirements laid out in the Cyber Security Technical Professional Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (March 2020). This states that individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include three ‘A’ levels, including maths, or other relevant qualifications or experience.
About the course
This course emphasises the essential hands-on knowledge and skills demanded by employers. You will develop practical skills in computer forensics and implementing secure networks. Additionally, you will explore networks and learn about scripting, ethical hacking, attacking and defending infrastructures and operating systems such as Linux.
As you progress through this course you will learn how to identify and fix system vulnerabilities as well as gaining knowledge of data security and cryptography. Additionally, you will learn how to draw on your theoretical knowledge and apply practical cyber security skills to fight cyber crime.
Work across a wide range of cyber security software platforms as you learn to secure networks and operating systems. Learn how to detect, deter and defend and be at the frontline of the fight against international cyber criminals.
This course is validated by Luminate Education Group
For full-time courses, if you have applied or intend to apply to any other higher education institution as well as University Centre Leeds, you'll need to apply through UCAS.
If you know you’ll be applying for a course at University Centre Leeds only, you can apply either using our Direct Application Form, or via UCAS.
Note: If you have already made an application via UCAS, or intend to, you must apply via UCAS and not direct.
Applying to study part-time? You should apply directly to us.
If you intend to apply for a part-time course at University Centre Leeds, you should always apply via our online direct application form.
To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.
Please Note: The 'Apply direct' link works for direct applications to this course only. For each course you wish to apply for, you will need to find the course on our website and use the ‘Apply direct’ button on the correct page for that course.
Modules may include
Year 1 (Level 4)
Principles of Programming (20 credits) – You will learn the underpinning knowledge and skills of programming and software development that is essential in a variety of computing related careers from app and website development to server administration.
Web and Apps (20 credits) – You will develop & demonstrate the technical and creative skills required in the design, construction and management of an effective website interface and a mobile application.
Principles of Database (20 credits) – You will demonstrate the practical aspects of designing and building a relational database and you will acquire skills and knowledge in the practical structure design of a given scenario and then apply this to implementing a prototype.
Networks (20 credits) – You will understand the basic concepts of networks such as network types, architecture, services, protocols, topologies and standards to design, implement and how to secure a network given a business scenario. You will develop practical skills to design, implement, and test and troubleshoot a network.
Principles of Cyber Security (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the cyber security threats landscape and the technologies that can be used to countermeasure those threats, learning how to protect network infrastructure, components and data.
Professional Development (20 credits) – You will acquire and develop a range of skills including transferable, personal, interpersonal, academic and subject specific skills that will enable you to succeed in the industry.
Year 2 (Level 5)
Linux and Scripting (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the theoretical conceptions of open and free source software and their differences to proprietary software. You will also explore Linux based operating systems’ architecture and components in addition to Linux commands and scripting.
Ethics and Ethical Hacking (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the theories of ethics and ethical hacking, and to the tools and techniques that can be used in ethical hacking.
Computer Forensics (20 credits) – You will study the principles of digital forensics investigation process from the technical and legal frameworks, and will be equipped with the appropriate open source and commercial tools where applicable to investigate unauthorised access to digital electronic devices and digital networks.
Securing Networks (20 credits) – You will develop a detailed understanding of network security principles as well as the technologies of design, implementation and testing of secure networks.
Employability Skills – You will develop the wider skills today’s employers are expecting from their employees, including so-called “soft skills” such as time management, communication skills, project management and a good work ethic.
Project (20 credits) – You will identify a problem and set about planning and delivering a solution to that problem within a given timeframe. You may choose to develop an online solution or develop a mobile app, or provide a business solution. The scope for the nature of your practical output for this module is vast.
You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of cyber security software platforms, learning to secure networks and operating systems. You will learn vital skills in detecting and preventing cyber attacks, ethical hacking and computer forensics, equipping you with all the knowledge you will need to be at the frontline of the fight against international cyber crime, ensuing systems and data is protected and safe from attack.
Today’s employers do not just expect their employees to have technical skills but also possess broader skills such as managing budgets, written and verbal communication, team working and problem solving skills . You will also develop as an individual, learning to appreciate the cyber security industry from an employer’s perspective, developing the skills employers are looking for, that will complement your technical skills. The aim of the course is to prepare you for employment and a long career in cyber security.
Finally, you will develop a broad range of skills that can be used across the digital technology sector that will provide you with the opportunity to work in a broad range of roles, such as Cyber Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Computer Network Administrator, Cyber Security Officer or a Cryptographer.
You will be assessed in a variety of ways including: practical tasks, portfolios, essays, case studies and presentations.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)
A Levels: 2xD grades
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade
Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
GCSE English (Desirable): English Language grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
GCSE Maths : Maths grade 4 or above. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria
Mature applicants: Leeds City College welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Part Time: Students applying for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will be working in the sector.
Apprentices: In addition to the entry requirements of the academic programme, outlined above, apprentices must also meet the entry requirements laid out in the Cyber Security Technical Professional Integrated Degree Apprenticeship (March 2020). This states that individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include three ‘A’ levels, including maths, or other relevant qualifications or experience.
What’s next?
On completion of this foundation degree course you can progress on to our Top-up degree at Leeds City College. To gain a full BSc (Hons) degree from our foundation degree you would need to study for a further year. You could also choose to study for a BSc (Hons) at other institutions.
You could find employment in a broad range of roles, such as Cyber Security Analyst, security consultant, Computer Network administrator, Cyber Security Officer or a Cryptographer.
For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.
For the latest version of the Leeds City College regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2025 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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