Computing for England (Cyber Security) HTQ
Study level: HNC/HND courses
This HTQ Computing course has been designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding in relation to cyber threats and vulnerabilities, cyber defence techniques and incident response.
Year of entry
2023-24
Location
CU Scarborough (Scarborough)
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
2 years full-time
Course code
CUSCU068
Start date
September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024
Course overview
Students will explore fundamental principles as well as leading-edge concepts, terminologies, models, and hardening methods.
Students will assess the types of malicious activity and potential targets, and the role everyone has in maintaining cyber resilience.
On successful completion of this course, students will have explored the following;
- the nature of cybercrime and cyber threat actors
- looked into the roles and responsibilities in relation to information assurance
- assessed the threats to, and vulnerabilities in ICT infrastructure
- investigated strategic responses to cyber security threats.
The pathways at both Level 4 and Level 5 are mapped to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Occupational Standards and professional body standards with the aim of providing professional status Level 5 HND and progression to direct employment, upon successful completion of this course. The vendor-accredited certification indicates that the course meets industry standards and prepares students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce. Additionally, obtaining a vendor-accredited certification can demonstrate to employers that a student has achieved a certain level of expertise and competence in a particular area.
Why you should study this course
With continuing digital revolution, computer systems are involved with just about every aspect of our lives. Whilst this connectivity procures advantages, it also implies vulnerabilities to personal data, interference with the operation of our devices, or even hijacking.
- Due to the complex nature of these devices, and their interconnectivity, it is difficult to understand or predict where the potential for risk lies. Significant laboratory-based practical work to enable systems to be built, interrogated and evaluated4.
- Peer learning by interrogating and critiquing the work of peers in a supportive environment.
- The use of authentic case studies and scenarios based on real issues. • The employment of gaming approaches and technologies to provide immersive engagement.
- The opportunity to undertake both mini-projects and larger-scale work, working both individually and in collaboration.
- The development of a community of practice where experimentation and innovation is encouraged.
- Engagement with the British Computer Society, the professional body for computing, with students enrolled as BCS members from the start – with activities to support professional profile and portfolio building.
- Field trips to experience current professional/employment contexts and frequent guest speakers from industry.
- An ethos that encourages questioning and criticality of both self and others in a supportive and professional context.
- A strong and embedded focus on legal, social, ethical and professional issues throughout.
This course will be running under Intellectual Property Licence with Pearson Education Ltd.
What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
Teaching contact hours
For each level
Total qualification time = 1,200 hours.
Total guided learning hours = 480 hours.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
Full Time (FT) mode is designed for students who wish to study 120 credits (4 modules) in one academic year, Monday to Friday.
Weekday attendance is normally a four hour period either of a morning between 9am-1pm or in the afternoon from 1:30pm-5:30pm.
The four hour length of teaching sessions allows for teaching to be presented in various ways including team teaching, group discussions, individual presentations, laboratories, interactive teaching and guest lecturers. The aim of each session is to have a balance between students learning academic, practical and professional skills.
The course is taught in 6-week blocks and can be offered:
- 4 blocks will lead to a HNC (120 credits at level 4)
- 8 blocks will lead to an HND (240 credits at levels 4 and 5).
Each one of the learning blocks (modules) is worth 30 credits; these will require the equivalent of 300 study hours. The modules run over a six-week period and are taught consecutively, with assessments at the end of week 3 and week 6. If students wish to attend every day, they will receive 18 hours of teaching per week with tutorials, totalling 120 hours. The remaining 180 hours will be self-guided.
For an HNC award a student must have passed or been credited with all the Mandatory modules at level 4 (120 credits).
For an HND award a student must have passed or been credited with all the Mandatory modules at levels 4 and 5 (240 credits).
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will make use of formative and summative work to both develop and assess students. The Coventry University Group assessment strategy assures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023 entry.
Fees and funding
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £7,950 per year | Not available |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities, and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing, and re-assessments should you need them.
Facilities
Our aim is to offer sector-leading facilities4.
Careers and opportunities
Our Talent Team will help you in searching for work experience while you study and employment on graduation.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Further study
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many computing-related courses. Within CU Group you could progress onto Level 6 in:
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.