Higher Level Apprenticeship in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

You will complete a Foundation Degree in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics along with work related qualifications over a three-year period. The Foundation Degree (FD) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is aimed at meeting the local demand of Cyber Security experts in Northern Ireland. It will cover a range of computing specialisms allowing successful students to follow different career paths.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 11069
Campus: Bangor, Lisburn
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Computing/Software Engineering/Networking
Course Structure

The Foundation Degree consists of 40 credits (normally 2 modules) per semester in Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. 

This programme is based on a hybrid learning model with a focus on face-to-face delivery.

Modules include:

  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer Systems
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Incident Response Web Technologies and Applications
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Cloud Security
  • Network Security
  • IoT Security
  • Innovative Delivery of Mobile Applications
  • Work-based Learning 

Contact Hours

7 hours' contact time to include practical classes, lectures, workshops or tutorials.

Mandatory Additional Study

Maximum of 3 hours per week average over the academic year.

Personal Study

  • 19 hours maximum studying and preparing assessments in your own time per week, including use of online materials.

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme.Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.

You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.

Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements  

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND  

  • 2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

UCAS 

A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points including:  

  • GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile DD

OR  

  • [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with overall award profile PPP  

OR  

  • Access to HE Diploma (NI): 45% overall   

OR  

  • An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

Accreditation of Prior Learning   

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.

International Students English Language Requirements  

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:  

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)   
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)  
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test  

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk  

Higher Level Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be eligible for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA), in addition to the entry requirements identified above, you need to:

  • be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment as an apprentice, or be an existing employee moving to a new job role, allowing you to gain appropriate industrial experience, with a Northern Ireland based company (does not include public sector) who is willing to support you as an HLA candidate,
  • work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes time for ‘off-the-job’ training),
  • be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.

Students are assessed using a range of different methods. These include examinations, coursework, project-based learning, presentations, practical, posters, leaflets, role-play, and case studies. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

Successful completion of this course could lead to either a career in the computing industry or to related degree programmes.  SERC offer a 1 year degree top-up for this programme.

The course provides the opportunity to undertake a placement within the computing industry to assist you in developing real-life experience and practical skills that employers want. You will learn transferable skills such as communication, organisational skills, problem solving and critical thinking which will help you to apply for relevant jobs within the computing industry. The programme is designed to facilitate your development of a range of graduate qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. 

None

Open University

Modules include:

  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer Systems
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Incident Response
  • Web Technologies and Applications
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Cloud Security
  • Network Security
  • IoT Security
  • Innovative Delivery of Mobile Applications
  • Work-based Learning 

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

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