Computing for England (Cyber Security) HTQ

Course Overview

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

2025

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study Mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Course Code

CUSCU071

Start Date

June 2025

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.

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 evaluated.
• 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.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The course is being delivered under the Intellectual Property License of Pearson Education Limited.

What You'll Study

Year One

• Cyber Security and Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence AI & Intelligent Systems - 30 credits
• Networking and Security – 30 credits
• Professional Practice and Planning a Computing Project – 30 credits
• Programming Unit and Database Design & Development – 30 credits

Year Two

• Systems Analytics and Design Database Management Systems – 30 credits
• Internet of Things and Emerging Topics – 30 credits
• Applied Cryptography and Forensics – 30 credits
• Business Process Support and Information Security – 30 credits

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.

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 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.

Assessment

This course will make use of formative and summative work to both develop and assess students.

Entry Requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

• UK: 80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Fees and Funding

24/25 tuition fees.

• UK: £7,950 per year
• International: £18,300 per year

Facilities

Our aim is to offer sector-leading facilities.

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.

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:

• Computing Science BSc (Hons)
• Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

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Overview:

• Founded in 1843 as the Coventry School of Design
• Received university status in 1992
• Over 30,000 students from over 150 countries
• Campuses in Coventry, London, and Scarborough
• Known for its focus on practical, industry-focused education

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Student Life:

• Over 150 student clubs and societies
• Sports teams in various disciplines
• Student support services include counseling, mental health support, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a gym, swimming pool, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of subjects
• Faculty with industry experience and research expertise
• Teaching methodologies include lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning
• Academic support services include writing centers, math labs, and peer mentoring
• Unique academic programs include:
  • Centre for Applied Science and Technology
  • Centre for Business in Society
  • Centre for Intelligent Systems

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Ranked among the top 150 universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• Excellent industry connections and partnerships
• Specialized facilities such as the National Transport Design Centre and the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
• Notable alumni include:
  • Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine
  • Sir David Attenborough, naturalist and broadcaster
  • Sir Patrick Stewart, actor

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center
• Accommodation services
• Library with over 1 million books and resources
• Technology support
• Career development services