Entry requirements

You will be expected to have English and maths at GCSE grade 4 or above or a Level 2 Functional Skills certificate in English and maths may be considered.

Applicants must also have achieved successful completion of a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to 64 UCAS points, such as A Levels or BTEC Level 3. Other related Level 3 qualifications such as VRQ, NVQ, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma or related work experience, would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants must also have achieved successful completion of the Higher National Certificate in Computing for England – Cyber Security.

All applicants who meet the entry requirements will be invited to attend an interview to demonstrate suitability for the course.

About the course

The Higher Nation Diploma in Computing for England (Cyber Security) is a two-year qualification building on the knowledge gained in the Level 4 HNC, deepening your understanding and preparing you for advanced study or a professional career in the computing and cyber security sectors.

Equivalent to the second year of a university degree, the HND explores more specialised and applied areas of cyber security. You’ll study key topics such as Applied Cryptography in the Cloud, Digital Forensics and Information Security Management, developing both your technical expertise and your ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

Learning takes place in our purpose-built computing labs, where you’ll have access to industry-standard software and equipment. You’ll be supported by experienced tutors who bring extensive knowledge from across the computing and cyber security industries, helping you build the confidence and practical skills needed for a successful career.

Whether you plan to move straight into employment within the IT and cyber security sector or continue to a Bachelor’s degree (BSc Hons), this qualification provides a strong platform for your next step.

Why study?

Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)

This course is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, meaning it meets current employer and industry standards.

A Recognised Qualification

The HND is a Level 5 qualification, equivalent to the second year of a university degree. It combines academic learning with hands-on, career-focused skills.

Progression Opportunities

The most common progression is to "top-up" your HND to a full bachelor's degree, often in just one additional year or HND graduates are well-prepared to advance into supervisory or middle-management roles within their chosen field

Designed with Employers in Mind

Developed with employers, industry experts, and universities, Higher National qualifications focus on the skills businesses need blending technical, business and employability knowledge.

Smaller Class Sizes

With classes of around 15 students, you’ll enjoy personalised teaching, individual support and plenty of opportunities to engage with your tutors and peers.

Where will this course take me?

The Level 5 HND in Computing for England (Cyber Security) provides a strong foundation in computing and cyber security, opening up a range of exciting opportunities for your future. Many students choose to "top-up" their HND to a full bachelor's degree.

After completing your HND, you could:

• Enter employment in areas such as cyber security, network engineering, data analytics, software development, or applications testing
• Continue in your current IT role, enhancing your skills and prospects
• Pursue further professional development or industry certifications
• Progress to university, studying for a related degree such as BSc (Hons) Computing, BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing, or BSc (Hons) in Business and Computing

Core modules

Higher National Certificate (Level 4)

Mandatory Modules:

Programming

Networking

Professional Practice

Database Design & Development

Security

Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set)

Cybersecurity

Optional Modules:

Website Design & Development

 

Higher National Diploma (Level 5)

Mandatory Modules:

Computing Research Project

Business Process Support

Applied Cryptography in the Cloud

Forensics

Information Security Management

How much does it cost?

£6185

You may be eligible to a student loan to cover your fees and maintenance. This loan is available from the Government via Student Finance England. The https://www.gov.uk/studentfinancesteps website has full details and you can use their calculator to see what help you may be entitled to. 

If you have any questions our Admissions Advisers are on hand to offer financial advice and guidance. Please email  or call 01279 868100.

Will I have to provide anything?

Strongly recommend a Windows based home PC, or laptop with at least 8GB RAM, 256Gb hard drive and an i5 or Ryzen 5 processor.