This is a full-time programme which comprises of 8 modules studied over one year. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles for example, case studies, assessments, group work, practical work, projects, extended writing and interactive activities.

Mandatory Core Units:

· Programming.

· Networking.

· Professional Practice.

· Database Design & Development.

· Security.

· Planning a Computer Project.

Additional Unit:

· Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems

Specialist Mandatory Unit (Pathway-specific):

· Cyber Security

The program integrates theory and practical skills, preparing students to address real-world challenges in cyber security and equipping them to defend against ever-evolving threats.

Course Format: Full time, blended

Location: T1 Campus of Tameside College

Greater Manchester has a vital and growing IT and Digital industries sector with key developments such as Media City that are driving job creation. There are more opportunities than ever to become an I.T. professional and to develop an exciting and potentially prosperous career in I.T. and Computing. The field of I.T. and Computing are constantly evolving – new developments in I.T. infrastructure in retail, manufacturing, business systems and the web means that there will always be the demand for well qualified and experienced I.T. professionals. By undertaking the Pearson Higher National Certificate in Computing you can build a strong foundation of essential knowledge and hands-on practical skills to ensure that you are well positioned to enter or progress further in I.T. and Computing job roles specialising in Cyber Security.

The course is taught by expert teaching staff with a wide range of industrial experience. Learning in state-of-the-art rooms, learners will use industry standard hardware and software and have access to extensive VLE with resources and online submission. There is also a games design & development studio with VR technologies.

At Tameside College we recognise that your outcome from your programme should be finding that perfect job role or progressing on your career path, so we help you to become more employable as a result of undertaking this programme. Tameside College has links with a range of employers through links with Tameside Means Business.

Please see here for our Standard Entry Qualifications. Please note some of our technical qualifications have different requirements, please contact admissions for further information.

To enrol in this qualification, you typically need:

· A Level 3 qualification in Computing or related fields (e.g., a BTEC Extended Diploma).

· A GCE Advanced Level profile with relevant subjects such as IT, Computer Science, or Mathematics.

· GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

· 64 UCAS points or relevant industrial experience.

Candidates with equivalent qualifications or significant work experience in IT/Cyber Security may also apply as this will be taken into consideration.

To enrol in this qualification, you typically need:

· A Level 3 qualification in Computing or related fields (e.g., a BTEC Extended Diploma).

· A GCE Advanced Level profile with relevant subjects such as IT, Computer Science, or Mathematics.

· GCSE grades at A* to C (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

· 64 UCAS points or relevant industrial experience.

Candidates with equivalent qualifications or significant work experience in IT/Cyber Security may also apply as this will be taken into consideration.

Upon completing the Higher National Certificate in Computing for England (Cyber Security), you can:

Employment Opportunities:

· Cyber Security Analyst.

· Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester.

· Information Security Manager.

· Incident Response Specialist.

· Network Security Specialist.

Further Study:

· Progress to Higher National Diploma (HND) HTQ in Cyber Security.

Course Overview and Details:

Fees: £5,995 (fee per year)

Financial support could be available through Student Finance England. For further information regarding finance please refer to https://he.tameside.ac.uk/about/funding-your-he-course

Course Code: FH0008MQ/1

Duration: 1 Year

Start date: 09/09/2025

Teaching time: (Mon 9:00am-1:00pm & Thu 9:00am-5:00pm) (tbc)

Application Deadline: Please note the deadline for applying to this course is 1 week before the start date stated above.