BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing for England – Cyber Security (RQF) (HC4P3D)

Entry requirements for this course are as follows:

• GCSE English and Maths at grades C and above (or equivalent)
  
• A UCAS Tariff score of 48–64 from a full Level 3 qualification such as BTEC, A Levels, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma awarded by an approved institution in subjects like Maths, Physics, Engineering, Science, Computer Science, Electronic Systems, or related fields.
  
  Non-native English speakers who have not completed the final two years of schooling in English must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5, with Reading and Writing at 5.5.
  
  A wide range of European and international qualifications are accepted.
  
  Mature applicants with relevant industry experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing - Cyber Security, is designed to train tomorrow’s security professionals, combining fundamental concepts and principles with exposure to current technologies and solutions.

This two-year, part time programme is ideal for adults—both young and mature—who wish to reskill or upskill for a career in the Cyber Security sector. Students will gain a broad understanding of key computing-cyber security principles.

The course is enriched through strong employer engagement, most notably a close partnership with Cisco, through which all learners are enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy to gain access to industry recognised cyber security resources, labs, and certifications.

Students benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, including expert talks, employer led workshops, branded assignments, and visits to leading industry events.

A key highlight is attendance at major exhibitions such as Infosecurity Europe in London, giving learners direct exposure to cutting edge technologies, sector professionals, and real world cyber security challenges that significantly enhance their employability and professional awareness.

Learning is delivered through a structured blend of activities, including:

• 75% tutor led classroom teaching
  
• 20% work based learning
  
• 5% live online learning, guest speaker sessions, and optional field trips
  
  Students typically attend college for 7–8 hours per week, usually over one full day, across 32 weeks each academic year.
  
  Timetables are issued approximately one month before enrolment, and teaching may take place on any weekday.
  
  For independent study, students are expected to complete around 90 hours per 15 credit unit, which includes research, assignment preparation, online learning, and work based activities.

Assessment is continuous and coursework based, including:

• Written assignments
  
• Design and development projects
  
• Practical tasks and simulations
  
• Reports and logbooks
  
• Posters and presentations
  
• Time constrained tests.
  
  Each unit is graded as: Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on

• Assessment and grading
  
• College rules and resources
  
• Student support and representation.
  
  Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.
  
  For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2024-25 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HRUC (and HCUC as we were known before Jan 2023) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.
  
  For further information, please contact our Information, Advice and Guidance team on: 01895 853333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The HNC provides skills relevant to a wide range of computing roles. Previous graduates have secured employment as:

• Computer Analysts
  
• IT Security Coordinator
  
• Ethical Hacker
  
• Fraud Analyst
  
• IT help desk
  
• Junior Network Engineer.

Students can build on and continue their studies to Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing - Cyber Security.

The Level 5 course allows students to specialise by committing to specific career paths and progression routes to degree-level study. On successful completion of the Level 5, students can develop their careers through:

• Entering employment
  
• Continuing existing employment
  
• Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates
  
• Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  
• Progressing to university.
  
  The BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing - Cyber Security is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant computing-related courses. Details of entry requirements for BTEC Higher National graduates into degree programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally can be found on the Degree Course Finder website (http://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com/) and UCAS.com

Home student fee: £3500

The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.

Fees will be no higher than those published, subject to an Access and Participation Plan being approved by the Office for Students.

Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.

For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College please contact the Careers Team on 01895 853333.

If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students.

To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit

OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.