FdSc Cyber Security

Standard Entry requirements for Full Time Students The following admissions criteria will normally apply at level 4:

• Students applying for this programme will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject with a minimum of?48 UCAS points (A level, BTEC).
• Programmes will require 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above.
• Students are normally also required to have at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).

Non-Standard Entry Requirements for Full Time Mature students Non-traditional or mature students (aged at least 21 by 31st December of the year of admission) who do not meet the standard entry criteria will be considered on an individual basis as an ‘admissions decision’. The decision on admission will be based on assessment of the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the programme. Applicants will be judged using the following criteria:

• Evidence of ability for self-organisation.
• Evidence of ability to work independently.
• The motivation to learn.
• Interest in the subject area.
• Evidence of ability to work with others.
• Programme will prefer 4 GCSEs at A*- C or 4 or above, including maths and English or to have demonstrated ability in maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).
• Given the wide experience of potential applicants to this programme, applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) are welcomed in accordance with the College Academic Regulations for the awards of Foundation Degree. However, these must be discussed as part of the admissions process as once a student is registered to a programme RPL/RPEL may not be considered for approval.

This is normally evidenced through a personal statement and/or supporting references and an interview. Background knowledge and skills in relevant industry setting is also considered as evidence of non-certified learning. This is normally demonstrated by at least two years’ full-time work in a relevant organisation.

International Applicants Applicants at level 4 who do not have English as their first language will be required to prove their English Language abilities by taking an IELTS for UKVI test taken at an approved UK Visa and Immigration test centre. Applicants will be required to have a minimum overall score of 5.5 with no component (speaking, reading, writing, and listening) less than 5.0.

Widening Access and Participation At NCD we look beyond the grades that students achieve or are predicted to achieve. If students have experienced barriers that might make it more challenging for them to achieve the standard entry requirements, then this will be taken into consideration.
Every effort is made to meet any additional support needs of students who have experienced barriers to learning.

Part-time entry criteria: In addition to a student being required to satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements of the course, part-time students must be employed in a relevant computing related post which provides them with the opportunity to develop and complete the requirements of the following: • Personal Professional Development 1 • Innovation, Idea Generation and Enterprise • Work Related Learning; modules 1 and 2.

You will be required to contribute to trips and visits. We also recommend that students buy texts to support learning, a reading lists are provided in the module handbooks.

The process for interview is as follows:

• You will be interviewed by the curriculum team (international applicants via internet (e.g. MS Teams) – please bring all relevant qualifications and a printed copy of your personal statement.
• This is an opportunity for the curriculum team to learn about your motivation for the course and career aspirations - an opportunity for applicants to ask questions will be provided.
• A tour of the facilities will be available.

This programme incorporates industry standard qualifications within modules which aim to help prepare you for lifelong learning in the workplace. You will benefit from our growing employer links as we offer meaningful guest speaker presentations.

The integration of industry standard Cisco CCNA v7 1,2,3 and CCNA Security and Cyber Operations curriculum through our Cisco Network Academy provides value for money to all students and provides real employability skills.

The programme aims to meet the complex and organic needs of the computing and IT sector, by providing appropriately trained, qualified and skilled staff with the requisite knowledge, competence and understanding of cyber security threats and protective measures. Upon completion, you will be able to demonstrate innovative thinking, coupled with cognitive and intellectual competencies specific to cyber security roles; network and digital communications; security case development and design good practice; security technology; employment and cryptography; risk assessment and Governance.

Level 4

• Personal Professional Development 1 - will develop your skills to become successful in higher education and effective at work.
• Work Related Learning 1 - become confident in your understanding of current legal standards, regulations and ethical standards relevant to the computing and IT sector.
• Introduction to Networks - introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and computer networks. This module incorporates CCNA 1.
• Cyber Security Fundamentals - explore inherent asymmetric nature of cyber security threats.
• Switching, Routing and Wireless - introduces the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a small network. This module incorporates CCNA 2.
• Fundamentals of Security Programming - gain an awareness and understanding of the basic concepts of how computer programs operate.

• Work Related Learning 2 - investigate risk assessment methodologies, looking at vulnerabilities in organisation’s security management systems.
• Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation - introduces the architecture, components, and operations of routers and switches in a large and complex network. This module incorporates CCNA 3.
• Concepts and Future Trends - you will critically evaluate a range of sources used to conduct ‘horizon scanning’.
• CyberOps - Cisco CCNA Cybersecurity Operations v1.1 (CyberOps) will provide you with content to develop practical, relevant, and job-ready knowledge and skills required of cybersecurity analysts employed in a Security Operations Centre (SOC). You will learn how to detect and respond to security threats using the latest technology.
• Security Technology and Applied Cryptography - examine the strengths and weaknesses of a range of hardware, such as firewalls, examining their function, how they operate and protect systems and how they can be exploited.

• Tuesday – Wednesday 9am - 5pm (Level 4)
• Thursday – Friday - 9am - 5pm (Level 5)

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

We are fully committed to making sure you get the very best out of your time with us. You will engage in the following: [[[Lectures - for the introduction of relevant theories/knowledge of the individual topic areas within a subject. ~ Workshops/seminars - for developing an understanding of the theories from the lectures through the use of case studies, role-plays and exercises. Please note that each of the Cisco (CCNA) modules have online exams. ~ Academic tutorials - to develop study/academic skills, for example, research/information gathering. The development of these study/academic skills will assist in your learning throughout the programme. A range of assessment methods are used across both Level 4 and Level 5, including: Reports ~ Case studies ~ Time constrained tests ~ Reflective journals ~ Presentations ~ Work related projects ~ Assessment of practical skills, Assignment ~ Preparation of portfolios of evidence.]]]

The departments industrial links have included Karbon Housing, Amplience, BT, Durham City Council, Durham Constabulary, NHS, NVIDIA, Leighton Group, Sage to name a few. We have worked closely with them on many projects over the years, including student placements and technical support events for people in the local community.

If you do not hold GCSE or Level 2 maths and English, you will work towards Level 2 or equivalent in maths and English Language alongside the main study programme (or a minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants).

A work placement is a fundamental expectation of this foundation degree programme. You will be expected to source work experience which provides you with an opportunity to stretch your knowledge, understanding and practical skills beyond what you have learned in your modules. This will be a great opportunity for you to demonstrate your positive attitude, ability to use initiative and independent learning skills to future employers. Should you be unable to source a suitable placement, backed up with suitable evidence to prove the fact, a simulated real life work placement scenario will be provided.

You could progress to study BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (Top-up) at New College Durham, or gain employment in a cyber security role.