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Overview
This is a two year full time course specialising in Cyber Security and Networking, which is equivalent to three A Levels. The Northern Ireland Skills Barometer July 2019 has indicated that there could a shortfall of up to 11,360 skilled IT workers in Northern Ireland by 2028. Globally, Cyber Security is one of the fastest growing areas in IT. The Northern Ireland government has set a target of 5,000 cyber security professionals in Northern Ireland by 2030.
This course is designed to build on your Cyber Security, Networking and Computing skills in a meaningful, industry led and practical vocational way and give you the necessary skills to develop and progress within your chosen career path.
You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our computing labs that are fully equipped with industry standard hardware and software. You will learn the cyber security skills needed to protect and monitor a network as well as ethical hacking and incident management skills. The units covered will include cyber security, computer networks, IT technical support, fundamentals of IT and computer systems hardware. Additionally, you will gain skills in: ethical hacking/penetration testing, securing networks, cyber security risk management and Cloud computing. You will also have an opportunity to sit Cisco Cyber Security Essentials, Cisco IT Essentials, Microsoft qualifications and other industrial qualifications. You will also be able to enter a college run Hackathon.
Key Areas of Study:
- Cyber Security
- Networking
- Computer Hardware & Software
- Technical Support & Troubleshooting
- Operating Systems
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Hackathons
Successful completion of this course gains you direct entry into our Foundation Degree in Cyber Security & Networking Infrastructure.
Download the Pre-Entry Advice presentation to find out detailed information about the course.
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
4 GCSEs at grade C or above
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for FE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Entry requirements can change and be discussed on an individual basis if necessary.
Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.
Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.
All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
Students are assessed using a range of different methods.
These includes exams, assignments, coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical assessments, role-play, and case studies.
This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course.
Careers
Following the completion of the extended diploma you may progress to the Foundation Degree in Cyber Security & Networking Infrastructure, HND courses and University Degree courses or employment within the IT industry.
Possible career prospects may include jobs such as:
Cyber Security/Network Engineer
Help to protect an organisation by employing a range of technologies and processes to prevent, detect and manage cyber threats. This can include protection of computers, data, networks and programmes.
Average Salary - £25,000 - £45,000
Interests
- Problem Solving
- Technology
- Design
- Computing
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