Course summary

University Campus Doncaster’s Cyber Security Pathway is part of the Institute of Technology, and you will be awarded a BTEC Higher National Certificate. This employer-led programme equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills to protect and secure digital systems. This pathway is ideal for those who aspire to become professionals at the frontline of defending organisations from cyber threats. Why Choose This Cyber Pathway? Cyber security continues to be one of the most in-demand and rapidly evolving sectors in digital technology, with threats increasing in both complexity and frequency. This pathway blends theory with hands-on experience, giving you a comprehensive understanding of cybercrime, vulnerabilities, threat actors, and incident response. You'll explore core concepts such as network security, applied cryptography, and information security management, all grounded in real-world scenarios to build confidence and career-readiness. What You’ll Learn As part of this Pearson-certified pathway, you will dive into topics including risk assessment, ethical hacking, and security testing techniques. You'll investigate cyber threats and hazard landscapes, explore how to secure cloud-based environments, and evaluate the effectiveness of security protocols. Our teaching staff, who bring industry experience and academic expertise, will guide you through practical labs and simulated security breaches to prepare you for the workplace. You’ll also work collaboratively with peers and mentors to analyse threats, plan responses, and secure data infrastructures. Your Career Future: The Cyber Security Pathway sets you up for a dynamic range of careers in the public and private sectors, including: Cyber Security Analyst Security Operations Centre (SOC) Technician Risk Analyst Incident Response Specialist Information Security Manager As cyber threats evolve, the demand for skilled cyber professionals continues to grow and this course places you in a strong position to join this fast-moving field. Should You Join Us? Whether you're a recent Level 3 graduate or a professional looking to reskill or upskill, this programme offers a career-focused, flexible learning experience. You’ll gain access to industry-standard tools and our new sandbox environment designed for you to practice your ethical hacking skills. Completing this HNC gives you a strong foundation to continue to the HND, degree-level study, or move directly into the cyber security industry.

This Higher Technical Qualification is approved against occupational standards decided by employers. Learn more about Higher Technical Qualifications.