Activate Learning has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking), accredited by Pearson, will provide you with the core skills required for a range of careers in digital technologies and develop your understanding of the major impact that digital technologies have on the business environment. The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing students to study specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. Employer demand for digital technology skills and knowledge is increasing, and non-digital technology companies are becoming more reliant on digital technology specialists as business requirements evolve. Skills shortages in key areas of the digital economy mean there are many different IT careers available for people with the relevant qualifications and experience. Key growth areas within the IT and computing industry include social and digital media, data protection, cyber security, website development and cloud/mobile technologies. The south-east of England is home to many global IT companies, so you will be well placed for job opportunities and career prospects. This course is delivered on campus (face-to-face) at our Reading College and University Centre.
Modules
Please note that as programmes are reviewed regularly, the module list may vary: Professional Practice in the Digital Economy (15 credits) Innovation and Digital Transformation (15 credits) Cyber Security (15 credits) Programming (15 credits) Big Data and Visualisation (15 credits) Networking in the Cloud (15 credits) Security (15 credits) Networking (15 credits)
Assessment method
You will be assessed through a mixture of written assignments, group assessment, peer assessment, portfolio assessment and practice-related coursework. You will also be supported with a wide range of learning resources made available via Activate Learning’s Online Learning Environment (ALO), including access to textbooks, articles and multimedia content.
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- IT03
- Institution code:
- O25
- Campus name:
- Reading College
- Campus code:
- D
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - C
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | Reading and writing must be at 5.5 minimum |
| PTE Academic | 51 |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please note: Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years for new students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
There are a variety of funding options available to help finance your studies. If you are a UK (Home) student, you don’t have to pay your tuition fees up front; the government provides loans to cover your full tuition fee. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan to help cover living costs. Alternatively, your fees may be paid by your employer, or we could arrange a payment schedule if you are paying your own fees.
Students are advised that they will need access to a laptop or PC. We recommend that you budget £100 a year additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists from our Learning Resource Centres either physically on campus or in the majority of cases, online. If you choose to purchase textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.
Provider information
Reading College
Kings Road
Reading
RG1 4HJ