Duration
2 Years
Course may be subject to change.
This two-year Level 3 T Level is designed for students who want to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed for a career in cyber security and the wider digital sector.
You will study core topics including problem-solving, digital support, data, legislation and regulatory requirements, business context, emerging technologies, digital environments and security. You will then develop specialist cyber security skills, learning how organisations protect their systems, networks and data from potential threats.
Through practical activities and realistic industry scenarios, you will identify cyber threats, vulnerabilities and risks, apply appropriate security controls and carry out security risk assessments. You will also explore areas including computer forensics, access control, penetration testing, incident response, security policies, compliance, data back-up and recovery, and how to recommend improvements to an organisation’s cyber security.
The programme combines classroom teaching, independent study, practical technical activities and a substantial industry placement of at least 315 hours. Assessment includes two written examinations, an employer-set project and an externally set Cyber Security occupational specialism project, all of which are externally marked by Pearson.
On successful completion, you could progress directly into employment, undertake a higher or degree apprenticeship, or continue into higher education. Potential career routes include cyber security technician, digital support technician, infrastructure technician and IT solutions technician.
Entry Criteria
You will hold five GCSEs at grade 5, including maths, English and science, or a digital subject.
You will need to be able to commit to an industry placement of at least 45 days.
Additional Costs
We ask all students to contribute £30 to trips and visits annually; this is payable in September.
You will also need to attend college equipped with a notepad, pencil case, pens, calculator, pencils, ruler, etc.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a member of the team where you will be given details of the courses available and see the classrooms in which you will study. You will be asked a series of questions so we can find out more about you and your career aspirations. Your parent/guardian is welcome to attend the meeting with you. Please bring your predicted grades, school attendance record and at least one reference from a teacher or the contact details of your teacher.
Study Aims
The course is designed for post-16 students and is an ideal qualification if you are intending to progress directly to employment within the digital industry, to a digital apprenticeship or to higher education.
Modules Studied
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching will be a variety of classroom based, self-study and workplace learning activities. Assessment is both formative and summative.
Formative assessment of learning will be through a range of methods including peer assessment, self-assessment and tutor assessment and aims to support your learning in preparation for summative assessment.
Summative assessment is undertaken through synoptic projects, an employer-set project and exams and is conducted by the awarding body.
Your Industry placement is assessed through your performance in the workplace by your work-based supervisor and your tutor.
Industry Links
The computing and IT curriculum area enjoys extensive links to industry, including:
- Durham County Council
- Leighton
- Waterstones
- CA Group
- Nissan
- And many more.
Our employers work with us to support curriculum design, live projects, work placements, guest speaking, educational trips and visits and competitions.
All of these activities help to enhance the teaching and learning experience and ensure relevance to curriculum content helping ensure our students gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected in the digital sector.
Placement
You will undertake a minimum of 315 hours of work placement in industry.
You will always perform to the best of your ability and conduct yourself in a professional manner as if an employee of your placement organisation.
You will achieve the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support and Security, specialising in Cyber Security. On successful completion, you could progress directly into employment, continue to a higher apprenticeship or study a relevant university-level qualification.
You could progress to the following relevant courses at New College Durham:
- FdSc Cyber Security with Networking, followed by the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (Top Up)
- Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship Cyber Security Technologist, with potential progression to the BSc (Hons) Digital Technology Solutions (Degree Apprenticeship) (Top Up)
Please note that progression to a higher apprenticeship is subject to securing suitable employment with an employer that can support the apprenticeship.
You could progress into entry-level employment in roles such as:
- Cyber Security Technician
- Digital Support Technician
- Infrastructure Technician
- IT Solutions Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Service Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
- Junior IT Security Support Technician
Career opportunities will depend on the requirements of individual employers, your experience and the technical skills you demonstrate alongside the qualification.
