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Bradford College

Higher National Level 4 Flex – IT Security

  Qualification Gained: Generic award - no awarding body Non regulated provision, Level 4, ICT for Users

  Study LevelLevel 4     Course TypeHigher Education   Duration12 Weeks   Start DateSeptember 2025   Study ModePart-time   LocationDavid Hockney Building  

Overview

Curious about how software gets built—and how to make sure it’s secure from the start? This short course is a great introduction to the real-world decisions developers and security professionals face throughout the software development process. Delivered through a mix of in-person and online sessions, it’s designed to fit around your schedule while giving you practical, hands-on experience.

You’ll dive into different software development lifecycle (SDLC) models—like Agile, Waterfall, and DevOps—and learn how to choose the right one depending on the project. More importantly, you’ll see how security can (and should) be built into each stage of development.

Through a practical project, you’ll apply what you’ve learned by planning and managing your own software development process using the tools and techniques that are standard in the industry. Along the way, you’ll build up key transferable skills like critical thinking, analysis, and effective communication—all of which are vital whether you’re heading into a cybersecurity role or continuing your studies.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand how development and security go hand-in-hand, and you’ll feel confident working with modern methodologies in a real-world IT environment.

Key Info

This programme is a short course, delivered as part of a longer programme of a longer HNC or can be completed as a standalone module.  It is delivered through blended learning which means a combination of face to face and online delivery sessions.  Here’s what you’ll cover: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Get to know the core principles of cybersecurity—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts individuals, businesses, and governments. You’ll explore key concepts like confidentiality, integrity, and availability (the CIA triad), as well as basic legal and ethical issues. Threats and Vulnerabilities Learn how to identify and assess common cyber threats such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and insider threats. You’ll also explore system vulnerabilities—how they’re exploited, and how to reduce the risks they pose. Security Measures and Protocols Discover how to defend networks and systems using industry-standard tools and practices. You’ll explore topics like firewalls, encryption, access control, and secure communication protocols. Plus, you’ll gain an understanding of how these measures fit into a wider security strategy. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to recognize security risks, understand how attacks happen, and apply practical methods to help protect against them—making you a valuable asset in any IT team.
  • Fundamentals of cybersecurity
  • Threats and vulnerabilities
  • Security measures and protocols

The assessment will range between written assignments, group work, and individual and group presentations.

Each module is worth 15 credits. If you successfully complete one, two or three modules, you will receive a Certificate of Unit Credit (CoUC) upon completion of the individual units.  If you finish 8 units, you will awarded a HNC.  You can progress onto other units, and then onto a HNC or HND.

This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]

Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.

Bradford College https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2287651201-scaled.jpg Computer,Computers,Computing,Digital,IT,Programming

This course is delivered in partnership with

CompTIA

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