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 BuildingOverview
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
- 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.
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