HNCCyber Security Technologist
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Why study a Cyber Security Technologist HNC at Solent University
Gain the knowledge and professional skills required of a Cyber Security Technologist (Cyber Security Engineer) on this two year HNC programme.
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- 0thin the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
- You’ll be taught in small class-based sessions.
- Study in our high-tech computer networking labs with industry-standard facilities including Cisco routers and switches, and software including Kali Linux, Metasploit and a wide range of tools capable of foot printing, reconnaissance and scanning.
- You will be studying in the South East which continues to dominate the tech industry, alongside London (BDO UK, Nov 2022).
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Cyber Security is a key issue across all aspects of our lives. From developing fingerprint and facial recognition technologies for our smartphones, through to preserving the national security of our country, the role of the cyber security technologist has never been more significant or important.
You’ll study areas including cyber security standards, network applications, problem solving through programming and routing and switching – all taught by a dedicated and experienced course team.
At Solent we place great value in connecting you with the wider computing industry. You will encounter real case studies and be exposed to the ways that technologies and associated practices happen in real-life working contexts.  Further industry exposure will come in the form of talks and lectures from practitioners. Furthermore, you may also undertake industry visits to see how practice is applied in the context of a real working environment.
Upon successful completion you may choose to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree at Solent.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
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Higher Technical Qualification
Course features
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Who is this course for?
This course is open to a wide range of learners of all ages and backgrounds who are looking to make the steps to move into a career in cyber security technology.Â
What does this course lead to?
Cyber Security Technologists are found in all sectors and organisations that employ technology, for example Digital, Telecoms, Technology, Business Services, Defence, Government, Finance, Health, Retail, Critical National Infrastructure, Transport, Automotive sectors; and in all types and sizes of organisation including large corporates, public sector bodies, academic institutions, charities, and small and medium enterprise (SME).
Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, IT Security Technician, Embedded Engineer.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
The course makes use of Solent’s excellent EC Council certified security and specialist networking labs, which feature a wide variety of real-world equipment from Cisco (including Cisco Packet Tracer), Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems including the market-leading Opnet. You’ll also have access to our devices lab, a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of real mobile devices, allowing students to test their web sites and apps on real equipment.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Cyber Security Essentials
In this module you will be introduced to the importance of cyber security. Studying concepts including; basic security theory and security assistance, the basic techniques for application of security concepts; and the role of ethical hackers.
Cyber Security Standards
On this module you will be introduced to the importance of Cyber Security along with the concepts of basic security assurance. We will address the standards that organisations are expected to adhere to in establishing Cyber Security compliance. It will look at the policies and procedures that organisations must establish to ensure that their IT infrastructure is secured from all threats.
Introduction to Networks and Security
In this module you’ll explore networks by using a network simulator to learn what devices and connections are used. These will then be applied to various principles of networking, protocols and associated technologies.
Network Applications
This module investigates the function and management of operating systems and the services that run on networks to facilitate this communication between systems.
Problem Solving though Programming
This module will introduce you to software implementation through the process of understanding how to solve problems using programming.
Routing and Switching
To prepare for the network transition towards controller based activities, this module will prepare you with the knowledge of foundational technologies, ensuring you stay relevant with skill sets.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You will be assessed by:
- Coursework
- Reports
- Group work
- Oral presentations
- Group presentations
- Online tests
- Portfolios
- Practical activities
- Project work
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in cyber security?
UK digital industries are now worth more than £150 billion (TechUK) and the cybersecurity market worldwide is projected to reach £140.80bn in 2024 (Statista).
With the internet and computer networking playing such a vital role in modern business, this course focuses on how to protect computer networks and data from hackers and cyber attacks, and equips you with a range of in-demand skills augmented with professional qualifications.
You could earn:
Cyber security analyst
Starting salary: £25,000 to £35,000
Experienced or senior analysts can expect to earn around £35,000 to in excess of £60,000. Salaries may vary depending on the type of organisation you work for and in which sector.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accredited by
Part of:
Higher Technical Qualification
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £8,500 per year
- International full-time fees: £12,875 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Compulsory costs
- An Edexcel registration fee will be payable in the first year: £185.20.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
16 points minimum at level 3 from either 6-unit or 3-unit awards
- Plus 4 GCSE/O Level grade C or above to include English and Maths
- or BTEC/Edexcel Advanced GNVQ or National Certificate Diploma in a Computing related discipline
- or relevant Access course
- or other qualifications which are considered to be equivalent of the above.
- Applications from mature students and non-standard applicants may also be considered.Â
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂHow to apply
Applications for part-time courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Alternative entry options
Applications are welcomed from students who do not have the academic qualifications listed above but may be admitted on the basis of relevant experience rather than standard qualifications.
Important note about progression routes:
Progression to a Pearson Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification is not automatically available after completion of this Higher National Certificate (HNC) course.
Solent’s HNC is awarded under a Trademark Licence and the final award from this course, although mapped closely to Pearson’s programmes, is not a Pearson BTEC Higher National award.
Candidates wishing to progress onto a course at another provider may need to complete additional modules or check with the provider if acceptance to the progression course will be available with the HNC award. Many providers offer recognition of prior learning, but this will be on a case by case basis.
Students graduating from Solent do have progression routes at Solent University to degrees or to other professional qualifications.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
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- 1 year full-time
