Cyber Security and Networks

Please apply via PS16. Any applications received by 31/1/25 are guaranteed an interview in February - April 2025, as long as minimum entry requirements are met. Offers are made after interview.

This course is Cambridge OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced National in Cyber Security and Networks (Extended Certificate) which is equivalent to one A Level. There will be two mandatory exam units studied - the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Fundamentals of Networks which can be taken in January or June with a duration of 1hr and 15 minutes. As part of the course, there will be three NEA’s which will be moderated externally – 1 mandatory NEA: Preventing Cyberattacks; and 2 Optional NEAs to be chosen from: Digital Forensic Investigation; Penetration testing and incident response; Implementing secure local area networks (LANs); and designing and communicating secure global computing systems.

A more detailed breakdown of the specification can be found by visiting www.ocr.org.uk and searching for Cambridge OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Cambridge Advanced National in Cyber Security and Networks (Extended Certificate) (H137)

This is an exciting course that has been designed for students who want to progress onto other related study, such as higher education courses in computer networks, computer networks and cyber security, computer science with cyber security, cyber security, cyber security and digital forensics, cyber security management, ethical hacking and cyber security.

The course fully equips you with valuable skills that apply to other areas of study and most areas of work such as meeting deadlines, project management and problem solving in a computing context. The course develops applied knowledge and skills in cyber security and network.

This qualification will help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed.

You will develop the following transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations:

• Critical thinking and problem solving. You will explore the options, tools and techniques to tackle problems and use critical thinking skills to select the most appropriate solution. You will assess/audit current practices and design solutions, checking the outcome to see if the problem has been resolved.

• Independent learning and research skills. You will spend time outside of lessons learning about the latest cyber security threats and the measures used to prevent cyber-attacks.

• Time management. It is important both in higher education and the digital technology (practitioners) sector that projects are delivered on time. You will learn techniques to effectively complete projects on time

The weightings of the Extended Certificate

Advanced level assessment:

Externally Assessed Exam units: (40% of the overall marks) 2 Written examinations of 1 hour 15 minutes

Non exam assessments: (60% of the overall marks) 1 Mandatory NEA and 2 Optional NEAs – internally and externally moderated

There are no requirements for students to achieve any specific qualification before taking this course. However, a grade 4 or above in English, Maths and an enthusiasm for the subject will ensure a successful completion of this course.

The Cambridge OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Cyber Security (Certificate) is for students aged 16-19 years old. It will develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study when taken alongside other qualifications and are relevant to the digital technology (practitioners) sector. You might be interested in this qualification if you want a small qualification that builds applied or practical skills, to take alongside and enhance your A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications. You will have the opportunity to apply what you learn to real-life contexts, such as:

• Assessing for risks to networks, devices and applications and creating risk assessments.

• Auditing the measures used to prevent cyberattacks.

• Designing policies that control access to systems and educate users in cyber-attack prevention

The course provides an excellent foundation for students who wants to develop the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed in this qualification will help you progress to further study in related areas such as:

• BSc (hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security

• BSc (hons) Cyber Security

• BSc (hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

• BSc (hons) Cyber Security Management.