City College Plymouth

Higher National Certificate in Applied Cyber Security

Institution code C83
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location City College Plymouth

We are a College with a national reputation for promoting enterprise, employability and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Study in a friendly, supportive higher education community with dedicated and enthusiastic lecturers delivering courses designed with employers, ensuring that you graduate with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CITY1142
    Applied Cryptography

    This module will develop the student's understanding and analytical skills of the cryptography algorithms and protocols and their applications. Students will learn how cryptographic algorithms are used in practical solutions.

    CITY1143
    Computer Systems and Operating Systems

    This module will help learners to understand the fundamental components used in modern computers. The module will provide an overview of different types of computer systems and identify various operating systems that are used in different environments. Learners will gain knowledge of how various operating systems and software manage the hardware, processes etc.

    CITY1146
    Systems Analysis

    Understanding the conceptual models of the software they create is necessary for software developers, and they must record this in both code and UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams. This module examines the modelling of an organisation using UML and the transition from the Business Model into the Cyber Security (Software) Model.

    CITY1147
    Threat Modelling and Intelligence

    This module will develop the student’s understanding of various threats in modern organisations and institutions. In addition, learners will develop the knowledge to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks. Also, students will identify and analyse the requirements needed to provide cybersecurity solutions for systems.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CITY1144
    Introduction to Software Engineering

    The object oriented programming paradigm requires a programmer to design and develop code by considering what objects may exist in some system, how these are related to each other and how these may interact with each other. It is a proven method for developing reliable modular programs and encourages reuse which shortens development time.

    CITY1145
    Security Fundamentals with Computer Networks

    This module will develop the student’s analytical ability and provide a foundation for computer security. Students will learn different computer systems and networking attacks and study the techniques and methods for designing secure computer systems and networked systems.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with City College Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact City College Plymouth to apply for this course:

City College Plymouth
Devonport
Plymouth
PL1 5QG

Tel: +441752305300
Email: info@cityplym.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with City College Plymouth

Just one-and-a-half miles from the University of Plymouth, we’re one of the largest colleges in the South West, with two main sites linked by shuttle buses, with a dynamic Students’ Union and Student Liaison Team.
Plymouth students working on a group project