Course Overview

Combining three of the most sought-after streams of computing, this course capitalizes on the rising awareness of the importance of network security. It is a valuable foundation for a successful and well-paid career. Two years of general computing studies will lead you to the specialty areas of security and forensics, software development, and computer networks. After four years, you’ll have the expertise to create and analyze effective and secure computer systems. In the computing career market, the demand for security engineers is increasing. As a graduate, you’ll have the wide range of skills and the specialized data security expertise needed to move into various roles.

General Eligibility

Our entry requirements indicate standard and Minimum qualifications with which we usually accept students.

Minimum year 1

SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirement

ABBB to include a Science*.

National 5 grade C in Maths, Lifeskills Maths OR Applications of Maths and English.

Minimum Offer Entry Requirement

BBCC to have a Science* at grade B.

National 5 grade C in Maths, Lifeskills Maths OR Applications of Maths and English.

A Level

BBC to have a Science*.

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and English.

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2, H2, H2, H3 at Higher Level to include a Science* and grade O4 in Ordinary Level Maths and English.

Scottish HNC

HNC with C in the graded unit in one of the following: Computing, Computer Networking, Computer Networking, Internet Technology, and Cyber Security.

Unrelated HNC/HNDs can be considered if the applicant has a National 5 C in English and Maths.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and English.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level

Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) and A Level grade C

GCSE grade C/4 in English and Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Award of Diploma with 29 points overall with three HL subjects in grades 6, 5, and 5, including a Science* at grade 5.

Grade 4 in SL Maths and English.

European Baccalaureate

Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects, including Science*.

Grade 6 in Maths and English.

*Science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering Science, Information Technology, Software Systems Development, Digital Technology (NOT Digital Media), Psychology, Maths, or Physics.

T Levels

Merit - T Level  with additional A Level: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering Science, Information Technology, Information & Communication Technology, Software Systems Development, Digital Technology, Psychology, Maths, Physics, or any qualification with Science in title grade B 

GCSE Maths and English grade C/4

Minimum year 2

HNC

HNC - Pass in Cyber Security, Computing, Computer Networking, or Computer Networking & Internet Technology with A in the graded unit.

SQA Advanced Higher

BBC to include a Science* at Higher.

A Level

BBB to include a Science*.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

*Science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering Science, Information Technology, Software Systems Development, Digital Technology (NOT Digital Media), Psychology, Maths, or Physics.

Minimum year 3

HND

HND - Pass in Networking, Cyber Security, Computing: Networking, Computer Networking & Internet Technology with Grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded units to include the Forensics Fundamentals module. 

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

Language Requirement

• IELTS (Academic)

  6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

  TOEFL Internet-Based Test

  80 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing

  Pearson’s Test of Academic English

  56 overall, with a minimum of 51 in each component

  Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))

  169 overall, with a minimum of 162 in each component

  Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)

  ISE III, ISE III, & ISE IV with a pass in each component

  LanguageCert English language qualification

  B2 Communicator Test with an overall 39 or above and 25 or above in all skills