Provided by The School of Information Risk Management

About the course

Information security is widely recognised as an international priority, with hacking, malicious code, and data theft being just three of the many reasons why it's vital in the design, development and implementation of today’s IT systems. This course delivers a view of security threats and solutions, alongside an essential background in wider IT topics. This is particularly important considering the current shortage of related skills in the marketplace.

Students will enhance knowledge of a variety of computing disciplines, including analysis and design, programming, networking and information systems. The qualification will focus on the design, configuration, management and support of all types of computer networks, distributed applications based on risk assessments.

The Level 4 Diploma in Information Security and Assurance will develop students’ intellectual and practical skills and will promote the development of students’ ability to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information security principles in a wide range of appropriate contexts.

The two core features of this qualification are:

1. The development of students’ lifelong learning skills including self-evaluation and reflection with the aim of placing students in the best position to make informed decisions about their future professional career
2. The development of decision-making skills.

Transferable skills that are necessary for a career in information security are developed through engagement with real life and virtual security issues, enabling the study of key aspects of security and distributed applications. This is complemented by external guest speakers from industry.

This qualification is delivered by Sussex Coast College Hastings in Ilford and Sussex campuses.

Credits: 120 Credits - This qualification is equivalent to the 1st year of Bachelors Degree

Why Study this program:

There are three very good reasons for getting into cybersecurity:

1. There is a huge global skills gap in information and cyber security – you will get a job.

• The number of people looking for cybersecurity jobs in the UK is just 31.6% of the number of the jobs posted (source: Indeed.co.uk)
• The gap between available and qualified information and cybersecurity professionals and unfulfilled positions is predicted to reach 1.8 million by 2022 (source: Frost & Sullivan report)

1. The salaries are great; the average salary is £60,000 with many people earning much more (source: glassdoor.co.uk)
2. If you enjoy IT, then you will love the challenges that information and cyber security offers

Awarding Body: Awards for Training and Higher Education (ATHE)

Loan Facility: 

Students can take out an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for the course which is payable when they have completed the course and are earning at least £25,000 per annum.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

Eligibility criteria:

• Aged 19 or over
• Undertaking a Level 3, 4, 5, 6 qualification
• Resident in the UK/EU for the last 3 years or more
• Must be living in England

More information: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility

ISACA:

The top 10 students will be given free lifetime student membership to ISACA and free training (either CISA or CISM). ISACA is an international membership body for cybersecurity professionals offering a centralized source of information and guidance and provides education, advocacy, professional networking and other benefits through conferences, events and materials. The Skills for the Information Age framework [SFIA] for UK IT professionals (www.sfia-online.org/en) recognizes ISACA skills.

Documents Required for Admission:

• Completed admission application form, available at: http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/documents/course-guidea/part-time-application-form/ or visit our campus to obtain one
• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Previous education certificates and documents copies
• Statement of purpose (explaining why you wish to study this programme and how this course will help you in the future)
• Course fee (if self-funding)
• Interview with the course leader and admission team to discuss your intention to study this programme

How to Apply:

Complete the application form online at http://www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/documents/course-guidea/part-time-application-form/

For further information contact our International Office by email at intloffice@sirm.ac.uk or call 020 7078 7029.