To mark Cyber Scotland Week, the SQA has developed a short film with the College, in which staff and students explain why the Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Cyber Security holds such an appeal. 

The HNC is a one year course which sees students study topics including Social Engineering, Ethical Hacking, Data Security and Digital Forensics.

A number of the HNC students developed an interest in the subject whilst undertaking the National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security at school.

Students Cameron Wylie and Dylan Cunningham achieved the NPA Cyber Security as pupils at Clydeview Academy, and saw the HNC as a natural progression.

They are now keen to take their skills to the next level, and will be able to do so from August this year, with the introduction of the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Cyber Security.

Dylan says: “I decided to do the HNC in Cyber Security because I did the NPA at school and really enjoyed it. I would consider doing the HND next year because the HNC has been really fun and taking it to the higher level will make me stand out more to employers.”

Fellow student Cameron adds: “I’ve applied to do the HND Cyber Security and I’m going to go on to university afterwards. The pathway is very useful – the NPA helped lead me on to what I needed to know to do the HNC, and I’m sure the HNC will help me with my HND studies. I think the HND will link well with university, and then employment afterwards. “

Joe Harkins, a Lecturer in Cyber Security at West College Scotland, says SQA developed the HNC and HND to give students like Cameron and Dylan a clear pathway to a career in the sector.

He adds:

The HNC and HND were developed by people in various parts of the industry, and will equip students with the skills and knowledge to enter the workplace. Furthermore, the students will gain critical skills in Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking and Programming as well as learning about the importance of Professionalism and Ethics in the Cyber Security industry. It is a modern and flexible qualification that has been well received so far and we look forward to it growing in the months and years ahead.

Alistair Wylie, Head of Qualifications – Technology, Engineering, and Construction at SQA, says digital skills are increasingly valued by employers.

He says: “By expanding our suite of cyber security qualifications, we are helping to address the well-publicised skills shortages within the sector.

“We are meeting our responsibilities to provide schools, colleges, employers and training providers – and thereby candidates at all levels – with the opportunities to succeed within this exciting and growing sector.”

For more information or to apply for a course in Cyber Security click here