HNC Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking Pathway)

Name: HNC Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking Pathway)
Price: 20256500 £

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

The Pearson HNC Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking Pathway) helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers. The programme also forms the first part of the HTQ Leadership and Management and once you have successfully completed it you will be able to progress on to the HND (TopUp) in Digital Technologies to obtain the full HTQ.

If you’re only applying to Activate Learning, use the Apply Direct button below. If you’re also applying to other institutions, use Apply via UCAS.
For further advice, see How to Apply for a Higher Education Course or contact us via our Contact Us page

Apply – Sept 2026 – Online Apply – Sep 2026 – Reading Apply via UCAS Apply – Jan 2027 – Online

Awarding
body

Online – Course Details

Study Mode

Online Full Time

Start

21/09/26

18/01/27

End

20/8/27

17/12/27

Day of week

Wednesday or Thursday

Duration

1 Year

Guided Learning Hours

480 hours per year

Self Study Hours

480 hours per year

Fees

£6,000 per year
Home/EU students.
International students not accepted.

Reading College – Course Details

Study Mode

Full Time

Start

08/09/26

End

16/06/27

Day of week

Wednesday

Duration

1 Year

Contact Hours

480 hours per year

Self Study Hours

480 hours per year

Fees

£6,500 per year
Home/EU students.
International students not accepted.

The Pearson HNC Digital Technologies (Cyber Security and Cloud Networking Pathway) helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers. The programme also forms the first part of the HTQ Leadership and Management and once you have successfully completed it you will be able to progress on to the HND (TopUp) in Digital Technologies to obtain the full HTQ. HTQs are qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Foundation Degrees, and are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours sought after by employers.

The Level 4 units lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing you to study specialist subjects at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. You will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for a competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace.

You will study eight units in total:

- Professional Practice in the Digital Economy will provide you with a foundation for good practice in a variety of contexts and an opportunity for you to examine the evolution and impact of digital technologies on work environments.
- Innovation & Digital Transformation will look at a number of tools and techniques that organisations use to transform and become more innovative in their approach. These include frameworks and related elements such as operational agility, culture, leadership, customer experience, and integration of digital technology.

Cyber Security designed to develop your knowledge and understanding in relation to cyberthreats and vulnerabilities, cyber defence techniques and incident response. You will explore fundamental principles as well as leading-edge concepts, terminologies, models and hardening methods. You will assess the types of malicious activity and potential targets, and the role everyone has in maintaining cyber resilience.
Programming introduces you to the core concepts of programming, along with an introduction to algorithms and the characteristics of programming paradigm.
Big Data & Visualisation introduces you to the concepts of big data and visualisation and how this is used for decision making. You will explore the industry software solutions available for investigating and presenting data, before assessing the role and responsibility of data specialists in the current environment.
Networking in the Cloud will give you a wider background knowledge of cloud networking principles, operational principles, protocols, standards, security considerations and the systems associated with a range of networking technologies. It will give you the underpinning knowledge of the principles of networks and supports a range of other units in the qualification.
Security will provide knowledge of security, the associated risks and how it has an impact on business continuity. You will examine security measures involving access authorisation and regulation of use.
Networking will give you a wider background knowledge of computer networking essentials, how they operate, protocols, standards, security considerations and the prototypes associated with a range of networking technologies. You will explore a range of hardware, with related software, and will configure and install these to gain knowledge of networking systems.

The HNC will also help you develop your academic writing and research skills providing you with the opportunity develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.

We consider every application individually as part of our commitment to widening access for learners who may not meet traditional academic entry criteria.

Typical UCAS Tariff

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to check how your qualifications translate into tariff points.

Normally, entry requires a minimum of 48 UCAS points from your Level 3 qualifications comprised of either:

a BTEC Level 3 qualification such as an Extended Diploma in Computing, Business, or Creative Digital Media Production.
a GCE A Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject, or satisfactory performance across more than one A Level.
other related Level 3 qualification.
an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject.
a T Level in a related subject, at Pass or above, or
an international equivalent to the above qualifications.

In addition, you should have one of the following:

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above.
Equivalent qualifications, such as Functional Skills Level 2, may also be accepted.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their level of English is sufficient for study—normally equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5.

We also accept other recognised English language tests and qualifications that meet the minimum requirements of your course.

Activate Learning is not currently accepting international applicants.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.

If you do not meet the formal entry requirements above but have relevant work experience, training, or alternative qualifications, you may still be eligible to apply through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

This process allows us to recognise the learning you have gained through professional practice, previous study, or other experiences when we assess your RPL application.

If you need any further advice or guidance, please see our How to Apply for a Higher Education Course, or send an enquiry through our Contact Us page.

Admissions Information

Our Admissions Policy outlines our commitment and responsibilities to applicants, while the Admissions Procedure for Higher Education explains the application and enrolment process.

All applicants are also encouraged to read our Higher Education Terms and Conditions, which provide important information and reference the relevant policies and procedures that apply to applicants and enrolled students. These can be found at the bottom of our Higher Education Policies page.