Computing
Cyber Security HND (BEng(Hons) Cyber Security and Forensics
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This is a 3 year Associate Degree course with Napier University. Students on this course enjoy dual enrolment with both institutions and the benefits of being a member of both.
This course offers the opportunity to go on placement in year 3. Previous students have been to ADARMA security, Quorum and other companies.
This Cyber Security course will teach you essential knowledge in cybersecurity and securing technology infrastructure against cybercrime. During this course, you will learn fundamental skills that underpin the technology we use today, such as computer programs, websites, computer networks and databases. Edinburgh College has strong industry connections with Edinburgh-based digital companies. These companies can provide expert advice, guidance and placement opportunities.
This course will teach you advanced learning on how to secure computer systems through forensic analysis to find traces of attacks or infrastructure vulnerabilities that could be exploited. You will explore common ways in which attackers perform hacks through a variety of real case studies and hands-on workshops in Edinburgh College's state-of-the-art computer labs. This course will give you the skills and entry requirements needed to progress into the year 3 university level of study or into employment in the cybersecurity sector.
Edinburgh College’s computing department and computing students consistently win competitions both nationally and internationally. This course is highly regarded and recognised in the industry and sought after by employers.
The course curriculum is aligned to a variety of industry-recognised vendor qualifications and can help you gain the knowledge to prepare to sit those certifications. Such as CISCO Cyber Essentials; CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security, Palo Alto
What you will learn
- Computer Networking Concepts
- Setting up, Maintaining and Securing Computer Networks
- Basic Computer Programming
- Digital Forensics,
- Ethical Hacking
- Data Security
- Linux
- SQL
- Penetration Testing
- Firewall
Placement information
- This course offers the opportunity to go on placement in year 3
How the course is assessed
- The course is mainly assessed your practical skills
- There will be some end-of-unit tests
- There will be a final graded exam for year 1
- A graded dissertation-style project in year 2
Number of days per week
- 1aproximately 18 hours per week, which we try to timetable into 3 days.
However, this is a very demanding course and there is a proportion of self-study required.
It is recommended that you can commit at least 4.5 days per week to studying for this course and assignments and projects will be set for you to complete in your own time.
Entry requirements
- For school leavers: Three Highers, including a B Pass in Mathematics, Computing or Science and two other C Passes.
- For college students: A SCQF Level 6 Computing qualification in Cyber or Networking.
For everyone else: All enquiries are welcome regardless of qualifications. Edinburgh College computing staff can assess where you can start or progress in your computing career and find the right course for you.
If you have not studied a CISCO networking course before then it is recommended that you join NPA Cyber Security and Networking Essentials class first to gain the underpinning knowledge and skills.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- At an interview, you will be asked to take part in a Skills and Experience screening exercise this will be online.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0 and Ideally no component below 5Progression and Articulation Routes
- 3rd-year entry to Napier University BEng Cyber Security and Forensics
- Other universities and courses at year 1 or 2.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
