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SCHOOL’S NPA CYBER AND SOFTWARE LEVEL 6 (TUE & THU)

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Schools Course

SCHOOL’S NPA CYBER AND SOFTWARE LEVEL 6 (TUE & THU)

This course will allow students to attain a double NPA in both Software Development and Cyber Security giving the key fundamentals and key for success in many of our Further Education Programmes.  

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

Start date – August 2026
End date –  June 2027
SCQF Level -  6
Mode –  Schools Course

Days: Tuesday and Thursday – Occasional Friday may be required

Time: 1.30pm - 4.15pm 
Duration: 1 year

This course will teach students how to protect individuals and businesses from becoming victims of cyber-crime and how to detect and investigate cyber intrusions.  

Students will learn the basics of cyber security from legislation to the hands on practical. This year long course will give a solid foundation in cyber security.  

Within the Software Development aspect of the course students will be introduced to core concepts from industry and skills in web development and software. This course will provide learners with programming skills allowing for employment as an entry level computer programmer.

  • What the course includes

    This course includes identifying security issues, analysing and tracing evidence of security breaches and knowing how to hack systems.  

    Students will learn all about identifying security issues and get the skills to protect against, and discover the identity of those who try to steal personal information. This course can lead to enhanced knowledge of cyber security and digital forensics, which in turn can improve skills or lead to employment or further study in the sector.  

    Students will be introduced to techniques that are important in the IT sector such as Computing Applications Development, Computing: Authoring a Website, and Software Design and Development.  

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Why choose this course

This course will allow you to work towards two NPA qualifications whilst building on key concepts from computer Science that will allow you entry into our HNC programmes. 

Entry requirements

  • Two National 5 qualifications pass-  English and either Maths or a Science based subject.  
  • An interest in computer science.

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course. 

  • Social Services Level 7

    Where it will lead

    Education:  

    • HNC Cyber Security, HNC Computing 
    • Modern Apprenticeships  
    • Entry level programmer  
    • Software developer  
    • Software engineer  
    • Enhanced employment opportunities 

Interview arrangements

A face-to-face interview will be conducted by the course tutor- it will last around 30 to 60 minutes. It will include practical/theoretical aptitude testing.

Interview Questions

General Motivation & Background 

  • What made you choose this course? 
  • What do you hope to achieve by the end of this course? 
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for someone working in Computing?

Skills & Learning Preferences 

  • How do you prefer to learn – hands-on, visual, written, or a mix? 
  • What subjects or skills do you feel most confident in? 

Reflection & Commitment 

  • What are you most looking forward to on this course? 
  • What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you? 
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Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.