NPA Cyber Security SCQF Level 5

On successful completion, you will achieve:
Qualifications Scotland National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security at SCQF Level 5 (GK7X 45), comprising three mandatory units:

Data Security (H9E2 45)
Digital Forensics (H9J0 45)
Ethical Hacking (H9HY 45)

This course is designed to be practical, engaging and accessible, with a strong focus on applied skills:

Classroom and lab-based delivery with supervised practical activities, supported by online learning resources. The content is accessible to allow learners to upskill in their own time and progress with structured tasks to build knowledge before assessment. Learning will be hybrid, with learners attending sessions in person as timetabled. Learners will be expected to undertake around 120 hours of study both in college and at home or work.

Learning is very much hands-on, using realistic scenarios, case studies and controlled lab environments to help you build confidence with cyber tools and techniques.

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Entry is at the College's discretion, but this course is ideal for:

• Adult returners with an interest in IT, digital safety or a future career in cyber security.
• School pupils looking to broaden their Computing Science or digital skills.
• College students on related programmes who want to add a cyber-specialist qualification.

You don't need previous cyber security experience, but the following will be helpful:

• An interest in computing, IT or digital technologies.
• Prior study such as National 4/5 Computing Science, the Cyber Security Fundamentals unit at SCQF Level 4, or the Police Scotland Cyber Security Badge. (or equivalent experience)

Core skills roughly around:

• Communication at SCQF Level 4.
• ICT at SCQF Level 5.
• Problem Solving at SCQF Level 5.

If you're unsure whether this is the right level for you, we'll discuss your experience and support you into the most suitable pathway.

This NPA is designed as a stepping stone into further cyber and computing study and forms part of a clear progression route:

Further College Study.

• NC Computing with Digital Media (where these units are embedded and count towards your credits).
• Other NCs at SCQF Levels 5 or 6 in Computing and IT.

Higher Education. (with additional qualifications)

• HNC / HND Computing and related disciplines.
• Progression from HN to degree-level study in Computing, Cyber Security, Networking or Digital Forensics.

Other Pathways.

• Modern Apprenticeships in Information Security, IT Support or related digital roles at SCQF Levels 6 or 7.
• Further NPAs and units in networking, software development or digital skills to broaden your technical profile.

This qualification helps build the skills pipeline into the cyber security industry, supporting progression all the way from school/college into specialist roles in a recognised skills shortage area.

Applications will be reviewed by the delivery team to confirm suitability. A full, detailed personal statement is important at this stage, and applicants might be asked to take part in an informal interview.

While this NPA is mainly a feeder qualification into more advanced study, it gives you a strong foundation and a real head start for roles such as:

• Trainee / entry-level IT or Service Desk Support.
• Junior roles in network or systems administration. (with further training)
• Pathways into cyber security analyst, security operations (SOC) or digital forensics technician roles via HN or degree-level study.

Across the Scottish Borders and wider region, organisations of all sizes are increasingly reliant on safe and secure digital systems, including:

• Local councils, NHS and care providers.
• Tools, colleges and third-sector organisations.
• Small and medium-sized businesses in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, retail, finance and manufacturing.

As a result, there is growing demand for people with cyber awareness and digital resilience, not only in specialist IT posts but across many job roles. This course helps you stand out by showing employers you understand how to protect data, follow best practice and behave responsibly online.

You will complete three linked units that build a broad and engaging introduction to cyber security:

Data Security.

You'll explore how personal and corporate data is stored, shared and protected, and what happens when things go wrong. Topics may include:

• Types of personal and organisational data and why they are valuable.
• Common threats: phishing, malware, social engineering, weak passwords, data loss.
• Principles of confidentiality, integrity and availability. (CIA)
• Password and access control best practice.
• Encryption concepts and secure communication.
• Legal and ethical responsibilities around data. (e.g. privacy, data protection principles)
• Basic practical methods to protect data on devices and networks.

Digital Forensics.

This unit introduces you to how investigators examine digital devices to uncover evidence in a safe and structured way. You will:

• Learn the principles of digital forensics and maintaining the integrity of evidence.
• Identify evidential sources across a range of digital devices and media.
• Gain hands-on experience with the acquisition and examination of digital data.
• Analyse and interpret data in relation to a given enquiry or scenario.
• Produce clear, structured reports that present your findings professionally.

Ethical Hacking.

Here you'll step into the mindset of an attacker, but in a controlled, sandboxed environment, to understand how systems are targeted and how to protect them. You will:

• Distinguish between malicious hacking and ethical hacking.
• Explore common attack types and vulnerabilities. (e.g. weak passwords, misconfigurations, web vulnerabilities)
• Use tools and techniques used by ethical hackers to probe systems for weaknesses.
• Implement defensive measures and evaluate how effective they are.
• Consider Scottish, UK and EU legislation relating to cybercrime.
• Reflect on the ethics of hacking and your responsibilities when using these skills.

A strong emphasis is placed on using all knowledge and skills safely, legally and ethically, to defend systems rather than to cause harm.

Find out more by following this link.

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00

enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk