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All organisations, private and public sector use information technology and networks to communicate and exchange information, but what happens when these systems go down? Every day organisations face global Cyber threats which can cause considerable disruption. When a Cyber-attack occurs, an organisation can be vulnerable to data breaches and loss of profits both which could impact on their reputation. In the public sector, health service downtime can result in cancelled operations or medical appointments due to equipment not working correctly, which can directly impact on a patient’s health. Working in Cyber security can be both exciting and rewarding learning the latest techniques to stay one step ahead of the hackers. This course will give you the skills needed to identify and prevent Cyber threats – you will have the opportunity to attempt ethical hacking in our off-grid sandbox lab and complete vulnerability testing. You will also be monitoring threats in real time and finding innovative ways to intercept them before they cause significant problems. You will be investigating DDOS and ransomware attacks and how to mitigate these. This is an exciting time to join the Cyber and IT security industry and this course will prepare you to enter the industry.
What will I study in Digital Support Services (Cyber Security) T-level?
The core elements of digital will cover a host of themes including the following:
- The Business Context
- Culture
- Digital Analysis
- Digital Environments
- Diversity and inclusion
- Learning
- Legislation
- Planning
- Security
- Testing
- Tools
In addition learners will complete an employer set project.
The specialism is the second part of the course which covers content which aligns with industry specific skills or directly relevant content for your chosen occupation.
The third part of the course is an Industry Placement which gives you valuable work experience and also has a work related project attached to it. In addition, there are a host of other elements such as preparation for work, T-level specific tutoring and careers advice and guidance to make a relevant and substantial study programme.
The specialist elements of digital will be covered through developing your skills:
- Ideniftying Cyber threats and how to mitgate these
- Reviewing different types of attacks including social engineering, phishing, spear phishing, vishing, smishing, shoulder surfing and dumpster diving.
- Denial of service (DoS)/ Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
- Malware, e.g, virus, adware, ransomware, trojan, botnet, spyware
In year 2 you will complete an occupational project and will be assessed on how you can mitigate Cyber attacks. This will incude developing skills with firewalls, vulnerability scanning, anti-malware, device hardening and server configuration.
Entry Requirements
At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the core subjects including Maths and English.
How will I learn?
A typical week could see you learning how to prevent cyber attacks and put in place protection measures, having a lecture on cyber attacks or working in a team to test network security and vulnerabilities.
How will I be assessed?
The core is assessed with two exams which are externally marked. Both are two hours long. Learners are also required to complete an employer set project task as part of the core.
All learners will complete a 45-day industry placement as part of their course. Although we do provide some support with helping to find a placement we expect learners to be actively looking and making their own applications. They are also required to formally apply and attend an interview. The placement can be completed with one or two employers. It can be a day release or over a number of weeks as a block placement. Learners must pass the industry placement. Learners will complete their placement in year 1 and 2.
We also expect that our students have the required professional standards in the workplace. Dressing smartly, arriving on time is key to make a good impression. Learners need will need to be able to communicate to client’s effectivity and be productive in the workplace. There will be support to develop these professional standards within the course.
The Occupational Specialism Assessment (OSA) will be assessed by three assignments which are completed under control assessment conditions
Any trips?
Learners will attend day trips to a range of IT organisations.
Are there any costs involved?
No additional equipment is needed however a computer or laptop at home would be useful
FAQs
- Network and Cyber Security specialist
- Digital support specialist
- Digital applications specialist
- Digital service specialist
- Infrastructure specialist
- IT solutions specialist
- Digital Systems operator
- Technical Support specialist
Awarding Body
NCFE
Available As
[168 UCAS pts. available]

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What can I do after I have taken this course?
Available As
[168 UCAS pts. available]

Add to Application
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