Cyber Security and Networks
Why study Cyber Security?
Cyber Security & Networks is one of the most exciting and important areas in tech today. If you're curious about how hackers think, enjoy solving digital puzzles, or want to help protect people and businesses online, this hands-on course is for you. You'll learn how to outsmart cyber criminals, understand how networks work, and explore ethical hacking. Whether you're into gaming, social media, or just love tech, this course opens doors to high-demand careers in security, IT, and beyond. Your future in tech starts here—secure it, shape it, own it
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- ■ GCSE English – grade 3
- ■ GCSE Maths – grade 3
We would expect all students to show considerable enthusiasm for IT.
The Course
The qualification is assessed through a mix of externally marked exams and non-examined assignments (NEA). Students complete two exam units—Cyber Security and Networks—each assessed via a 1 hour 15 minute paper, and three practical NEA units assessed by the college and moderated by Cambridge OCR. The NEA tasks are applied, hands-on projects.
Course Activities
Students will take part in a wide range of practical and engaging activities. These include investigating real-world cyber threats, designing secure networks, exploring ethical hacking and penetration testing, and digital forensic investigations. Learners will also examine local and global computing systems, analyse cyber incidents, and develop response plans. Throughout the course, students apply technical skills in hands-on scenarios to solve problems and protect digital environments.
Career and Progression Opportunities
This qualification opens doors to exciting careers in cyber security and IT. You could become a cyber security analyst, network engineer, digital forensic investigator, or ethical hacker—roles that are in high demand across industries like finance, healthcare, and government.
It also supports progression to university courses such as Cyber Security, Computer Science, or Network Engineering. With UCAS points included, it’s a great choice if you’re aiming for higher education or a specialist training programme in the digital sector.
Course Structure and Assessment
This course is equivalent to one A level. You will complete 5 units over two years. Assessments are through NEA projects and external exams.
Year 1:
Unit F193: Fundamentals of Cyber Security (Exam Unit):
Students learn about the importance of cyber security, types of threats and vulnerabilities, and how to protect, detect, and respond to cyber incidents. They also explore job roles and responsibilities in the cyber security field.
Unit F195: Preventing Cyberattacks: (NEA Unit):
Students explore how to assess risks to networks and data, audit existing security measures, and design access control and user policies to prevent cyberattacks.
Unit F196: Digital Forensic Investigation (NEA Unit):
Students learn how to plan and conduct digital forensic investigations, collect and analyse evidence, and report findings in a legally admissible format.
Year 2:
Unit F194: Fundamentals of Networks (Exam Unit):
Students gain an understanding of network types, models, protocols, and performance, including wired and wireless technologies and cloud networking.
Unit F197 Penetration Testing and Incident Response (NEA Unit):
Students learn how to plan and perform penetration tests, simulate cyberattacks, and develop incident response plans and playbooks to manage and mitigate cyber threats.
Additional Information
Cambridge OCR