Cyber Security

🛡️ National Progression Awards (NPA) in Cyber Security

SCQF Levels 4, 5 & 6

🔍 Course Overview

The NPA in Cyber Security provides learners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and combat cyber threats. These qualifications are designed to address a growing skills gap in the cyber security sector and encourage more young people to explore careers in this vital area.

The NPAs are structured progressively at three levels: SCQF Level 4, 5, and 6, and can be accessed at any stage depending on a learner’s readiness.

🧩 Units Studied (at Each Level)

Each level includes three mandatory units:

• Data Security – Learn how to protect personal and corporate data, understand cyber hygiene, and consider legal and ethical implications.

• Digital Forensics – Investigate how to recover and analyse digital evidence in a controlled and ethical manner.

• Ethical Hacking – Understand the difference between malicious and ethical hacking, and use defensive techniques in a secure environment.

🎯 Course Aims

• Develop interest in data security, digital forensics, and ethical hacking

• Prepare learners for further study in computing or cyber security fields

• Support progression to National Certificates, HNCs, and university study

💡 Skills You'll Gain

• Analytical thinking and problem solving

• Understanding of legal and ethical issues in IT

• Digital investigation and reporting

• Use of secure software and systems

• Teamwork and communication in technical contexts

🧭 Who is this for?

The NPAs are suitable for:

• Learners in S4–S6 seeking to broaden their Computing Science experience

• Pupils considering careers in cyber security or digital forensics

• Adult learners returning to education with an interest in tech

• Students working towards National Certificates or HNC Computing courses

📝 Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Short written tests

• Case studies and reports

• Practical tasks and simulations
  Assessment is continuous and unit-based — there is no final exam.

📈 Progression Pathways

These awards are designed to stack across levels and support progression into:

• NC Computing with Digital Media

• HNC/D in Computing

• Degrees in Cyber Security, Networking, or IT

• Modern Apprenticeships in Information Security

In progress

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