Course overview
The government has provided funding for this course, independent of any previous or current funding you may have for educational purposes. You can apply for short course funding if you are currently in education, or already qualified to degree, master’s or PhD level. If you are funding this course with a student loan you also need to meet student loan eligibility criteria. Find out more about short course loans
You also explore the key concepts and tools of ethical hacking including penetration testing, attack vectors and models, and vulnerability analysis, learning how to use them in an ethical, professional and legal manner.
This short course is part of a series to develop your skills in digital innovation – coding with Python, software development, cyber security, virtual reality, augmented reality, big data and visualisation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and cloud computing.
You develop the knowledge and skills needed by employers and the economy.
This course is ideal if you are:
- a school or further education college leaver wanting to explore a subject before committing to a full degree
- unemployed and wanting to develop skills to improve your employability
- a teacher looking to refresh your knowledge in a subject, or to learn new skills
- in work and your performance can be enhanced by learning new knowledge and skills
- returning to education after a break
- currently in higher education and would like to compliment your skillset with additional knowledge and skills.
If you are funding this course with a student loan you also need to meet student loan eligibility criteria.
Study Support Bursaries are available to help support you overcome barriers to study on our OfS short courses. Find out more.
Other digital innovation short courses:
AI and Machine Learning for Transforming Businesses
Databases and Business Intelligence Solutions
Immersive Technologies and AR
IoT and Cloud Systems
Let’s Get Coding with Python
You can only enrol on one short course at a time.
Course details
What you study
Develop a detailed understanding of information and network security concepts and principles, as well as the tools and configurations available to defend network technologies.
You explore the key concepts of ethical hacking including penetration testing, attack vectors and models, and vulnerability analysis.
You explore industry standard hacking tools and learn how to use them in an ethical, professional, and legal manner.
How you learn
We work with you to establish your support needs to develop a personalised support plan. You can engage with assessments tasks and get feedback at regular points.
Weeks 1-10:
Each week:
One-hour recorded online lecture
Two-hours face-to-face class-based teaching (Wednesday 4.00pm - 6.00pm)
Two hours online classes (Thursday 6.00pm - 8.00pm)
Weeks 11-12:
Each week:
Two hours synchronous online classes (Thursday 6.00pm - 8.00pm)
How you are assessed
You are assessed on your subject knowledge, critical thinking and skills acquisition through coursework, practical work and assessments.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You must have completed a Level 4 qualification (or higher) and/or developed knowledge and skills in IT or computing. We offer bridging courses to help develop the knowledge you may need to join this short course.
Employability
Career opportunities
Our short courses are developed with support from our industrial partners to meet the needs of employers.
They are ideal for you to build the skills employers look for, helping you to develop a new and successful career through one of the flexible learning options available.
Once you’ve completed your short course you could also apply to study a degree by transferring your eligible completed credits.
