Free Level 3 Cyber Security Course in Bolton. Classes run at The Sixth Form Bolton. You'll need a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Maths, to enrol. Over two years of full-time daytime study, you'll learn how cyber threats operate, how to protect hardware and software, and how to respond to security breaches. Units cover fundamentals of cyber security, network protection, and preventing cyberattacks, with optional units in digital forensics and penetration testing. Assessment is 40% external exams and 60% coursework.
Who this course is for
Our Extended Certificate in Cyber Security and Networks will give students a thorough understanding of cyber security threats and how networks operate, preparing them for progression to undergraduate study. It will equip students with the practical skills to audit measures used on networks to protect against cyberattacks and demonstrate how these can be improved.
Entry requirements
Students studying three A Levels and/or AAQs will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Mathematics.
What you will learn
You'll identify how cyber threats operate and how to defend against them.
You'll secure, manage, and test computer networks.
You'll investigate cyber incidents using digital forensic techniques.
You'll design and evaluate secure network solutions, including local area networks.
You'll apply penetration testing and incident response methods.
You'll develop problem-solving and project management skills through practical, scenario-based assignments.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom full-time over two years. Two exam units (Fundamentals of Cyber Security and Fundamentals of Networks) are each assessed by a 1 hour 15 minute written exam. The remaining units are assessed through coursework: practical assignments based on real-world scenarios, marked by teachers and moderated by OCR. You can resubmit coursework once and resit exams twice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Sixth Form Bolton will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Cyber Security Analyst: monitor and protect organisational networks
Digital Forensics Technician: investigate cyber incidents and gather evidence
Network Security Technician: maintain and secure IT infrastructure
IT Support Technician: troubleshoot systems with a security focus
Penetration Tester (Junior): test systems for vulnerabilities under supervision
What you could study next
Degree in Cyber Security or Computer Science: the natural next step after this level 3 cyber security qualification, recognised by UK universities as meeting entry requirements.
Degree in Digital Forensics: builds directly on the forensic investigation units you've studied.
CompTIA Security+ or similar vendor certifications: short professional qualifications that complement a degree or support entry-level cyber security roles.
