Free Level 3 Cyber Security and Networking Course in Oldham

CostFREE
Duration636 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Networking and Cybersecurity Course in Oldham. Classes run full-time at Oldham College. To join this networking and cybersecurity qualification, you'll need a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 (including maths and English), or a Level 2 vocational qualification with GCSE grade 4 or above in both maths and English. The course runs for 636 hours of daytime study. You'll cover the core principles of networking and cybersecurity, building the technical knowledge that employers in IT and security look for.

Who this course is for

All Learners

Entry requirements

Minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades A-C/4-9 (including mathsand English) or a vocational qualificationLevel 2, plus GCSE grade C/4 in both maths and English

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how computer networks are designed and how data moves across them.
  • You'll learn how to identify and respond to common cybersecurity threats.
  • You'll explore network security tools and techniques used to protect systems.
  • You'll study the principles of ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment.
  • You'll learn how organisations manage risk and comply with data protection requirements.
  • You'll develop practical skills in configuring and troubleshooting network infrastructure.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Oldham College, with full-time daytime sessions throughout the course. Learning is delivered through taught lessons, practical exercises, and project-based work. Assessment is through assignments, practical tasks, and written work that test both your technical knowledge and your ability to apply it.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Oldham College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Cyber Security Analyst: monitor and protect systems from threats
  • Network Support Technician: maintain and troubleshoot IT networks
  • IT Security Technician: implement security measures across an organisation
  • Junior Network Engineer: configure and manage network infrastructure
  • IT Support Analyst: resolve technical issues for users and systems
  • Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst: detect and respond to security incidents

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate or Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing or Cybersecurity: the next step if you want to go deeper into technical IT or security roles.
  • Degree-level study in Cybersecurity or Computer Networks: many universities accept this qualification as part of entry requirements.
  • CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA: industry certifications that employers in networking and cybersecurity commonly ask for alongside academic qualifications.

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