Level 4 Digital Technologies for England Course. Study online, fitting your learning around your existing commitments. This is a Pearson Edexcel Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Digital Technologies, with a focus on cyber security and cloud networking. It is a Higher Technical Qualification approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and developed with employers. The course takes one year to complete. Entry requires a minimum of 64 UCAS points, or a relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 qualification in Computing, Business, or a related subject, along with GCSE grade 4 or above in both maths and English.
Who this course is for
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications) is a Higher Technical Qualification that helps you develop as a professional, self-reflecting individual, able to meet the demands of employers. You can find out more about higher technical qualifications here: HTQs are qualifications at Level 4 or Level 5, including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Foundation Degrees, and are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours sought after by employers. The units covered in year one lay the foundation of learning by providing a broad introduction to digital technologies and to a range of digital technology specialist functions. This develops and strengthens core skills, while preparing you to study specialist subjects in year 2 at Level 5 or to enter employment with the qualities necessary for job roles that require some personal responsibility. You will gain a wide range of knowledge tied to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop vocational behaviours (the attitudes and approaches required for competence) and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and the workplace. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of digital-technology-related business. The aims of Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Digital Technologies are to: . For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Applicants will be expected to possess one of the following: A minimum of 64 UCAS points, or, Relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma, or, Level 3 in Computing or Business or other related subject, or, T Level at Pass in a related subject, . Along with a GCSE grade 4 or above in maths and also in English. Other L2 qualifications in English and maths. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in cyber security principles and threat management.
You'll build knowledge of cloud networking technologies and infrastructure.
You'll apply professional practices used in digital technology roles.
You'll analyse security risks and understand how to mitigate them.
You'll explore network design, configuration, and management.
You'll develop as a self-reflecting professional able to meet employer expectations in digital environments.
How you will learn
This is an online course. You'll complete assignments and project-based assessments that reflect real employer requirements. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate is assessed through coursework rather than exams, so you build and submit evidence of your skills and knowledge as you progress through each unit.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Activate Learning at City of Oxford 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
Cloud support engineer: manage and maintain cloud-based infrastructure
Network technician: configure and troubleshoot network systems
IT support specialist: resolve technical issues across an organisation
Junior penetration tester: test systems for security vulnerabilities
Digital infrastructure technician: support and maintain digital networks
What you could study next
Level 5 HND in Digital Technologies (Pearson Edexcel): the natural next step, deepening your specialism and moving toward degree-level study.
Degree in Cyber Security or Computer Networks: many universities accept an HNC for direct entry into Year 2.
Vendor certifications (CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA): short professional qualifications that strengthen your CV for specific technical roles.
