NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer - HTQ
A Higher Technical Qualification equipping you with the engineering skills and behaviours to advance into professional cyber security roles.
Duration: 510 guided learning hours; self-paced online study, typically one to two years
- Level
- Level 4
- Qualification number
- 603/7748/3
- Awarding organisation
- NCFE
- Regulated status
- On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
- Guided learning hours
- 510 hours
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Study pattern
- 510 guided learning hours; self-paced online study, typically one to two years
This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by OfqualNCFE Account No. 11001657
Course overview
This Level 4 Diploma is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, designed to give learners the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a variety of cyber security roles. Its mandatory units cover principles of cyber security, cyber security architecture, legislation, policies and procedures, threat intelligence, risk assessment, and cyber security management.
It is aimed at those who want to begin or advance a career in cyber security, including career changers and people upskilling within the digital sector. It particularly suits learners progressing from relevant Level 3 qualifications.
Learners gain a respected higher technical credential that prepares them for skilled employment, apprenticeships or further study in the field.
What you will study
The units below, their unit reference numbers and their guided learning hours are taken directly from the NCFE qualification specification.
| Unit | Title | Unit reference | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Principles of cyber security
3 learning outcomes
|
Y/651/0932 | 105 |
| 02 |
Cyber security architecture
3 learning outcomes
|
D/651/0934 | 120 |
| 03 |
Legislation, policies and procedures in cyber security
3 learning outcomes
|
F/651/0935 | 45 |
| 04 |
Threat intelligence in cyber security
3 learning outcomes
|
H/651/0936 | 120 |
| 05 |
Risk assessment in cyber security
2 learning outcomes
|
J/651/0937 | 60 |
| 06 |
Cyber security management
2 learning outcomes
|
K/651/0938 | 60 |
| Total guided learning hours | 510 | ||
Entry requirements
- Learners are typically aged 18 or above.
- No mandatory prior qualifications, though a relevant Level 3 qualification (in cyber security, IT or digital) is strongly recommended.
- A good standard of English and maths is expected for higher technical study.
- This is an approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).
The course guide
Everything on this page as one document you can keep, print, or send to whoever is deciding with you.
- All 6 units, with the hours behind each one
- How you are assessed, and who checks the marking
- How paying works, and what is due when
- Entry requirements and where the qualification leads
Generated from this qualification's record, so the units and hours in it are the ones on this page. The fee is here on the page rather than in the guide, so a saved copy cannot quote you an old one.
How you are assessed
Your work is assessed by our qualified assessors, internally quality assured, and externally quality assured by NCFE. Assessment is against the criteria published in the qualification specification, and your assessor tells you what is needed before you start each unit.
For what happens after you submit: who marks it, who checks the marking, how long feedback takes and what to do if you disagree with a decision, see how assessment works.
If you need an adjustment to how you are assessed, for a disability or any other reason, ask us before you begin. We arrange adjustments under our Reasonable Adjustments policy, and you can request one online.
How we assess and quality assure is set out in DAIS-POL-016 Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance.
How you study, and what you need
You study online through our virtual learning environment, which is where the teaching material, your assessment submissions, your feedback and your progress all live. You work at your own pace, with tutor support throughout. Everyone completes a short online induction before starting an assessed unit.
| Device | Laptop or desktop computer |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later |
| Browser | Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, latest version |
| Internet speed | 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload |
| Webcam | Required for live sessions and identity verification |
| Microphone | Required for live sessions |
These are the minimum requirements published in DAIS-POL-024 Online Learning and Digital Delivery.
Support, and how quickly we reply
These are the response times we commit to in policy, not an aspiration.
| What | How | Response |
|---|---|---|
| General questions | Message your tutor in the VLE | Within 2 working days |
| Assessment feedback | Returned in the VLE or e-portfolio | Within 10 working days of submission |
| Technical problems | Technical support email | Within 1 working day |
| Urgent welfare concerns | Email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead | Within 1 working day |
Published in DAIS-POL-024 and DAIS-POL-009 Learner Support.
Registration and your certificate
We register you with NCFE before you begin any assessed unit, and we collect your Unique Learner Number as part of that. When your assessment decisions are finalised and quality assured, we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal and you are notified digitally. The certificate comes from NCFE, not from us.
Set out in DAIS-POL-008 Learner Registration and Certification.
Progression
Progression: prepares you for senior technical roles in cyber security engineering, and for further specialist study. This qualification does not carry UCAS Tariff points.
Common questions
Who awards NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer - HTQ, and how do I get my certificate?
NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer - HTQ is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 603/7748/3. The Data and AI School of London is an NCFE approved centre (Account No. 11001657). We register you with NCFE before you start any assessed unit and collect your Unique Learner Number. Once your work is assessed and quality assured we claim your certificate through the NCFE portal, and it is issued by NCFE rather than by us.
How long does NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer - HTQ take?
This qualification carries 510 guided learning hours. It is studied online at your own pace, so how long it takes in calendar time depends on how much you can commit each week.
What do I need before I can start?
Learners are typically aged 18 or above. We assess every applicant individually and will tell you if a different level would suit you better.
Can I study this entirely online?
Yes. Teaching, materials and assessment are all delivered through our Moodle-based virtual learning environment, so you can study from anywhere in the UK. You need a laptop or desktop computer, a current version of Chrome or Firefox, and a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Tutor support is available throughout, and we answer questions within 2 working days and return assessment feedback within 10 working days of submission.
Can I enrol now, and when do I pay?
The fee is £2,995. Enrolment is open, so you can apply online today. Nothing is paid at application: payment is taken only after you accept an offer.
Not sure this is the right qualification?
Ask before you apply. We will say honestly if a different level would suit you better.