NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Cloud Systems and Secure Networking - HTQ
A Level 5 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in cloud and secure networking: cloud protocols and topologies, cyber threats and risk management, network performance, business continuity, security compliance and legislation, and secure system administration. 540 guided learning hours.
Duration: 540 guided learning hours, 1200 total qualification time, self-paced online
- Level
- Level 5
- Qualification number
- 610/5971/7
- Awarding organisation
- NCFE
- Regulated status
- On the RQF, regulated by Ofqual
- Guided learning hours
- 540 hours
- Delivery
- 100% online
- Study pattern
- 540 guided learning hours, 1200 total qualification time, self-paced online
This qualification is awarded by NCFE and regulated by OfqualNCFE Account No. 11001657
Course overview
This is a regulated Level 5 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) (NCFE qualification number 610/5971/7). It gives you the knowledge, skills and behaviours to design, secure, optimise and administer cloud and networked IT systems, aligned to employer and industry requirements. On completion you can progress to employment in roles such as network engineer, cloud engineer or security engineer, or to further higher education.
You study six mandatory units totalling 540 guided learning hours and 120 credits. Unit 01 (Cloud networking protocols, services and topologies) builds the foundations: cloud computing concepts and deployment models (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS), IT system architecture and virtualisation, the OSI and TCP/IP conceptual models, routing and switching, network topologies and technologies, and core network services.
Unit 02 (Cyber security threats and risk management) covers threats to IT systems, threat actors and human factors, and threat modelling and mitigation using the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad.
Unit 03 (Network performance, optimisation and maintenance) covers performance optimisation, proactive and reactive maintenance, troubleshooting methodologies and root cause analysis, and cloud management of wireless networks.
Unit 04 (Change management and business continuity in network infrastructure) covers failures and redundancy, integrating services, disaster recovery and business continuity, service-level agreements, and change management including Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and zero trust.
Unit 05 (Security compliance and legislation) covers UK legislation (UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990), industry-recognised compliance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and international data protection law.
Unit 06 (Secure system administration) covers access control, patch management and system hardening, secure scripting and automation (including the role of artificial intelligence), and upgrading and testing components.
Each unit is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence, including task-based assessments, and externally quality assured by NCFE. Units are graded pass, merit or distinction; to achieve the qualification you must gain all 120 credits at a minimum of a pass in every unit.
Delivery is 100% online with tutor support.
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 |
Cloud networking protocols, services and topologies
6 learning outcomes
|
R/651/6926 | 130 |
| 02 |
Cyber security threats and risk management
3 learning outcomes
|
T/651/6927 | 90 |
| 03 |
Network performance, optimisation, and maintenance
4 learning outcomes
|
Y/651/6928 | 90 |
| 04 |
Change management and business continuity in network infrastructure
4 learning outcomes
|
A/651/6929 | 90 |
| 05 |
Security compliance and legislation
3 learning outcomes
|
H/651/6930 | 70 |
| 06 |
Secure system administration
4 learning outcomes
|
J/651/6931 | 70 |
| Total guided learning hours | 540 | ||
Entry requirements
- Learners should be aged 18 or above to undertake this qualification.
- This is a Level 5 higher technical qualification, so learners will typically have achieved a relevant Level 3 qualification or hold equivalent knowledge, skills or industry experience in IT, networking or digital.
- You will need a computer with internet access and, for the practical units, access to appropriate networking and cloud tools.
- Registration is at the discretion of the centre, in accordance with equality legislation.
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
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
- employment:
- cloud engineer
- cloud solutions architect
- cyber security analyst
- network engineer
- security architect
- further education:
- related apprenticeships
- higher education:
- cloud computing degree
- networking degree
- cyber security degree
- degree apprenticeship.
Common questions
Who awards NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Cloud Systems and Secure Networking - HTQ, and how do I get my certificate?
NCFE Level 5 Diploma: Cloud Systems and Secure Networking - HTQ is awarded by NCFE, an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, and sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification number is 610/5971/7. 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 5 Diploma: Cloud Systems and Secure Networking - HTQ take?
This qualification carries 540 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 should be aged 18 or above to undertake this qualification. 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 £3,495. 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.