Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Cyber Security with Cloud and Networking Infrastructure Level 6 Top-Up

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 01/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Castlereagh Campus
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

*Elevate Your Career with our BSc (Hons) Level 6 Top-Up Programme in Cyber Security, Networking, and Computing
*
If you already have a solid foundation in computing with an HND or Foundation Degree, our one-year full-time programme is designed to take your career to new heights. Our BSc (Hons) Level 6 Top-Up programme caters specifically to students with prior experience in Cyber Security, Networking, and Computing. This programme offers you the opportunity to further hone your skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and embark on an exciting journey towards career advancement.

*Why Choose Our Programme?
*
The demand for skilled IT professionals is on the rise, and the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer has forecasted a potential shortage of up to 6,200 IT workers by 2030. As the world becomes increasingly digital, Cyber Security stands out as one of the fastest-growing sectors within IT. Our programme is strategically crafted to equip you with the expertise required to excel in this exciting and crucial industry.

What You'll Gain:

Advanced Expertise: Building on your existing knowledge, our programme delves deep into Cyber Security, Networking, and Computing in a way that's both industry-led and practical. You'll acquire the advanced skills needed to excel in your chosen career path.
Real-World Experience: Learn from seasoned experts in our cutting-edge computing labs, fully equipped with industry-standard hardware and software. Our programme ensures you gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment.
Focus on Critical Skills: Our curriculum places significant emphasis on understanding Security Operations Centers (SOCs), threat and vulnerability detection and analysis, and incident response skills. This preparation ensures you're well-equipped for your future career challenges.
Certifications: As part of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to earn a range of vendor certifications, including Cisco CyberOps, and Comptia CySA+. These certifications not only enhance your employability but also contribute to your ongoing learning within the sector.

Key Areas of Study:

  • Cyber Security Operations and Response
  • Advanced Networking
  • Final Research Project

We understand that your career progression is a priority. Our programme is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to stand out in the competitive IT industry.

Join us today and transform your computing foundation into a thriving career in the world of Cyber Security, Networking, and Computing. Your journey begins here at Belfast Met!

Ready to take your career to the next level in Cyber Security, Networking, and Computing? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:

OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents available at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents/

Please read our Terms and Conditions available at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents/ before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.

Modules

Key Areas of Study:
Cyber Security Operations and Response
Advanced Networking
Final Research Project

Assessment method

Module Level/Credits Assessment
Advanced Networks Level 6/40 credits CW, CW, Exam
Cyber Security Operations and Response Level 6/40 credits CW, CW, Exam
Final Year Project Level 6/40 credits CW
CW = Coursework

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
U903
Institution code:
B07
Campus name:
Castlereagh Campus
Campus Code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2025-26. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff

Students must have completed and passed a relevant Computing Foundation Degree or HND or have completed and passed the first two years of a relevant Computing bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete and pass the bridging qualification, Cisco CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks). We would prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications, such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​ Please Note: The core discipline of the qualification studied must be in the area of Computing with subjects within the areas of Network Infrastructure or Cyber Security.

A level

Students must have completed and passed a relevant Computing Foundation Degree or HND or have completed and passed the first two years of a relevant Computing bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete and pass the bridging qualification, Cisco CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks). We would prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications, such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​ Please Note: The core discipline of the qualification studied must be in the area of Computing with subjects within the areas of Network Infrastructure or Cyber Security.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Students must have completed and passed a relevant Computing Foundation Degree or HND or have completed and passed the first two years of a relevant Computing bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete and pass the bridging qualification, Cisco CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks). We would prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications, such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​ Please Note: The core discipline of the qualification studied must be in the area of Computing with subjects within the areas of Network Infrastructure or Cyber Security.

Access to HE Diploma

Students must have completed and passed a relevant Computing Foundation Degree or HND or have completed and passed the first two years of a relevant Computing bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete and pass the bridging qualification, Cisco CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks). We would prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications, such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​ Please Note: The core discipline of the qualification studied must be in the area of Computing with subjects within the areas of Network Infrastructure or Cyber Security.

Scottish Higher

Students must have completed and passed a relevant Computing Foundation Degree or HND or have completed and passed the first two years of a relevant Computing bachelor’s degree. Students who do not meet this criteria must complete and pass the bridging qualification, Cisco CCNA 1 (Introduction to Networks). We would prefer candidates to have GCSEs at grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications, such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Maths and English Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided on the course details page on Belfast Met website.​​ Please Note: The core discipline of the qualification studied must be in the area of Computing with subjects within the areas of Network Infrastructure or Cyber Security.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
Following receipt of application, applicants will enter a Pre-Entry Advice process. Applicants must be complete this stage before moving to the next stage of the process.

English language requirements

There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4. You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply. If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps. Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening. Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.

Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/course/p00903-aa/bsc-hons-cyber-security-with-cloud-and-network-infrastructure-the-open-university-top-up/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification
to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

Please click on the link for more information on Belfast Met's Higher Education entry requirements and our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process.

Learn more on the Belfast Metropolitan College website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£3110Year 1
England£3110Year 1
Northern Ireland£3110Year 1
Scotland£3110Year 1
Wales£3110Year 1
Channel Islands£3110Year 1
Republic of Ireland£3110Year 1
International£7735Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The College reserves the right to introduce bursaries, offer concessions and vary fees within this schedule during the financial year to ensure optimal participation.

The College reserves the right to vary fees within this schedule during the financial year in line with amendments to Government policy.

Applicants and students will be informed, at the earliest opportunity of any rate change.

All course fees must be paid, or payment terms agreed with the College in advance of course commencement.

Please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy 2025-26 available from the Public Documents section of our website available at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents/

Sponsorship information

Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.

Like this page