Heart of Worcestershire College has joined forces with Cyber Security Challenge UK to help cyber enthusiasts gain a recognised qualification in cyber security.
The College, working alongside Cyber Security Challenge UK, City & Guilds and (ISC), has developed a bespoke e-learning platform to help support and develop cyber security capacity in the UK.
The Extended Project Qualification in Cyber Security, will allow anyone to learn the basics of cyber security in three months. Working with education partners, Cyber Security Challenge UK, are able to offer the course to any individual, whether they are a current student or not.
The EPQ is a level three qualification, the equivalent to an AS Level and can be worth up to 70 UCAS points. The qualification, which has been launched to help address the UK’s cyber security skills shortage, will give students an understanding of the whole cyber domain – from risk management to digital forensics.
Speaking about the College’s involvement Principal Stuart Laverick, said: “Heart of Worcestershire College is delighted to have been chosen by Cyber Security Challenge UK to develop a bespoke e-learning platform to help support and develop cyber security capacity in the UK.
“The College has previously been recognised for high quality and innovative developments in e-learning and are winners of the AoC Beacon Award for “Effective use of Technology in FE 2014/15”and the Times Educational Supplement Award for “Outstanding use of Technology” 2015.
“We welcome the opportunity to support other organisations to develop and improve their e-learning capacity. Working in partnership with Cyber Security UK is an exciting development and comes after the success of establishing the largest blended learning consortium in the further education sector. Our award winning e-learning team will continue to create stimulating and engaging e- learning content to ensure our partner organisations are able to offer innovative learning solutions for all customers.”
Stephanie Daman, CEO of Cyber Security Challenge UK added: “The launch of this qualification marks a significant point in the maturation of the cyber security industry. The subject is becoming increasingly important and for it to be officially recognised at this level paves the way for individuals to consider a career in the sector much earlier on.
“You don’t need to be a maths genius or ‘computer geek’ to find a role; cyber security encompasses such a wide range of areas – from risk management to biometrics to behaviour analytics. We therefore need to attract an equally wide range of students from all walks of life, to fill these jobs. I would urge those at school considering their career options to think about this sector, and those looking for a career change to do so as well.”
For more information about the qualification please visit cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk.