Computing
CISCO Cyber Security Essentials (SCP)
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification No Qualification
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2025
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Are you interested in a career in Computing, IT, or Cybersecurity? This course is a fantastic addition to your CV and a perfect way to kickstart your journey in these exciting fields.
Accredited by CISCO
This course is accredited by CISCO, the world’s largest tech infrastructure company, known for producing top-quality graduates in the tech industry.
The Cybersecurity Essentials course provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity, covering key topics such as:
- Cybercrime and how to combat it
- Core security principles
- Network and information security technologies
- Real-world procedures for defending networks
You’ll engage with interactive, multimedia content, hands-on lab activities, and case studies from various industries to build both technical and professional skills. These skills will prepare you for a future career in cybersecurity.
Additional Qualification
As part of this course, you'll also gain an SQA qualification in Networking Fundamentals, boosting your knowledge and employability.
When and Where?
- Day: Friday afternoons
- Location: Sighthill Campus (subject to confirmation)
Who Can Join?
This course is suitable for students studying at SCQF Level 5 or 6. Please note that while the course is accredited by CISCO, it does not correspond directly to SQA study levels.
Take the first step towards an exciting career in cybersecurity today!
What you will learn
- Learn procedures to implement data confidentiality, integrity, availability and security controls on networks, servers and applications.
- Understand security principles and how to develop security policies that comply with cybersecurity laws.
- Apply skills through practice, using labs and Cisco Packet Tracer activities.
- Get immediate feedback on your work through built-in quizzes and tests. The course is delivered through CISCO netAcad Portal, giving the flexibility to work at your own pace if you want to read ahead.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed through practical activities, quizzes and tests.
Number of days per week
- Friday afternoons - August to June
Entry requirements
- You should have a minimum of 4 national 4's one of which should be in Maths and be studying towards 5 National 5's one of which should be in Maths.
- The 5 National 5's are the minimum requirement for progression to another course after this one, in the area of Computing.
- If you just want to study this course without progression, then other entry requirements will be considered. Please put your current qualifications and the qualifications you are studying towards, on your application.
- We have a screening activity that can be used to help assess your ability to do this course.
- We encourage all interested students to apply regardless of qualifications
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- We have a screening activity that can be used to help assess students ability to do this course.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
With this Qualification and the National 4 entry requirements you could be considered for:
- Access to Cyber Security, Software and Web
With sufficient National 5's and this qualification, you can be considered for:
- NPA Cyber Security and Networking
- NPA Software Development and Web
- NPA Software Development and Digital Design
With Relevant Highers in addition to this qualification, you could be considered for:
- HND Cyber Security
- HND Networks and Systems
- HNC Computing
- HND Software Development
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 18/08/25 |
| Granton Campus | Part time | 18/08/25 |
