The HND is a 240-credit programme delivered over 15 months at ABC Horizon, with 960 GLH. You complete 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5.
Level 4 Units (120 credits)
Level 4 includes 6 core mandatory units, 1 specialist mandatory unit, plus ONE unit selected from the Level 4 Optional Unit Bank.
| Unit | Unit Title | Credits | Level | Status |
|---|
| 1 | Programming | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 2 | Networking | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 3 | Professional Practice | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 4 | Database Design & Development | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 5 | Security | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 6 | Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set) | 15 | 4 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 10 | Cyber Security | 15 | 4 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| Choose 1 | Level 4 Optional Unit Bank (choose ONE):
Optional Unit 11: Strategic Information Systems
Optional Unit 12: Management in the Digital Economy
Optional Unit 13: Website Design & Development
Optional Unit 14: Maths for Computing
Optional Unit 15: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems | 15 | 4 | Optional (Choose 1) |
Level 5 Units (120 credits)
Level 5 includes two core mandatory units and three specialist mandatory units, plus 30 credits from TWO Level 5 optional units.
| Unit | Unit Title | Credits | Level | Status |
|---|
| 16 | Computing Research Project (Pearson-set) | 30 | 5 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 17 | Business Process Support | 15 | 5 | Core (Mandatory) |
| 30 | Applied Cryptography in the Cloud | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| 31 | Forensics | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| 32 | Information Security Management | 15 | 5 | Specialist (Mandatory) |
| Choose 2 | Level 5 Optional Units (choose TWO / 30 credits):
Select two units from the Level 5 Optional Unit Bank (Units 33–54).
Unit combinations must not replicate another specialist pathway. | 30 | 5 | Optional (Choose 2) |
Pathway rule: Students are required to study Unit 30: Applied Cryptography in the Cloud before studying Unit 32: Information Security Management.
Admission is designed to be clear and supportive—ensuring you are placed on the correct undergraduate pathway for success.
Entry Requirements
- Completion of a Level 3 qualification or equivalent
- No specific GPA requirement
- Short interview to assess English language level and programme readiness
- Immediate start available after registration
The Cyber Security pathway supports security-focused career routes across operations, governance support, and technical security foundations.
Career Opportunities
Graduates develop applied capability aligned to a wide range of security and IT roles. Typical progression outcomes include:
- Junior Cyber Security Analyst / Cyber Support
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst (Entry Level)
- Information Security / GRC Support (Entry Level)
- Digital Forensics Support (Junior)
- Network / Systems Security Support
- IT Support with Security Focus
For advanced specialisation, learners typically progress to Level 6 top-up degrees and professional certifications aligned to career goals.
Learning is structured around applied assignments and project work, designed to build professional competence and real-world problem solving.
Mode of Delivery and Assessment
Mode of Study at ABC Horizon
- Onsite: Classroom-based learning, workshops, labs, and guided project sessions
- Online: Live delivery with structured resources and tutor guidance
- Blended: A combination of onsite and online delivery
Assessment Approach
- Internal assessment through assignments, case tasks, reports, and project submissions
- Pearson-set projects included within the core structure: Unit 6 (Level 4) and Unit 16 (Level 5)
- Assessment is unit-based and aligned to learning outcomes and unit criteria
Grading
Units are graded using Pearson Higher National unit grading, based on achievement against published assessment criteria. Pearson-set units follow the required set theme and expectations as part of the programme’s core structure.
Tuition is clearly structured, with flexible payment options to support learners throughout the programme.
Cost
Level 5 Tuition Fee: £6,000
Installments available.
The HND is designed as a progression-ready undergraduate qualification—supporting final-year entry into top-up degrees and advanced study.
Academic Progression Pathway
After completing the Level 5 HND in Computing (Cyber Security), learners commonly progress to:
- Level 6 top-up degrees (final-year entry) in Cyber Security, Computing, or related disciplines
- Specialist bachelor’s pathways aligned to cyber operations, digital forensics, or information security management
- Professional certification routes aligned to cyber security career goals
Progression routes depend on university entry requirements and programme alignment.
Delivery is designed for international learners, with clear academic language support embedded in teaching and assessment practice.
Language of Delivery
This programme is delivered in English or Arabic.
