HND Cyber Security
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HND
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 2 Years (August to June)
If you’re interested in a career in Cyber Security, this course will give you an in-depth knowledge of essential subjects like ethical hacking, server administration, Linux, firewalls, digital forensics and cryptology. As GCC are the lead developers for the WorldSkills competition, you’ll also get a chance to showcase your abilities to the wider world. As well as gaining an HND qualification, you’ll study towards industry-standard certifications including Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate and Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA).
What will I learn?
- Ethical hacking
Testing the security through vulnerability assessments and exploitation
- Digital forensics
Discovering evidence in a digital crime scene - Server administration
Ensuring the core infrastructure is secure from outside threats - Firewall
Delivered through our partnership with PaloAlto - Linux
Linux Essentials delivered within the Cisco platform - Cloud computing
Developing core skills in cloud computing and fundamental concepts of the underlying technologies - Networking
Understanding the basics of networking theory and practical, with a focus on security - Artificial intelligence (AI)
Looking at contemporary development in the AI industry - Cryptography
The practical study of cryptography, from codebreaking historical cyphers to modern cryptography underpinning the whole internet
You will also have the opportunity to study towards certifications including:
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (industry standard cyber security qualification)
- Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) (industry standard firewall qualification)
Learn more about what to expect from this course from cyber security lecturer, Stuart Thomson, by watching the video below.
Watch here - Stuart Thomson, Cyber Security Lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- One Higher, or equivalent, in Computing, Maths, IT, or Science and one National 5, or equivalent, in English; OR
- A relevant Level 6 NC or NQ, or equivalent qualification; OR
- NPA Cyber Security (Level 6) or PDA Cyber Resilience
- We will consider your application if you have relevant experience but no formal qualifications.
Direct entry to year two of the HND will only be possible if you have HNC Cyber Security. HNC passes from other frameworks will not be accepted for entry. Please contact the faculty directly via the email address below.
Entry Requirements Equivalency Table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
Studying HND Cyber Security with us is about more than gaining a certificate; it is about getting a job you’ll want to do and continue to develop. Not only will we equip you with the skills you'll need, but our highly trained staff will be on hand every step of the way.
Articulation Routes
We have an articulation programme with Glasgow Caledonian University where students can apply for direct entry to the third year of BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networks.
Jobs and further study
- Third year entry to various degree courses at the University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University or Abertay University
- Second year entry at the University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh or University of Strathclyde is also possible, depending on maths qualifications
- You will have the potential to move on to jobs in the IT industry.
Take a look at the course progression map for computing courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you will not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.