Cloud Computing with Cyber Security - Foundation Degree
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
14 September 2026
4 June 2028
Location
Coleraine
Interview Required
Yes
The Foundation in Cloud Computing with Cyber Security, validated by Open University, has been developed in recognition of the skills shortage in NI and UK and the need to develop more specialists in both Cloud and Cyber. This program serves as a launchpad for students, equipping them with the necessary skills to seamlessly transition into the dynamic field of Computing, particularly focusing on Cloud Computing with Cyber Security. It not only addresses the immediate needs of the industry but also provides students with the knowledge and skills to progress into the industry or further academic study at degree level.
Key objectives of the Foundation Degree in Computing include:
This is an exciting opportunity to study our new, dynamic Foundation Degree specialising in Cloud Computing and Cyber Security. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an IT professional then this is the course for you! The modules of our foundation degree course cover a broad spectrum of topics within cloud computing and cyber security, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various domains such as cloud computing, development, networking, and cybersecurity.
In addition, our programme incorporates a diverse range of industry entry-level certified courses, including Microsoft Cloud, Cloud Management and Development, and Cisco Networking and Cybersecurity. These certifications, recognised across the industry, are seamlessly embedded into our curriculum, offering students a robust foundation for their professional development, and facilitating their progression towards higher-level certifications and employment. Not only will you achieve a Foundation Degree but you will have the opportunity to complete additional valuable industry recognised qualifications.
The course is delivered on our brand new Coleraine Campus with state of the art computer labs and industry standard resources.
A Certificate of Higher Education in Cloud Computing with Cyber Security is available on successful completion of all Level 4 units.
Computational Mathematics: Introduction to mathematical concepts relevant to computing and problem-solving.
Computer Systems: Understanding the architecture and components of traditional computer systems and cloud systems – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Programming Fundamentals: Basic programming skills and principles to build a solid foundation – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Network Essentials: Fundamentals of networking, covering protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Cloud Fundamentals: Introduction to cloud computing concepts, services, and deployment models – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Databases and Data Analytics: Database management principles and basics of data analytics – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Cloud Technologies and Development: In-depth exploration of cloud and cloud development – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Cyber Security: Comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity principles, practices, and defensive strategies – aligned with Cisco certifications.
IoT Development & Security: Understanding and securing IoT devices and networks with cloud data handling – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Network Security: Advanced concepts in network security, including encryption and intrusion detection – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Download and view the full programme specification for further details.
The course includes a work placement in industry, successful completion of which is mandatory. This will take place in an appropriate computing environment where theoretical skills will be enhanced with practical experience. This hands on experience helps to enhance employability and exciting career opportunities.
This course is validated by the Open University.
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
Northern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.
Information on The Open University is available below:
The Open University Regulations
The Open University Student's Guide
The Gallaher Trust Scholarship aims to improve educational and employment opportunities for young adults (18+ years) living within the wider Ballymena area (BT42/BT43 and some areas within BT44). The Gallaher Trust will pay £1,000 for IT equipment and £1,500 per year of study (up to two years) for the successful candidates to the scheme. Details including selection criteria and conditions are outlined within the application form. Completed application forms must be submitted to scholarships@nrc.ac.uk by 22 August.
To be eligible to apply for this programme, applicants must have a suitable Level 3 qualification, for example a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate or a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Computing or IT, or suitable subjects at GCE A-level. Applicants should have a minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points, but entry requirements may be enhanced depending on demand and other factors. Such enhancements may result in preference given to those applicants with additional Level 3 computing-related subjects.
Applicants must also have at least 4 GCSE grades at C or above to include English (or an equivalent University-approved qualification such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication) and Mathematics (Or Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy). Applicants with a National or Extended Diploma (or other relevant qualification) in subjects other than Computing are also eligible to apply.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Final selection will be by interview.
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
The Foundation in Cloud Computing with Cyber Security, validated by Open University, has been developed in recognition of the skills shortage in NI and UK and the need to develop more specialists in both Cloud and Cyber. This program serves as a launchpad for students, equipping them with the necessary skills to seamlessly transition into the dynamic field of Computing, particularly focusing on Cloud Computing with Cyber Security. It not only addresses the immediate needs of the industry but also provides students with the knowledge and skills to progress into the industry or further academic study at degree level.
Key objectives of the Foundation Degree in Computing include:
The Gallaher Trust Scholarship aims to improve educational and employment opportunities for young adults (18+ years) living within the wider Ballymena area (BT42/BT43 and some areas within BT44). The Gallaher Trust will pay £1,000 for IT equipment and £1,500 per year of study (up to two years) for the successful candidates to the scheme. Details including selection criteria and conditions are outlined within the application form. Completed application forms must be submitted to scholarships@nrc.ac.uk by 22 August.
This is an exciting opportunity to study our new, dynamic Foundation Degree specialising in Cloud Computing and Cyber Security. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an IT professional then this is the course for you! The modules of our foundation degree course cover a broad spectrum of topics within cloud computing and cyber security, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various domains such as cloud computing, development, networking, and cybersecurity.
In addition, our programme incorporates a diverse range of industry entry-level certified courses, including Microsoft Cloud, Cloud Management and Development, and Cisco Networking and Cybersecurity. These certifications, recognised across the industry, are seamlessly embedded into our curriculum, offering students a robust foundation for their professional development, and facilitating their progression towards higher-level certifications and employment. Not only will you achieve a Foundation Degree but you will have the opportunity to complete additional valuable industry recognised qualifications.
The course is delivered on our brand new Coleraine Campus with state of the art computer labs and industry standard resources.
A Certificate of Higher Education in Cloud Computing with Cyber Security is available on successful completion of all Level 4 units.
Computational Mathematics: Introduction to mathematical concepts relevant to computing and problem-solving.
Computer Systems: Understanding the architecture and components of traditional computer systems and cloud systems – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Programming Fundamentals: Basic programming skills and principles to build a solid foundation – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Network Essentials: Fundamentals of networking, covering protocols, configurations, and troubleshooting – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Cloud Fundamentals: Introduction to cloud computing concepts, services, and deployment models – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Databases and Data Analytics: Database management principles and basics of data analytics – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Cloud Technologies and Development: In-depth exploration of cloud and cloud development – aligned with Microsoft Technical Specialist certifications.
Cyber Security: Comprehensive coverage of cybersecurity principles, practices, and defensive strategies – aligned with Cisco certifications.
IoT Development & Security: Understanding and securing IoT devices and networks with cloud data handling – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Network Security: Advanced concepts in network security, including encryption and intrusion detection – aligned with Cisco certifications.
Download and view the full programme specification for further details.
The course includes a work placement in industry, successful completion of which is mandatory. This will take place in an appropriate computing environment where theoretical skills will be enhanced with practical experience. This hands on experience helps to enhance employability and exciting career opportunities.
This course is validated by the Open University.
There are no additional mandatory costs for this course.
Northern Regional College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.
Information on The Open University is available below:
The Open University Regulations
The Open University Student's Guide
To be eligible to apply for this programme, applicants must have a suitable Level 3 qualification, for example a BTEC National Diploma or Certificate or a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Computing or IT, or suitable subjects at GCE A-level. Applicants should have a minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points, but entry requirements may be enhanced depending on demand and other factors. Such enhancements may result in preference given to those applicants with additional Level 3 computing-related subjects.
Applicants must also have at least 4 GCSE grades at C or above to include English (or an equivalent University-approved qualification such as Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication) and Mathematics (Or Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy). Applicants with a National or Extended Diploma (or other relevant qualification) in subjects other than Computing are also eligible to apply.
Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.
Final selection will be by interview.
Course Fees
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | £2773 |
| Year 2 | £2773 |
| Total |
Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees.
Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer please make sure they upload an Employer Consent Form to your online Prospect account.
Payment Options
You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan. For further details visit our fees and funding page.
Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk
Full details are available on our fees and funding page.
Funding Options including Scholarships
There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships. For further details visit our student finance page.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.
These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.