Computing
CISCO Cyber Security Essentials (SCP)
Campus
Granton Campus
Sighthill Campus
Qualification No Qualification
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2026
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 CISCO accredits the course, 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 for implementing 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 the CISCO NetAcad Portal, providing 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 four National 4s, one of which should be in Maths, and be studying towards five National 5s, 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 only want to study this course without progressing, then alternative 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 5s 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 Higher qualifications 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 | 17/08/26 |
| Granton Campus | Part time | 17/08/26 |
