HEART of Worcestershire (HoW) College has teamed up with a cyber security organisation to start offering a recognised qualification in the subject.

HoW College is working with Cyber Security Challenge UK and City & Guilds to offer the qualification through an e-learning platform, offering students a three month long course on the basics of cyber security.

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is equivalent to an AS Level, and can be worth as much as 70 UCAS points. It’s aimed at giving students an understanding of the entire cyber domain, covering everything from risk management to digital forensics.

HoW College principal Stuart Laverick, said: “Heart of Worcestershire College is delighted to have been chosen by Cyber Security Challenge UK to develop a bespoke e-learning platform to help support and develop cyber security capacity in the UK. The college has previously been recognised for high quality and innovative developments in e-learning.

“Working in partnership with Cyber Security UK is an exciting development and comes after the success of establishing the largest blended learning consortium in the further education sector. Our award winning e-learning team will continue to create stimulating and engaging e- learning content to ensure our partner organisations are able to offer innovative learning solutions for all customers.”

Stephanie Daman, CEO of Cyber Security Challenge UK, added: “The launch of this qualification marks a significant point in the maturation of the cyber security industry. The subject is becoming increasingly important and for it to be officially recognised at this level paves the way for individuals to consider a career in the sector much earlier on.

“You don’t need to be a maths genius or ‘computer geek’ to find a role; cyber security encompasses such a wide range of areas – from risk management to biometrics to behaviour analytics. We therefore need to attract an equally wide range of students from all walks of life, to fill these jobs. I would urge those at school considering their career options to think about this sector, and those looking for a career change to do so as well.”

For more information about the qualification, visit cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk.