Level 1 Cybersecurity, Online Safety and Digital Skills

Level: 1 | Duration: 1 Year | Start Date: September

What is this course about?
This one-year programme is designed to introduce you to the world of computing and cyber security. It provides a practical and engaging learning experience that will help you develop essential digital and technical skills. You will explore key areas such as cyber threats, computer systems, digital communication, and web design, giving you a strong foundation in the digital sector.

You will achieve a Level 1 Extended Diploma in Computing and Information Security. This course is ideal if you are interested in technology and want to explore a career in IT or cyber security.

Why choose this course?
This qualification offers a hands-on, project-based approach to learning that will help you understand the basics of computing and cyber security, while developing practical skills in programming, web design, and secure internet use. You’ll benefit from our newly upgraded IT labs, which includes a room of high-performance gaming PCs equipped with RTX 4070 graphics cards, ideal for running advanced software and exploring real-world digital environments. Throughout the course, you will build confidence in using digital tools and communicating online, and by the end, you will have achieved a nationally recognised qualification that supports progression to further study or employment.

During this course you will:

• Learn how to identify and respond to cyber threats
• Explore how computer systems work and how to use them safely
• Develop your programming and web design skills
• Improve your digital communication and online safety awareness
• Build a portfolio of evidence to showcase your skills and knowledge

These units are designed to give you a broad understanding of computing and information security, with a strong focus on practical application.

Entry requirements:
4 GCSEs at grade 9 – 2 including English Language and Maths.

What will this course lead on to?
After completing this course, you can progress to:

• Level 2 Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology
• Level 2 Technical Diploma in Digital Technologies

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence, which may include:

You will be assessed through a variety of methods designed to showcase your practical and theoretical understanding. These include completing practical tasks that demonstrate your hands-on skills, producing written assignments to reflect your knowledge and research, delivering presentations to build your communication and confidence, and being observed during activities to assess your application of learning in real-time.

All assessments are internally set and marked, with quality assurance to ensure fairness and consistency.

Enrichment opportunities:
You will take part in a range of enrichment activities, including:

• Visits to local businesses and digital hubs
• Guest speakers from the IT and cyber security industry
• Hands-on workshops and project days

These experiences will help you apply your learning in real-world contexts and explore future career paths.

Are there any costs associated with the course?
You’ll need to bring basic stationery and a folder to stay organised. Some trips and visits may have additional costs, but bursaries are available depending on eligibility.

What the Computing students at Riverside College say:
“A brilliant course that helped me understand how to stay safe online and build real skills for a job in IT.”