Designed to reflect the demands of today’s technology-driven world, these courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning to build both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Whether you are looking to begin a career in the digital sector, enhance your existing skill set, or gain a competitive edge in the workplace, our flexible online learning environment allows you to study at your own pace while receiving expert guidance and support.
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What can I study?
Principles of Cyber Security Level 2
This online course is a key starting point for anyone looking to begin their career in cyber security.
Length: 12 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Understanding Coding Level 2
This online qualification is designed for anyone who is looking to gain an introduction to coding.
Length: 12 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Coding Practices Level 3
This qualification is designed for learners who want to increase their knowledge, skills and understanding of coding.
Length: 16 Weeks
Study: Online Learning
Location: Online
Meet our Students
Nicholas
Principles of Cyber Security Level 2I had brief experience in Cyber and IT sales, but not the ability to discuss topics in detail. My goal was to learn how to discuss cyber security and the various terminologies conversationally with clients. My tutor, Zoe, was very supportive, especially as I initially struggled to balance working and studying. I now use what I have learned in my day-to-day role on a daily basis. I enjoyed the experience and look forward to progressing to Level 3.
Chavi
Principles of Cyber Security Level 2I was previously a civil servant and had also completed an ICT Support Systems Diploma Level 2, which encouraged me to learn more about cybersecurity. I enrolled to gain a better understanding of the sector, and the course gave me a much better understanding of cybersecurity overall. It also boosted my confidence and had a positive impact on my mental health.
Eesaa
Principles of Cyber Security Level 2I was unemployed for almost two years when I came across this course. I knew I wanted to work in cyber security because it was my dream job, so I decided to go for it. Honestly, the experience was amazing, and I learnt so much, so thank you for taking me on and accepting me. My goal is to secure a good IT role first, as most junior cyber security analyst positions require at least two to three years of IT experience, so that's the path I'm working towards. The course helped me tremendously, and I learnt a lot of new skills and knowledge. My tutor was amazing, always helping and supporting me wherever she could. I'm really excited about receiving my certificate and starting a career in an IT role. The learning also helped me overcome personal challenges, as I had been out of education for almost two years. It was great to start studying again, refresh my mind, and get back into the habit of learning.
Contact the Online Learning Team
distancelearningiag@westlancs.ac.uk
01695 52419
What can I do with a qualification in Digital?
Daily tasks:
- Stays abreast of relevant legislation, considers its impact on the organisation.
- Considers alternative work procedures to improve productivity.
- Examines and reports on company and departmental structures, chains of command, information flows, etc. and evaluates efficiency of existing operations.
- Develops and administers salary, health and safety and promotion policies.
- Undertakes industrial relations negotiations with employees.
- Provides or arranges for provision of training courses.
- Oversees the monitoring of employee performance and career development needs.
- Oversees the preparation of job descriptions, drafts advertisements and interviews candidates.
- Determines staffing needs.
Daily tasks:
- Ensures that new technologies are researched and evaluated in the light of the organisation.
- Prioritises and schedules major IT/telecommunications projects.
- Considers the required IT/telecommunications staffing levels, oversees recruitment and appointment of staff and directs training policy.
- Develops the periodic business plan and operational budget for IT/telecommunications to deliver agreed service levels.
- Directs the implementation within the organisation of IT/telecommunications strategy, infrastructure, procurement, procedures and standards.
- Develops in consultation with other senior management the IT/telecommunications strategy of the organisation.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on IT activities to senior management.
- Plans and monitors work and maintenance schedules to ensure agreed service levels are achieved.
- Supervises the technical team and coordinates training.
- Takes responsibility for managing the development of a specialist aspect of IT provision such as user support, network operations, service delivery or quality control.
- Liaises with users, senior staff and internal/external clients to clarify IT requirements and development needs.
- Plans, coordinates and manages the organisation.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on project or programme to senior management and/or client.
- Coordinates and oversees implementation of the project or programme.
- Monitors progress including project/programme budget, timescale and quality.
- Manages third party contributions to the programme or project.
- Coordinates and supervises the activities of the project/programme team.
- Plans the stages of the project or programme, reviews actions and amends plans as necessary.
- Works with client or senior management to establish and clarify the aims, objectives and requirements of the IT project or programme.
Daily tasks:
- Works closely with clients to implement new systems.
- Researches, analyses, evaluates and monitors network infrastructure and performance.
- Examines existing business models and flows of data and designs functional specifications and test plans for new systems in order to meet clients.
- Provides advice and assistance in the procurement, provision, delivery, installation, maintenance and use of IT systems and their environments.
- Communicates the impact of emerging technologies to clients and advises upon the potential introduction of such technology.
- Undertakes feasibility studies for major IT developments incorporating costs and benefits, and presents proposals to clients.
- Liaises with internal/external clients in order to analyse business procedure, clarify clients.
Daily tasks:
- Writes operational documentation and provides subsequent support and training for users.
- Plans and maintains database structures.
- Implements and evaluates the software.
- Writes code for specialist programming for computer games, (for example, artificial intelligence, 3D engine development).
- Tests and corrects software programs.
- Develops user interfaces.
- Writes and codes individual programs according to specifications.
- Undertakes feasibility study to design software solutions.
- Examines existing software and determines requirements for new/modified systems in the light of business needs.
Daily tasks:
- Activates the 'live' website.
- Tests website interaction and performance prior to going 'live'.
- Writes and publishes content for the website.
- Establishes methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery.
- Designs and develops web interfaces for relational database systems.
- Develops the website and applications.
- Designs web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access.
- Presents design options to the client.
- Liaises with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website.
Daily tasks:
- Deals with and reports on breaches in security.
- Examines IT system for potential threats to its security and integrity and draws up plans for disaster recovery if security is compromised.
- Makes recommendations concerning software/system quality.
- Develops quality standards and validation techniques.
- Develops, implements and documents test plans for IT software, systems and computer games.
- Undertakes the testing of software, systems or computer games for errors, identifies source of problems and proposes solutions.
Daily tasks:
- Acts as a liaison between users, outside suppliers, and other technical teams.
- Performs server backup and recovery operations and restarts systems following outages.
- Identifies problems, agrees remedial action and undertakes emergency maintenance if required.
- Analyses systems and makes recommendations to improve performance.
- Schedules and performs system maintenance tasks, such as loading user applications, programs and data.
- Configures and sets up new server systems.
- Administers, monitors and supports internal/external networks, servers, email, database and security systems.
Daily tasks:
- Reports on commonly occurring queries to detect underlying problems.
- Maintains a log of work in progress, calls received, actions taken and problems detected.
- Researches possible solutions in user guides, technical manuals and other documents.
- Refers more complex or intractable problems to appropriate IT professionals.
- Facilitates user access to systems.
- Installs and upgrades hardware, cables, operating systems and/or appropriate software.
- Advises users on how to resolve hardware and software problems.
- Provides technical support to IT users.
Application Tips for Adults 19+
Fees and Finance
Levels Explained