Level 4 (HTQ) Network Engineer

This exciting new qualification is designed for learners looking to retrain or upskill as a network engineer, network administrator, systems engineer, or for learners wishing to carry on their studies after T Levels/A Levels or equivalent.

Network Engineers are a key occupation in most organisations which are increasingly dependent on their digital networks. This occupation is found in large and small businesses, in all sectors, and within public, private, and voluntary organisations.

The programme supports students to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work in the role of a Network Engineer in a wide variety of settings and using a wide range of technological solutions. You will set up both physical and virtual networks, analyse and optimise their performance, analyse risks and troubleshoot networks. You will also explore the wider technical and operational procedures and practice you will need to demonstrate and apply to the role.

The course combines a range of in-college sessions to acquire the skills and knowledge required to achieve the qualification, as well as industry-based learning and assessment opportunities.

The qualification explores a range of knowledge, skills and behaviours, including:

• Professional practice and meeting Service Level Agreements
• Personal and professional development
• Health, safety and security
• Using appropriate tools and techniques to identify and solve problems
• Audit and service improvement
• Leadership

Students who successfully achieve this qualification could progress into employment in the digital sector in one of many different specialist roles, including network engineer, systems architect, cyber security specialist or project manager.

You may support colleagues and businesses across a range of areas. For example, you might work:
• in a large organisation with a complex computer network.
• in the field, for a communications company, managing nationwide networks.
• as a cloud engineer or cyber security specialist.
• as a network architect, designing network infrastructures

Students who complete this qualification may progress to a Level 5 qualification in the digital field, a university degree or, on to a related apprenticeship.

You will need to have achieved a level 3 or equivalent qualification in a related field, equivalent to a minimum of:

72 UCAS points.

Level 2 in maths and English (GCSE at grade C/4 or above) is also required, plus an enhanced clear DBS check.

Entry requirements will be reviewed during the informal course interview and relevant experience and employment will be considered as part of the application.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

The units in this qualification are assessed through an internally and externally assessed portfolio made up of evidence collected through the course.

September 2024

Length of delivery - 24 months
The course will combine a range of in college sessions to acquire the skills and knowledge required to achieve the qualification, as-well as work based learning and assessment opportunities.