Discover Digital (Cybersecurity, Programming & Design)


Build confidence, grow your digital skills, and open new doors in work and education. This year-long, part-time course is designed for adult learners, whether you’re returning to study, changing careers, or exploring something new.

Running from 9:20am to 3:20pm, 2 days a week, it’s ideal for parents and anyone needing flexibility.

We’re also able to accommodate scheduling needs where possible.

You’ll learn how to write code, create websites, design digital graphics, promote content online, and protect yourself and others from cyber threats.

You’ll also develop essential personal and professional strengths like resilience, communication, and career planning.

Each half-term is focused on a standalone qualification, helping you build a portfolio of recognised achievements throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking to move into a digital role, return to work, or develop your confidence with technology, this flexible course offers a practical route to help you take your next step.

Confidence & Cyber Foundations

  • Personal and Social Skills: Communication, teamwork, and self-management skills
  • Cybersecurity: How to protect yourself, others, and organisations from common digital threats.
  • Personal Resilience and Perseverance: Learn how to stay focused, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain motivation.

Digital Fundamentals & Career Focus

  • Digital Development: Introduction to Python programming and Git.
  • Career Progression Opportunities: Explore job roles and pathways in digital and creative sectors.

Programming, Employability & Promotion

  • Computer Programming: Build your understanding of structured code and software design
  • Digital Marketing: Learn how to promote services, ideas, or brands using websites, emails, and digital channels.
  • Securing Progression: Learn how to present yourself to employers, prepare for interviews, and apply with confidence.

Designing for the Web & Social Media

  • Website Design and Development: Create websites using HTML, CSS, and design tools.
  • Social Media Marketing: Create content and manage social platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Digital Creativity & Managing Change

  • Digital Graphics: Create logos, posters, social content and infographics.
  • Personal Change Management: Manage transitions in life, study or work confidently.

Assessment

Each unit is assessed through a combination of:

  • Practical tasks
  • Project work
  • Short written reflections
  • Building a portfolio of evidence

You’ll complete hands-on assignments, all linked to real-world digital tasks, such as creating websites, coding simple programs, designing graphics, and developing marketing plans.

You’ll receive regular feedback and support from tutors to help you stay on track and achieve your qualifications step by step.

Our teachers are ambitious, talented and passionate about making your experience at college the very best it can be.

As members of Dynamo North East, our teaching team are up to date with industrial experience to share with you, and have the energy and enthusiasm to help you to get where you need to be.

Links with local businesses in the digital sector, meaning we can adapt to changes in the industry and access professionals for their experience and advice.

This might include work experience opportunities, guest speakers or visits to digital conferences.

The rooms are each fitted with around 20 PC’s and include a range of active network equipment, including patch panels, switches and routers in industry standard racks.

We are always looking to improve our hardware and software to keep rooms and equipment in line with industry standards.

There are no formal entry requirement but you will need to complete an initial assessment and an interview.

You will need to be eligible for the Adult Skills Fund. This can be discussed with the team.

Although there are no requirements for any formal Maths and English qualifications we may require you to enrol on to relevant Maths or English course.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for funding help and have to pay for course, you could pay a 25% deposit and four consecutive monthly standing order payments for the balance. The course fee must be over £100 to qualify.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information.

You can contact them on 0191 490 0300, [email protected] or via Live Chat.

For more information, come along to an Enrolment Event, call 0191 490 4627 or email [email protected]

Those aged under 18 years old are not eligible to study this course as it is a part time programme.

The course will run from the 01/09/2025 until 22/05/2026. It is designed with entry and exit points at each half term.

  • 1st September – 17th October: Confidence & Cyber Foundations
  • 3rd November – 19th December: Digital Fundamentals & Career Focus
  • 5th January – Friday 20th February: Programming, Employability & Promotion
  • 2nd March – 3rd April: Designing for the Web & Social Media
  • 20th April – 22nd May: Digital Creativity & Managing Change