What to expect from a digital technologies programme

Explore what to expect from a digital technologies programme. From emerging tech skills to future-ready careers in cybersecurity, cloud and AI, learn how to succeed with GBS.

Until recently, researching meant Googling it or spending hours flipping through thick books in libraries, writing notes by hand, and sometimes waiting hours or even days to receive information. Today, thanks to emerging technologies, all it takes is a few clicks or a voice command. This is the power of digital transformation. 

From education to healthcare, finance to logistics, digital technologies are revolutionising the world around us. And this evolution is far from over. As more schools, businesses and institutions embrace automation, data systems and smart technologies, the demand for digitally skilled professionals continues to rise. 

If you want to stay relevant and leverage the power of emerging technologies, a digital technologies programme can help you build the foundation needed. Keep reading our guide to understand what to expect from such a course. We will help you understand what you will study and explore exciting careers in digital technologies waiting for you. 

Table of Contents

What are digital technologies? 

Digital technologies refer to electronic tools, systems and platforms that generate, store or process data. These include everything from cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile applications and cybersecurity systems. With the rise of digitalisation, they have become deeply integrated into every sector. For instance, AI assists doctors with diagnostics, cloud services power remote work and cybersecurity protects sensitive data. 

According to the United Nations, digital technologies have the potential to significantly advance sustainable development by improving access to education, financial services and public health. Understanding how these tools work and how they can be applied in real-world contexts is what makes studying them so valuable. 

Why study digital technologies? 

We are in the middle of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, where digital systems and smart automation are changing how we work and live. This means there is a growing demand for individuals who can navigate and lead this transformation. Studying digital technologies will allow you to master practical and theoretical skills to lead in this fast-paced environment. 

A well-structured digital technologies or cyber security course will help you build expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud systems and network management. You will learn how to innovate, adapt and develop problem-solving skills, which are key traits for any professional in today's digital economy. 

What is a digital technologies degree or qualification? 

A digital technologies qualification can be an undergraduate degree, diploma, or higher national diploma (HND) that prepares students for careers in tech-driven environments. These programmes focus on practical skills as much as theory, ensuring graduates are ready to contribute from day one. 

At GBS, the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) covers core digital skills while allowing you to specialise in cybersecurity. This includes areas such as risk management, ethical hacking and network security, all of which are essential to protecting data in the digital age. 

These qualifications also include business and project management skills, recognising that tech professionals often work across departments and collaborate with non-technical teams. 

What will you study on a digital technologies programme? 

GBS offers a comprehensive undergraduate programme in digital technologies. You will receive practical, industry-relevant education that aligns directly with current tech trends and workforce needs. The two-year cyber security course covers: 

Year 1: 

  • Big Data & Visualisation 

  • Cyber Security 

  • Digital Transformation 

  • Networking 

  • Cloud Networking 

  • Professional Practice 

  • Programming 

  • Security  

Year 2: 

  • Cloud Cryptography 

  • Cloud Security 

  • Business Intelligence 

  • Digital Sustainability 

  • Emerging Technologies 

  • Cloud InfoSec 

  • Internet of Things (IoT) 

  • Work-based Learning 

You will also develop transferable skills like teamwork, digital ethics, critical thinking and communication. These skills will help you navigate complex workplace environments and contribute to your long-term organisational goals. With a focus on practical application, you will work on real-world projects and simulations to gain experience that mirrors industry expectations. Take a look at our digital technologies course to learn more. 

What career opportunities are available with a digital technologies qualification? 

Studying digital technologies will help you acquire diverse knowledge and skills. With these gems, you can continue to explore a vast number of careers. These following professions can give you an idea of your future career pathways in digital technologies: 

  • Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect systems and data from digital threats. It is one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing roles in the world. 

  • Data Analyst: Use tools like Python or Power BI to interpret data and support decision-making. 

  • Cloud Solutions Architect: Design and maintain scalable cloud infrastructure for businesses. 

  • Software Developer: Build apps, platforms or enterprise-level software solutions. 

  • Information Technology (IT) support or Network Engineer: Ensure that systems run smoothly and remain secure. 

A career in digital technologies also offers you flexibility, remote work options and the possibility of earning a high salary. The UK technology sector is expected to grow steadily, offering high demand for graduates with digital technologies qualifications. 

What is the future of digital technologies? 

According to global forecasts, by 2030, more than 90% of all jobs will require some level of digital skills. As automation and AI become more embedded in everyday business functions, professionals with a deep understanding of digital technologies will be indispensable. 

Trends such as smart cities, green tech, AI-driven customer service and advanced robotics signal a future where digital fluency is not just an advantage, but a necessity. Through digital transformation in education, students can now access the tools and training needed to contribute to this future. Studying digital technologies will help you acquire the latest industry-specific skills to stay relevant and shape the future of the digital tech space. 

If you want to build a resilient, future-proof career, investing in a digital technologies programme is a strategic decision. With access to industry-relevant content, practical skills and emerging tech insights, you can prepare to take on roles in cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing and more. With GBS's HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security), you will be able to thrive in this new world of work. Whether you are upskilling, switching careers or just starting out, now is the time to take the first step into the future of digital innovation. 

FAQs about what to expect from a digital technologies programme

Digital technology is transforming how businesses operate across every sector, from automating workflows in manufacturing to enhancing cybersecurity in finance and enabling remote learning in education. Tools such as AI, cloud computing and data analytics help organisations improve efficiency, reduce costs and make faster decisions. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand how to apply digital transformation skills to real-world business challenges. 

Studying digital technology will help you build essential skills that are increasingly valuable in the modern workplace. Through a structured digital technologies course, you will gain hands-on experience in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, cloud systems and data analysis. These in-demand digital skills prepare you for flexible, future-focused careers that span multiple industries and roles. 

Digital technologies include a wide range of tools and systems that process and manage information. Common examples include cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, AI-powered chatbots, cybersecurity solutions like firewalls and intrusion detection systems and collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. A digital technologies undergraduate course will expose you to these tools and help you understand how they drive innovation in different industries. 

A career in digital technologies offers long-term stability, competitive salaries and continuous growth opportunities. As companies rely more on data security, automation and smart technologies, tech professionals will remain in high demand. Whether you pursue cybersecurity, data analysis or cloud computing, digital roles often offer remote flexibility and strong job satisfaction. An HND course with specialisation in cyber security in the UK can position you for a future-proof career in a growing field. 

The future of work is being shaped by advances in automation, AI and digital collaboration. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses rethink how they hire, communicate and deliver services. This shift drives the need for a future-ready workforce with strong digital capabilities. Enrolling in GBS's digital technologies course can help you prepare for this evolving landscape. 

Absolutely. Many digital technologies courses, like the HND in Digital Technologies for England (Cyber Security) offered at GBS, are designed for learners at all stages, including those new to tech. These programmes provide foundational knowledge, hands-on training and support from expert faculty. Whether you are reskilling or starting fresh, you will gain cutting-edge skills and join a supportive learning community that helps you succeed in the digital economy.