BCS Practitioner Award in Security Architecture

Protect your organisation with secure and resilient IT architecture. The BCS Practitioner Award in Security Architecture gives you the advanced knowledge and practical skills to design secure systems and infrastructure that safeguard business operations against modern cyber threats.

This course builds your ability to integrate security principles across all architecture domains — from strategy and governance to technology and implementation. You’ll learn to identify risks, define security controls, and design architectures that meet regulatory, organisational, and technical requirements.

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or cybersecurity professional, this qualification demonstrates your capability to embed robust security into every stage of solution and enterprise design.

Study online at your own pace with two short video calls with a live tutor, and achieve a globally recognised certification that strengthens your professional credibility and career prospects.

You must have passed the BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains course, before you start this course.
Pay with Klarna, PayPal, or card – interest-free instalments available, no credit check. Contact us to arrange live training or payment via invoice.

Accredited Excellence You Can Trust

Duco Digital is a BCS-accredited provider, delivering training that meets the highest standards in digital and data protection. Each module follows the official BCS exam syllabus, equipping you with the knowledge, confidence, and recognition to succeed.

Trusted by professionals and organisations worldwide. Certified by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

About the Course

The BCS Practitioner Award in Security Architecture explores how to design, implement, and manage security within complex IT environments. You’ll gain a structured understanding of how architectural principles, frameworks, and governance models help protect information assets and maintain business continuity.

You'll learn:

 • Security architecture frameworks and standards – understand how frameworks such as SABSA, TOGAF®, and ISO/IEC 27001 shape secure design.
 • Risk assessment and threat modelling – evaluate vulnerabilities and define mitigation strategies.
 • Designing for confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) – apply security principles to systems and networks.
 • Security governance and compliance – align architecture with regulations, policies, and corporate standards.
 • The role of the security architect – lead on security strategy, design assurance, and stakeholder communication.

What you get:

 • Approx. 18 hours of online learning with 12 months’ access
 • BCS eCertificate on passing your exam
 • 1 year access to over 100 BCS books in buisness and technology, including the essential BCS business analysis books to help you pass this course
 • 1-year BCS Associate Membership (worth £92) after passing exam
 • Exam fee included — no hidden extras
 • Pass Assist package with live tutor support, practice exams, 1 year access to recommended BCS books to help you pass this course, and exclusive video guides.
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Course Syllabus
Course Requirements
Career Path
course subjects you will learn

Course Syllabus

Apply Risk Management in Security Architecture
Architecture Frameworks and Methods e.g. TOGAF, Zachman, COBIT
Security Standards e.g. ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800 series, Cyber Essentials
Evaluate Security Techniques
The Role of Security Architecture
Understanding Secure System Design in Real-World Scenarios e.g. Cryptography, Architectural Patterns...
Risk Analysis Techniques e.g. Decision Trees, SWOT, and Fishbone Analysis
Govern Security Architecture Effectively
Respond to Incidents and Post-Event Analysis
Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders
Eligibility for the course

Course Requirements

You must have passed the BCS Foundation Certificate in Architecture Concepts and Domains course, before you start this course.
A good level of English and Maths
is recommended
An internet connection with a mobile/tablet or laptop is required

Not sure if this course is right for you?
Contact us to check your suitability before starting.

career opportunities 

Career Path

Architecture skills are essential in organisations that rely on complex systems, data, and digital transformation. While IT architecture is relevant across every industry, it is especially valuable in sectors such as:

  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Cloud Computing Infrastructure
  • Cybersecurity
  • Finance and Banking
  • Government and Public Sector
  • Healthcare and Life Sciences
  • Telecommunications
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Defence and Aerospace
  • Education and Research
  • Consulting and Digital Transformation
This qualification is suitable for candidates who are looking to begin their career in architecture or for those looking to broaden their understanding of other architecture domains. It can be taken as a standalone qualification, or in combination with other BCS IT Architecture courses in the BCS IT Architecture Pathway.

Pass Assist

Your course price isn’t just for learning materials — it includes the complete Pass Assist package, designed to give you the best chance of passing your BCS exam with confidence.

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Two live video calls

Two live video calls with your course trainer for Q&A and a deeper understanding

Practice exam papers

Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get exam-ready

Exclusive video guides

Exclusive video guides to make a learning plan, maximise the course, and prepare effectively

Tutor 
support

Tutor support via forum, email, and WhatsApp for help whenever you need it

BCS exam included 

BCS exam fee included — take your exam when you’re ready, at no extra cost

BCS
Books

1 year access to over 100 BCS books in buisness and technology, including the essential BCS business analysis books to help you pass this course
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EMPLOYERS
NEED SECURITY ARCHITECTURE SKILLS

80%

Security incidents linked to design or configuration weaknesses

3-4 million

Average cost of a data breach, highlighting the importance of  secure system design and governance

3 miilion +

Global cyber security skills shortage

Learners from These Organisations Choose Us

Meet your instructor

Tahir Ahmed

Experienced IT Professional and BCS Accredited IT Architecture Trainer
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With over 40 years of experience in the global IT industry, Tahir has held senior roles in Architecture, Programme and Project Management, Business and Systems Analysis, Database Design, and Software Development. A Physics graduate with an M.Sc. in Distributed Information Systems, he brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his teaching. Known for his clear and engaging style, he’s passionate about helping learners understand complex ideas with ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is BCS?

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, is a globally recognised professional body trusted by corporations, academics, and IT practitioners alike. With more than 60,000 members across 150 countries,

BCS connects a diverse network of business leaders, educators, policy-makers, and technology professionals. Its mission is to guide the IT industry through ethical challenges, support the development of those working within the sector, and promote technology that benefits society as a whole. Through its qualifications, events, and community initiatives, BCS fosters professional growth, thought leadership, and responsible innovation in IT worldwide.

Why should I take this course?

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: 
• How to design and document secure architectures aligned with business needs
 • How to apply security frameworks, principles, and patterns
 • How to conduct risk and threat analysis at an architectural level
 • How to integrate governance, compliance, and assurance into design
 • The competencies, roles, and responsibilities of a security architect.

This course is ideal if you want to gain confidence, credibility, and a professional qualification that shows you understand the fundamentals of IT and enterprise architecture — a skillset increasingly valued in today’s digital economy.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for professionals responsible for designing, managing, or governing secure systems, including:
 • Security architects and solution architects
 • Cybersecurity engineers, analysts, or consultants
 • IT managers overseeing security and compliance
 • Professionals on the BCS IT Architecture Specialist pathway working toward the BCS IT Architecture Professional Certificate

What does the course include?

  • Online access to structured modules and lessons that follow the official BCS syllabus
  • Pass Assist support package (tutor calls, practice papers, video guides, discussion forum, email/WhatsApp support)
  • 1 year access to the BCS eLibrary of over 100 ebooks in business and technology and includes the recommended BCS books for this course
  • A personal course login that saves your progress
  • Exam booking guidance and support
  • A BCS eCertificate and 1-year Associate Membership* when you pass
  • VAT.


*New BCS members only

What is Pass Assist?

Pass Assist is our unique support package designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass your BCS exam.

When you enroll in this course, Pass Assist gives you:
  • Two live video calls with your course trainer to ask questions and deepen your understanding
  • Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get familiar with the exam format
  • Exclusive video guides to help you make a learning plan, get the most from the course, and prepare effectively for the exam
  • Ongoing tutor support via discussion forum, email, and WhatsApp for guidance whenever you need it


With Pass Assist, you’re never learning alone—you have the tools and support to succeed.

When is the start date of the course?

Self-study: Begin right after enrolment — learn anytime, anywhere. Book a 15-minute welcome call and a 15-minute exam prep session with your trainer directly via the course link.

Live training: Held on mutually agreed dates. Contact us to check availability.

How to start the course?

Enrol online now with card, PayPal, or Klarna — or contact us for invoice/bank transfer.

If you prefer live training, please contact us or message us on WhatsApp with a date you would like the training and any requirements, for example, the number of people. 

We train individuals and support teams with their training needs in organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments in different countries. Contact us if you have any questions.

What happens after I enroll?

  1. Click on the enrolment email to gain access.
  2. Complete your study
  3. Book your BCS exam using the link in the BCS email sent to you 14 days after enrolment
  4. Take your exam
  5. Download your BCS certificate from your BCS exam account when you pass
  6. Access your free* 1-year BCS Associate membership from the link in your BCS exam account when you pass
  7. Create a BCS professional profile, access further learning, build networks, and access career tools with a BCS membership

*New BCS members only

What is studying with Duco Digital Training like?


  • Self-paced learning that fits around your schedule

  • Step-by-step modules aligned with the syllabus

  • Our unique Pass Assist package of tutor support, BCS-recommended Books* discussion forums, and exam preparation resources

  • Accredited courses trusted by organisations worldwide

  • BCS certification and membership** that add real career value.


*BCS eBooks as recommended on your syllabus
** Pass the BCS exam to claim your certification. Membership for new BCS members only.

I prefer live training — how can I book this?

Prefer learning in real time with a trainer? We offer live online training for groups of two or more. If you’re learning solo, you can invite a friend or colleague to join. To book, just contact us with your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll confirm availability and customise the session to your needs.

Can organisations buy this course for teams?

Yes. Duco Digital Training partners with organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments around the world. We can enrol teams of any size, giving each learner their own login, progress tracking, and Pass Assist support. Payment is available by invoice or bank transfer, and our self-study approach allows groups to learn consistently, at their own pace, while keeping costs manageable.

How long will I have access to the course? 

You have 12 months to complete all BCS courses and take the exam. For career pathways that include multiple courses, simply contact us if you need extra time.

Live Training for Companies

Looking to train a team?* We deliver bespoke live training for organisations worldwide – online or onsite. Tailored sessions, group discounts, and the same exam-ready Pass Assist package.
*minimum of two people
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What People Say About Us

The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom
The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom

Get in touch today to discuss enrolment, team training, or payment options.

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