UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity

Dive into the exciting world of cybersecurity with our UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity experts are the guardians of our digital frontier, and they are in high demand across the world. Develop your problem-solving capabilities in areas such as threat detection, digital resilience, and risk management. With the expertise to thwart cyber-attacks and safeguard digital assets, you’ll be ready for your first steps in this stimulating and rewarding career. Learn the pivotal tool and practices employed to protect the world’s digital resources – from cryptography to disaster recovery.

On Demand (eLearning)

Upcoming Live Instructor-Led Courses

  • January 22nd- April 9th (EVENINGS: 12 Weeks - Every Thursday)
    PART-TIME: Live Online Lectures
     
    • €1,399.00 excl.

Cybersecurity

Each module is meticulously crafted to provide a deep understanding of the essential concepts as well as practical skills you can put to work in a real-world setting. This course includes comprehensive coverage of essential topics such as encryption, network security, threat detection, risk management, incident response, and ethical hacking. Through expert-led lectures and practical assignments, you will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills to effectively mitigate cyber risks in today’s dynamic landscape. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing skills or embark on a new career path, our Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity equips you with the tools and expertise needed to succeed in a cybersecurity role.

This course is ideal for IT professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, aspiring cybersecurity specialists looking to enter the field, or managers aiming to grasp the essentials of cybersecurity governance.

Course Assessments

This course is assessed through learning logs (30% of final grade) and a final written assignment (70% of final grade). You will complete a learning log each week, with reflections on the course material and your professional experience. The final written assignment is a report of approx. 3,000 words where you will demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter by applying your new knowledge to a practical scenario.

Certification

Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add this certificate to your LinkedIn profile.

Flexible Delivery Options

The course is available either online on demand or live online. Live Online delivery is part-time, over 12 weeks, with one three-hour session per week. Currently the course is only available on sessions from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. This would be suitable for busy professionals who have to complete the course out of normal working hours.

Study Options

All formats cover the same course content. You now have more choice in how you learn with us:

On Demand

Begin today or tailor your learning to suit your schedule.

  • Create a learning schedule that fits your personal needs.
  • Complete within 18 weeks.
  • Attend optional live Q&A sessions.

Live Online

Weekly evening part-time classes available over 12 weeks.

  • Live online learning with industry-expert lecturers
  • Interact with lecturers and classmates
  • Convenience of studying from home

Cybersecurity Course Modules

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1. Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Understand and apply the key fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity within the current threat landscape.

  • Threat landscape
  • Definitions
  • CIA Triad

2. Cryptography & Encryption

Explore the role of cryptography and its practical application in communications security.

  • History of cryptography
  • Encryption/decryption
  • Cryptographic protocols
  • Hash functions

3. Identity & Access Management (IAM)

Learn the fundamentals of IAM, including authentication and secure passwords. Practice using online tools or resources for cracking passwords.

  • Authentication
  • Secure passwords
  • 2FA/MFA
  • Cracking passwords

4. Network Security Basics

Discover network architectures, potential vulnerabilities, and the strategies to secure network infrastructures.

  • The internet and computer networking
  • Wireless networks
  • Protocols
  • World Wide Web

5. Cyber Threats & Attack Vectors

Explore common cyber threats, attack vectors, and the mindset of cyber adversaries.

  • Malware
  • Detecting malware
  • Protecting from attack
  • Notable attacks and zero-days

6. Security Technologies & Controls

Understand the technologies and controls used in protecting information and IT assets, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.

  • Threat detection
  • Network security
  • Application and mobile security

7. Risk Management, Business Continuity (BC) & Disaster Recovery (DR)

Dive into risk management processes, business impact analysis, and the development of comprehensive BC and DR plans.

  • What is risk?
  • Risk assessment
  • Compliance, audits, policy
  • BC and DR planning

8. Introduction To Ethical Hacking

Learn the fundamental concepts of penetration testing and ethical hacking.

  • History of hacking
  • Methods, tools, and resources
  • Demonstration

9. Incident Response & Forensic Analysis

Explore the procedures and tools for responding to cybersecurity incidents and conducting forensic analysis to understand and mitigate breaches.

  • Digital forensics
  • eDiscovery
  • Tools and resources

10. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) & Social Engineering

Understand the concepts of open-source intelligence and social engineering.

  • Open-source intelligence
  • Social engineering
  • Tools and resources

11. Cybersecurity Policy & Governance

Learn how to establish effective cybersecurity policies and governance structures to manage and protect organisational information assets.

  • Governance, risk, and compliance
  • Implementing policies and frameworks
  • Current legislation

12. AI & Emerging Technologies In Cybersecurity

Review emerging technologies and cloud security principals and best practice, including in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Quantum computing
  • Cloud security
  • Tools and resources

Admission Requirements

  • Learners must be 18 years or older.
  • Previous training, study and/or professional experience in a related field is recommended.
  • For non-native speakers of English, a language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall (or equivalent) is required.

Please note that all UCD Professional Academy courses are conducted in English. Prospective learners for whom English is not a native language are welcome to undertake Professional Academy courses. It is the responsibility of the learner that their proficiency in English is adequate for the course to participate and complete assignments successfully.

Disabilities

UCD Professional Academy welcomes learners with disabilities and makes every effort to provide facilities and support, where possible. We ask that learners who may need additional support or facilities during their course inform us at the time of application.

Code of Conduct

All staff and learners of the Academy are expected to abide by its Code of Conduct https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/learner_handbook/ . In the case of serious breaches, learners may not be permitted to attend the remainder of their course, and no refund will be given.

Add to your personal skill set and add more value to your organisation by completing a UCD Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity.