DIPLOMA IN CYBERSECURITY (LEVEL 7)
Level 7 and 8 programmes are 90% funded for those in employment and 100% funded for those on a qualifying social welfare payment.
- Course Overview
- Modules
- Entry Requirements
- Programme Structure
- Qualifications
- Why Study This Programme?
- Who Is This Programme For?
- What Will You Learn If You Take This Course?
- How To Apply?
The Diploma in Cybersecurity is a one-year (60 credit) Special Purpose Award (SPA) programme that is awarded at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
This diploma provides comprehensive coverage of the key aspects of the Cybersecurity industry. It aims to deliver an in-depth analysis of the core issues that parties typically encounter in Cybersecurity systems.
The programme aims to equip business professionals with relevant tools to navigate the evolving Cybersecurity landscape in Ireland, and instil dispositions enabling learners to implement the most effective and efficient responses to business challenges, while being able to think critically about their roles as professionals within these working contexts.
At the award stage a combination of core business competencies and professional development modules are offered to equip the learner for roles they may take up in the sector.
6CS001: Information Technology Fundamentals (aligned with ITF+certification)
6CS002: Network Fundamentals (aligned with Network+ certification)
6CS003: Security Fundamentals (aligned with Security+ certification)
6CS004: Computer Systems Forensics
6CS005: Security Operations Management
6CS006: Computer and Information Systems Security
Application to programmes are open to those learners who meet the minimum entry requirements, namely a Grade O6/H7 or better in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects to include Mathematics and/or present an award from a cognate discipline equivalent or greater than level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. FETAC/QQI applicants must have achieved a full FETAC/QQI Level 5/Level 6 Major Award.
Mature applicants are also welcome to apply. Candidates must be 23 years of age or over on the 1st January of the year of entry to their programme of study. An applicant applying on the basis of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) must demonstrate their ability to succeed by providing evidence of current and prior learning and work experience, explaining their motivation, and how committed they are to succeeding on the course. These applicants are considered based on their previous studies, and relevant work and life experience. This means you must submit a detailed CV, personal statement outlining your motivation for studying now, 2 work based references and any documentation such as training courses that you completed. This will demonstrate your engagement in learning in different contexts and assure a timely decision on your application.
For applicants whose first language is not English, a B2+ in CEFRL (IELTS Academic score of 6.0, or equivalent), is needed.
This programme will be offered through both part-time and blended learning. Learners wishing to study part-time will be on campus 2 evenings per week and some Saturday workshops.
On passing this course you will be awarded:
QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland)
NFQ:
Level 7 Special Purpose Award
In an increasingly changing and globalised world, new opportunities are continually developing that will challenge our adaptability and knowledge. Technology, environment and competition challenges are continually developing, requiring us to be increasingly flexible, responsible and capable in our responses.
A diploma in Cybersecurity provides learners with an opportunity to understand more clearly the basis for rational decisions in the world of Cybersecurity while ensuring that decisions are appropriate in the burgeoning online framework.
Managerial expertise and entrepreneurship is a driver for economic success and employment and improves the way we work and live. Awareness and insight related to management of the Cybersecurity can enhance development of goods, services and how institutions act and operate in the world.
The programme is designed to examine the relatedness between economic, societal, and environmental spheres of activity and promote ethical decision making in these contexts. It is also designed to encourage lifelong learning among learners to promote resilience and reflexivity in ever changing work contexts.
This programme is designed to enhance learner skills for work, learning and life, skills which are developed in a context of critical thinking and problem solving. The programme is designed to give learners triliteral skills in the numeracy, literacy and technological arenas and impart an understanding of real-life applicability of these skills.
The Diploma in Cybersecurity is a one-year (60 credit) Special Purpose Award (SPA) programme that is awarded at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
This diploma provides comprehensive coverage of the key aspects of the Cybersecurity industry. It aims to deliver an in-depth analysis of the core issues that parties typically encounter in Cybersecurity systems.
The programme aims to equip business professionals with relevant tools to navigate the evolving Cybersecurity landscape in Ireland, and instil dispositions enabling learners to implement the most effective and efficient responses to business challenges, while being able to think critically about their roles as professionals within these working contexts.
At the award stage a combination of core business competencies and professional development modules are offered to equip the learner for roles they may take up in the sector.
• Business professionals (i.e., from companies, OEMs, MROs, professional services firms, etc.) who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of the technical aspects of Cybersecurity.
• Entry level technical professionals who want to move into Cybersecurity roles that require specific knowledge.
• Graduate and undergraduate students interested in Cybersecurity who want to better understand this technology area
The Diploma in Cybersecurity provides the learner with a specialised education in Cybersecurity. The modules provide a solid foundation and prepares graduates for a career within the Information Technology sector and will also allow for progression to further studies with one of the professional bodies to qualify as an subject matter expert.
The programme sets the foundation for progression to study at postgraduate level within a specific Cybersecurity field.
More specifically, the programme aims to provide the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles and concepts applicable to Cybersecurity.
- Acquire a practical working knowledge of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY trouble shooting and problem solving.
- Assess the inherent risks and rewards involved in INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Systems.
- Appreciate the underpinnings of Cybersecurity risk.
- Develop familiarity with key optimisation, analysis, and cyber programming performance metrics.
- Foster industry awareness and technical acumen.
Applicants should first ensure that they are registered with springboard+ and can then submit an application through the Springboard+ website. A member of the Admissions team will be in contact with you within 1-3 workings day to advise you on the next steps to enrolment.


Paul Noone
Paul has been successfully teaching ICT to students in various colleges and schools for many years. Prior to and during his time teaching he established his own Web and Graphic Design business, creating a large portfolio of clients.
Paul has a vast knowledge of business, being involved in the retail sector for many years, owning and running his own retail outlets in Dublin, this business experience includes the introduction of an international retailing brand, involving the opening of multiple retail outlets around Ireland.

John Sexton
John Sexton is a Chartered Engineer Electronic Engineering. He has been a Cisco CCNA instructor for 15 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from DCU, obtained in 1998.
John originally worked in the Telecoms sector before moving into Network Engineering in the nineties.
In 1998, he joined the lecturing staff in the Institute of Technology Tallaght, now part of the Technological University of Dublin. He lectured in Network Engineering for 18 years. In this time, he designed and delivered Networking modules at NFQ levels 6, 7 and 8. He has also delivered the CCNA Routing and Switching course for over 10 years.
He is currently a visiting lecturer for the Université de Toulouse II Jean Jaurès.
He has acquired a lot of experience teaching groups of varying levels of education.

Matthias Neuroth
(Lecturer – Security Fundamentals / Security Operations Management)
Dr. Matthias Neuroth is a security and IT professional with over 20 years’ experience in a variety of industries. He has expertise in a broad range of cybersecurity and IT areas including infrastructure and application security, cloud security, cybersecurity operations, disaster recovery, software development and management of development and deployment of IT services.
He has a PhD in electrical engineering and obtained professional certifications in security and project management such as CISSP, CCSP, GICSP and PMP.
He has been a member of the teaching faculty in private and public organisations carrying out training in security and technology topics to young and experienced staff.
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