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Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity

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

AI Enhanced

AI Enhanced

This course has been updated to include the latest AI tools & industry insights

Make Your Career Sparkle

Save 20% on all courses & €500 on On Demand courses. Download our FREE brochure to unlock your discount code.

Choose Your Start Date

Browse our upcoming live online classes. Download your brochure to learn more.

Secure your place by paying in full or availing of our payment plan. For Part-time, on demand and on campus courses, pay in three equal interest-free instalments. For full-time Bootcamps enrol with a 50% deposit and the rest at the course start date. T&C's apply.

Why UCD Professional Academy?

  • Valuable, trusted certification
  • Industry expert lecturers
  • Flexible learning options

Cybersecurity Course Modules

Learn the pivotal tool and practices employed to protect the world’s digital resources – from cryptography to disaster recovery. 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.

Or browse our wide range of expert-led online courses and grow your career potential today.

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
Exclusive

Access to thousands of journals, articles and papers. Free of charge.

Students taking part in this course will now have access to the EBSCO Online Library, free of charge, for the full duration of the course. Here you can browse thousands of relevant journals, articles and other reliable academic and commercial texts like the Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes Magazine, to supplement your learning and assignments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course right for me?

This course is tailored for individuals eager to delve into the ever-evolving world of cyber threats and resilience. Ideal candidates may include 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. While our course offers a comprehensive overview of key concepts and practical skills, it does not delve into coding, programming, or practical pen testing skills. If you're ready to take the next step in fortifying your digital defences and advancing your career in cybersecurity, this course is the perfect fit for you.

How will this course help with my career?

Our Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity will help you unlock new career opportunities in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. The estimated worldwide shortage of cybersecurity experts currently stands at 4 million. This scarcity not only underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity today but also means great remuneration packages and opportunities for career progression. This course will equip you with the expertise valued by employers across industries and enhance your marketability in the job market. With cybersecurity playing a central role in operational resilience and legal compliance, investing in cybersecurity skills is a strategic move into a successful and rewarding career path.

What is the learning experience like?

Many of our courses are now available in a variety of formats. All formats cover the same course content. You now have more choice in how you learn with us:

Live Online

Our online experience is designed to be just as interactive, supportive, and inspiring as the UCD Professional Academy campus experience.

Online courses can be accessed from any computer or laptop with an internet connection.

Live lectures are delivered using Zoom. During these lectures, your teachers will use technology interactively to ensure an engaging learning experience. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to activate their microphones so that they can ask questions and communicate with other students.

On Campus

UCD Professional Academy is delighted to welcome learners back on the UCD Belfield Campus. On Campus courses are delivered in-person with our industry experts in the O'Brien Science building.

On Demand

On Demand courses enable you to complete your course on your own schedule. Course modules are delivered in the form of one “lesson”. The lesson is broken up into short videos followed by activities designed to put the new information and concepts into practice through exercises, quizzes, forum participation and other activities.

What is the student experience like?

Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.

How is this course assessed?

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.

How do I get my Professional Academy Diploma?

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.

What are the benefits of a Professional Academy Diploma?

UCD Professional Academy Diplomas and Certificates are designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals. Professional Academy Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.

The Professional Academy is an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.

For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Certifications & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/

What payment options are available?

You can secure your spot on most of our Live Online, On-Campus, or On-Demand courses with a low 30% deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in two equal instalments (30 and 60 days later).

For full-time Bootcamp courses, you can secure your spot with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to the start of your course.

Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/

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