Program Overview

Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems Security

Short Course Overview

The Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems Security short course is a 30-credit program at SCQF level 10. It focuses on defending OT and ICS environments using practical techniques applied in real operational networks.

Course Description

This course explores ethical and legal considerations in assessing OT and ICS environments, including network enumeration, mapping, and the use of traffic analysis tools. Students will examine device management, exploitation techniques, and the physical security of critical assets. Coverage extends to IoE and wireless attack surfaces, supported by recognized best-practice frameworks such as ISO 27001, ISO 27005, ISO 27014, the Cyber Assessment Framework, ISA99, and the IEC 62443 Series.

Mode of Study and Attendance

• Mode of Study: Online Learning
• Mode of Attendance: Part Time

Course Length and Start Date

• Course Length: 30 contact hours
• Start Date: To Be Confirmed (TBC)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this short course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain OT and ICS protocol vulnerabilities and evaluate the security of an industrial network infrastructure.
• Design and implement countermeasures to protect an OT network and ICS from unauthorized access.
• Understand the ethical, legal, and operational policies of OT and ICS security testing.
• Critically evaluate security controls used to protect OT and ICS networked systems.
• Effectively communicate the results of OT and ICS auditing, assessing, and security testing to demonstrate regulatory compliance.

RGU Upskilling

Undertaking a RGU online short course can help develop or change a career or support a business to grow. The university offers a range of online short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals, both locally and globally. If domiciled in Scotland, students may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, allowing them to study for free.

Course and Module Information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses, and course content and structure may change over time.

Learning Methods

The course is delivered online via interactive lecture and tutorial sessions using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Moodle. These sessions are supported by virtual lab activities.

Activity Summary

• Lectures: 1 hour per week
• Webinars: 2 hours per week
• Independent Study: 27 hours per week

Assessment

This course is assessed through a written assignment, including an essay.

Independent Study

Materials and exercises are available online, allowing participants to study flexibly and independently at a time and place that fits around existing work and life commitments. Further reading resources and online tutor support are also provided.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course team is comprised of experienced academics who have won multiple awards and have worked on multiple research and consultancy projects in the field of cybersecurity.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning and Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from using the collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle. Students are provided with 24/7 online access to learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The Library offers support for the course, including the books, eBooks, and journals needed. Online reading lists for many modules, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing are also available.

Fee Information

Academic Year 2025/2026

• Fee-waiver places: If domiciled in Scotland, students may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning they can study for free.
• All other applicants: Applicants not eligible for a fee-waiver place will be required to meet the module cost to study. The course fee is ｣520 for the entire module.

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as accommodation and living costs, and printing.

Disclaimer

For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.

Facilities

Moodle is the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), an essential resource that can be accessed from any internet-enabled device. The university has invested heavily in its facilities and support networks to make the experience of studying at RGU the best it can possibly be.