Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-01-22 | - |
Program Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity from the National College of Ireland is a one-year, level 9 program that provides learners with essential technical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The program offers two specializations: Forensics and Cloud Security, and prepares graduates for careers as cybersecurity professionals in roles such as information security analyst, secure application developer, and cybersecurity tester. The program is delivered through a blended/online learning approach, combining online class time with self-paced learning and practical content covered in live online classes.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity is a one-year, level 9 program offered by the National College of Ireland (NCI). The program aims to provide learners with essential technical knowledge, competence, and skills in the most important technical concepts of cybersecurity. These concepts are applied in areas such as device, network, cloud, web, and application security.
Objectives:
- Provide learners with a deep understanding of core technical topics in cybersecurity.
- Develop in-depth expertise in areas such as information security, secure programming, network security, penetration testing, malware analysis, IT law and ethics, and technologies and tools that support application and service vulnerability detection, incident detection, data and log retrieval, and analysis.
- Prepare learners for careers as cybersecurity professionals, including roles such as information security analyst, secure application developer, cybersecurity tester, risk analyst/consultant, cyber incident responder, cloud security analyst, security researcher, and more.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program offers two specializations: Forensics and Cloud Security. Learners must select one specialization.
Semester 1:
- Security Fundamentals
- Data Governance, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Secure Web Development (Elective)
- Forensics and eDiscovery (Elective)
Semester 2:
- Network Security and Penetration Testing
- Cryptography and Blockchain
- Secure Application Development (Elective)
- Malware Analysis (Elective)
- Career Bridge
Semester 3:
- Cloud Architectures and Security
- AI/ML in Cybersecurity
- Business Resilience and Incident Management
Electives:
- Secure Web Development: Covers the principles and practices of secure web development, including threat modeling, secure coding techniques, and web application security testing.
- Forensics and eDiscovery: Explores the field of digital forensics, including evidence collection, analysis, and presentation.
- Secure Application Development: Focuses on the development of secure applications, covering topics such as secure software design, threat modeling, and code analysis.
- Malware Analysis: Provides an in-depth understanding of malware, including its types, detection, and analysis techniques.
Course Schedule:
- Indicative Schedule:
- Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 22.00.
- Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester 2 from 17.00 to 18.00.
- 4.5 hours of self-paced learning per week on NCI's Learning Platform Weekly.
- Duration:
- 1 year, 3 semesters - January to May 2024, May to August 2024, and September to December 2024.
- The course is expected to start in the week commencing 22nd January 2024.
Assessment:
The course is assessed with a blend of continuous assessments, project work, and exams. The assessment varies between modules but typically consists of 40% continuous assessment and 60% project or exam.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Blended/online learning
- Directed E-Learning activities
- Live online classroom sessions
- Tutorials/videos on the College's e-learning system
- Theory-based content covered outside of class time with self-paced tutorials/videos
- Practical content covered in live online classes with support from lecturers and lab assistants
- Limited on-campus sessions (optional)
Unique Approaches:
The program adopts a blended/online learning approach, combining online class time with self-paced learning and practical content covered in live online classes.
Careers:
Career Paths:
The program prepares graduates for careers in cybersecurity, including roles such as:
- Information security analyst
- Secure application developer
- Cybersecurity tester
- Risk analyst/consultant
- Cyber incident responder
- Cloud security analyst
- Security researcher
Opportunities:
- The cybersecurity field has the fastest growth rate compared to other technology jobs.
- There is a strong demand for cybersecurity professionals in various industries.
- Graduates from the program may work in various roles within the cybersecurity domain.
National College of Ireland
Overview:
National College of Ireland (NCI) is an award-winning college located in Dublin. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including business, computing, psychology, and education. NCI is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and it is a HEA-funded institution.
Services Offered:
NCI provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Support Services:
Academic advising, career counseling, disability support, and student well-being services.Library:
Access to a well-stocked library with online resources and study spaces.Careers:
Career development resources, job postings, and career fairs.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Accommodation:
Information and assistance with finding suitable accommodation options.Sports & Recreation:
Access to a gym, café, recreation room, and various sports clubs and societies.Childcare:
Information and support for students with childcare needs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCI offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with opportunities for students to:
Connect with peers:
Join clubs and societies, participate in social events, and build a strong network.Develop skills:
Engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership programs.Explore Dublin:
Enjoy the city's rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse attractions.Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-winning institution:
NCI is recognized for its high-quality education and innovative teaching methods.Industry-relevant programs:
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the modern workforce, with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.Experienced faculty:
NCI boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields.Strong alumni network:
Graduates have access to a supportive network of alumni who can provide guidance and mentorship.Location in Dublin:
NCI is located in the heart of Dublin, offering students access to a thriving city with numerous career opportunities.Academic Programs:
NCI offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
School of Business:
MBA programs, undergraduate and postgraduate business degrees, and specialized business courses.School of Computing:
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in computer science, software engineering, and data analytics.Cloud Competency Centre:
Specialized programs in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data management.Psychology Department:
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology, as well as research opportunities.Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning:
Teacher education programs, postgraduate degrees in education, and professional development courses.Other:
NCI also offers:
Springboard+ Programs:
Free online courses in technology, funded by the Irish government.Apprenticeships:
Opportunities to gain practical skills and work experience through apprenticeships.Research:
Active research programs in various fields, including business, computing, and education.Services to Business:
Facilities for business meetings, conferences, and events.Early Learning Initiative:
Programs and services to support early childhood development and family well-being.Entry Requirements:
- An honours (level 8) primary degree in computing or a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree that also has taught programming/application development related modules.
- Candidates are expected to have programming ability, which can be demonstrated through transcripts, recognized certifications, and/or relevant work experience.
- An assessment and/or interview may be conducted to ascertain suitability if necessary, for candidates who do not meet the normal academic requirements.
- The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant will also be assessed.
- Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent, please note the English language entry requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent.