Higher Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity

Program Overview

The Higher Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity is a conversion program designed for graduates with technical backgrounds to transition into cybersecurity. It provides students with the knowledge and skills in networking, programming, cryptography, compliance, forensics, and cyberthreat intelligence. The program utilizes blended learning, combining on-campus and online activities, and employs authentic assessment methods to prepare students for entry-level cybersecurity positions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Higher Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity is designed as a conversion programme to facilitate graduates from programmes with a significant numeric, technical and analytical content to transition into this specialised area of IT. The programme will equip students with the knowledge, skill, and competence in cybersecurity to support them in securing entry-level positions upon graduation. The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and is designed as an active learning experience requiring students to be active participants in their learning, engaging in industry-relevant authentic learning and assessment activities.

Outline:

Modules:

• Networking and System Architecture (10 ECTS)
• Programming Principles for Secure Systems (10 ECTS)
• Cryptography and Encryption (10 ECTS)
• Cybersecurity Compliance and Management (10 ECTS)
• Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing (10 ECTS)
• Cyberthreat Intelligence (5 ECTS)
• Law, Ethics, and Professional Practice (5 ECTS)

Assessment:

The programme engages an authentic assessment approach to provide learners with an insight into real-work tasks, scenarios, and challenges. Opportunities for integrated assessment are maximised to better reflect the authentic work-based problems and scenarios. The programme uses a combination of continuous assessment, examination, and research project assessment methodologies.

Teaching:

As this is a blended learning programme, students will be required to engage in a combination of on-campus and online activities. All students will be introduced to the CCT online learning environment as part of the induction to the programme and will have access to further support as required. Online activities can include live or pre-recorded lectures, independent learning and assessment activities such as research tasks, discussion forums, simulations, quizzes and e-portfolio work along with online group activities such as live classes, group project work, virtual labs and tutorials. Completing the online elements of the programme each week is essential to successfully complete the programme. On-campus activities can include small group tutorials, labs, project supervision, problem-solving case studies, library research and seminars.

Careers:

Graduates of this Higher Diploma should also be equipped to secure entry-level employment opportunities in the specialist IT area of Cybersecurity and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline and commit to continuous professional development.