This Advanced Cyber security practicioner programme will create a learning pathway for those who may have completed the current Level 6 Cyber Security apprenticeship under the Fastrack into IT programme while also facilitating those looking to upskill or reskill and already in employment.

All potential apprentices must meet the minimum entry requirements as follows:

• Must have an Irish contract of employment, be Irish based and be employed by a SOLAS ‘Approved Employer’.

• Must be aged 18 or over.

• Must have achieved the minimum academic requirements for the relevant programme.

• Certified and non-certified Recognition of Prior Learning may also be considered.

• Every apprentice must have opportunity and access to relevant inhouse work experience to complement the chosen apprenticeship.

• Apprentices for whom English is not a first languagemust demonstrate proficiency in English and meet the University of Limerick English Language requirements.

• Non-EU applicants are subject to work permit regulations.

“Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be in place to recognise candidates with a lower or a lack of qualification provided they have significant industrial experience, and evidence of the ability to study at undergraduate level, such as the completion of professional training and development courses

Applicants for this programme must meet the following: 

• Minimum academic requirements (or RPL) for the programme of study. – i.e. NFQ level 6 qualification in an ICT discipline or equivalent (60 ECTS) with relevant work experience or NFQ Level 6 ICT Associate Apprenticeship
• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• Irish based with an Irish contract of employment with your registered employer for the duration of the programme of study (3 years)
• Have company sponsorship / support
• Ability to meet the necessary on the job learning requirements
• Ability to undertake your studies alongside your employment. (attend campus 1 day per week) 
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

Advanced entry into Year 2 may be possible for students who hold a relevant Level 7 qualification in an ICT related discipline and have relevant work experience. The University of Limerick's Recognition of Prior Learning may be applicable on a case by case basis. 

In advance of completing an application for the Cyber Security Apprenticeship it is important to understand the commitment you will need to provide to this programme.

The work-based apprenticeship will include 70% of students’ time spent learning on-the-job with the remainder, two days a week during the academic year, in an academic setting.

The programme is aligned with the academic calendar in the University of Limerick which is structured over 2 semesters Autumn (September-December) and Spring (January to May).

Year 1*	Year 2	Year 3
Autumn	Autumn	Autumn
Operating Systems 1	Introduction to Security Cryptography	Applied Cloud Computing
Computer Software 3	Computer Law, Investigations & Ethics	Introduction to Data Engineering & Machine Learning
Modern Communications Fundamentals	Reflective Learning Journal 2	Project 1
Computer Network Standards, Protocols & The Internet of Things		Reflective Learning Journal 5
Spring	Spring	Spring
Operating Systems 2	Data Security	Host & Network Security
TCP/IP Networking	Introduction to Cloud Computing	Computer Forensics
Mobile & Wireless Communications	Reflective Learning Journal 3	Project 2
		Reflective Learning Journal 6
Summer	Summer	Summer
Reflective Learning Journal 1	Reflective Learning Journal 4
* Advanced entry into Year 2 will be possible for students who hold a relevant Level 7 qualification in an ICT related discipline and have relevant work experience).

 

The taught programme modules start in September and finish in May every year. Programme content will be delivered both virtually and on campus. Due to the nature of the programme there is a requirement that apprentices be released from work to be on campus at the University of Limerick a minimum of 1 day per week during the semesters to engage in their studies- primarily in labs and tutorials.

There may also be a combination of evening and day lectures and masterclasses scheduled for apprentices to engage in. Engagement with programme content may be scheduled during normal working hours and employers will be required to facilitate the apprentice with time to access this. There is an emphasis on directed assignment work in each of the modules to allow participants to spend more time applying the concepts in the context of their own organisations.

This programme will only be run in the University of Limerick for the present time.

This programme is a 3 year 240 (180) credit Bachelor of Science Degree (hons) in Cybersecurity. Programme content will be delivered both virtually and on campus. A combination of evening and day lectures and masterclasses will be scheduled for apprentices to engage in. Due to the nature of the programme these is a requirement that apprentices be released from work to be on campus at the University if Limerick 1 day per week during the semester to engage primarily in labs and tutorials.

Skills and qualities required for this role include:

• Strong ICT skills and knowledge including hardware, software and networks
• Attention to detail
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of ICT systems
• A forensic approach to challenges
• A deep understanding on how hackers work and ability to keep up with the fast pace of change in the criminal cyber-underworld
• Ability to seek out vulnerabilities in IT infrastructures

Qualified candidates will be eligible to work with both technical and business functions across a range of technologies in the field of information and communications technology, working with either hardware or software as appropriate. They will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in communications technologies, networks, ICT Forensics, computers and computer-based applications, security in information technology, as required

IT Security is fast becoming one of the most important roles in the tech sector as cybercriminals and hackers become more and more sophisticated.

Any computer connected to the Internet is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber security is the technique used to protect computers and networks from these types of intrusions and from criminal attack.

The Work:

• Implements security protocol at the development stages of software systems, networks and data centres
• Looks for vulnerabilities and risks in hardware and software
• Finds the best way to secure the IT infrastructure of an organisation
• Builds firewalls into network infrastructures
• Constantly monitors for attacks and intrusion
• When the cybersecurity specialist finds a potential threat or attempted breach, close off the security vulnerability
• Identifies the perpetrator and liaises with the police if necessary

On completion of the programme and having attained the Cyber security Level 8 Award, it is envisaged that candidates will take up full-time positions with the sponsoring company. There may also be wider options of post graduate study in ICT & Cybersecurity search Postgrad options, or the many pathways of development in the wider ICT sector in Ireland.

Industries served by this Cyber Apprenticeship include:

•Telecoms/Technology

• Government

• Finance

• Business support

• Manufacturing

• Education

• Utilities

• Health & pharma

• Information and communication (ICT)

• Financial and insurance activities

• Manufacturing

• Human health & welfare

• Public administration and defence

• Wholesale and retail trade

• Education

• Professional, scientific and technical activities

• Accommodation and food service activities

• Arts, entertainment and recreation

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing

• Utilities

• Construction

• Transportation and storage

• Administrative and support

On completion of the programme and having attained the Level 8 Award, it is envisaged that candidates will develop in their full-time positions with the sponsoring company. There may also be wider options of post graduate study in ICT & Cybersecurity search Postgrad options or the many pathways of development in the wider ICT sector in Ireland.

Industries served by this apprenticeship include:

•Telecoms/technology

• Government

• Finance

• Business support

• Manufacturing

• Education

• Utilities

• Health & pharma

• Information and communication (ICT)

• Financial and insurance activities

• Manufacturing

• Human health & welfare

• Public administration and defence

• Wholesale and retail trade

• Education

• Professional, scientific and technical activities

• Accommodation and food service activities

• Arts, entertainment and recreation

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing

• Utilities

• Construction

• Transportation and storage

• Administrative and support

The two-year programme, which will commence intake in September 2022, has been developed by UL in collaboration with Limerick for IT industry network and the Mid-West Regional Skills Forum. The work-based apprenticeship will include 70% of students’ time spent learning on-the-job with the remainder, two days a week during the academic year, in an academic setting.

Email: [email protected]

Apprenticeship Programme manager

Elaine Butler Tel: 061-237798/ (0)86 1738643

Register your interest with Univ of Limerick Apprenticeships

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:

• Microsoft Ireland

Online Jobsites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

Online Student Application Fee €35 Annual Student Contribution Fee 30% of UL student contribution fee is payable. Current price per annum is €1,200 It should be noted that these fees are subject to change depending on the programme of study and external funders requirements.