Course Summary
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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The direct entry route to this programme requires applicants to evidence numerate, technical and analytical ability to a minimum of NFQ level 7 standard.
The following are accepted as appropriate evidence for direct entry:
1. An NFQ level 7 major award in IT (or cognate discipline)
or
2. An NFQ level 8 major award from a non-cognate discipline
Applications are also welcome from individuals who do not meet the standard entry requirements but wish to apply for entry based on prior learning (RPL) or prior experiential learning (RPEL) of 5+ years typically. The College will thoroughly assess applications received through RPL and RPEL to ensure that candidates are able to evidence learning to an appropriate standard – normally the framework level equivalent to the direct entry qualifications requirement and demonstrate potential to succeed and benefit from the programme. Applications submitted on this basis will be assessed in line with the College RPL policy.
Applications on the basis of experiential learning or informal / non-formal learning must evidence an applicant’s potential to succeed through demonstration of ability to pursue the programme at the applicable NFQ level, in the discipline area concerned, and benefit from the programme of study in question. The ability to produce written summaries, discussions and projects on academic and applied matters will be important.
Evidence may be provided through:
• Prior study and qualifications, including CPD, short courses and professional awards as well as NFQ awards
• Work experience and achievements
• Other experiential learning obtained through volunteering or non-employment experience
• Successful completion of an entry assessment set by the College
• A combination of the above
For applicants whose first language is not English, English language competency required for entry must be equal to or greater than B2+ in the CEFRL. English language credentials endorsed by other systems (viz. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, Duolingo etc.) will be assessed to ensure they meet this minimum standard.
The programme is not suitable for individuals with only basic computer literacy.
This programme requires students to be able to actively engage in teaching, learning and assessment activities. To do so, student will be expected to provide their own laptop with the following hardware configuration:
• 16GB of RAM (recommended)
• a modern 64-bit ×86 processor (Intel i5 or superior)
• 250+ GB of available space in hard disk
• WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows.
Application Details
Intakes: Autumn (September) and Spring (February)
Next Intake Commencing: September 2024
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
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.
Duration
Full-time (day) or Part-time Blended (evenings and weekend)