Course Summary
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity is designed as a specialist postgraduate programme for IT graduates looking to advance their career in the area of cybersecurity.
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 following are accepted as appropriate evidence for direct entry:
a. An NFQ level 8 major award in IT (or cognate discipline) with strong programming skills
or
b. An NFQ level 8 major award from a non-cognate discipline with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience, and evidencing strong programming skills.
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). 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.
This programme is designed for individuals who have previous knowledge in computing, cybersecurity or similar through professional experience and/or educational qualifications. This 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 RAM
• a modern 64-bit ×86 processor (Intel i7 or superior)
• 512+ 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
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be qualified to progress to the Masters capstone project module at CCT College Dublin (subject to returning the PGDip award) and will also be equipped to secure employment opportunities in a range of IT roles, including leadership positions, and will have a firm appreciation of the need to maintain currency in their discipline and commit to continuous professional development.
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity should be able to secure professional roles at intermediate and advanced positions in data analysis across all sectors of the economy and progress to leadership roles using skills related to those learned in the programme curriculum. Potential roles include but are not limited to: Information security analyst, secure application developer, cybersecurity tester, risk advisory on information security and forensics, cloud security analyst.
Duration
Full-time (day) or Part-time Blended (evenings and weekend)