The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security is a comprehensive programme designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge and skills to protect digital assets in today’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. This combined diploma offers an integrated curriculum covering both foundational and advanced topics, making it ideal for individuals aspiring to become cybersecurity professionals.
This course addresses critical areas such as network security, ethical hacking, risk management, and information assurance. Learners will gain hands-on experience with security tools and techniques used to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber-attacks. The curriculum also emphasises understanding legal and ethical frameworks that govern cybersecurity practices worldwide.
The qualification prepares learners for various roles within the cybersecurity field, including security analyst, network defender, and incident responder. It is suitable for beginners with some IT background as well as those seeking to advance their existing cybersecurity skills. Combining Level 4 and Level 5 content offers a streamlined pathway to accelerate professional development.
Learners will also develop vital problem-solving and analytical skills required to assess security risks and implement effective controls. The course promotes a proactive approach to safeguarding organisations’ information systems and assets against cyber threats.
By completing the Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security, students will be well-positioned to enter the cybersecurity workforce or pursue further specialised study in areas such as digital forensics or cyber risk management.
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security comprises 240 credits covering a broad spectrum of cybersecurity disciplines. Level 4 modules introduce essential concepts such as fundamentals of cyber security, network principles, and the basics of threat identification and response.
At Level 5, learners engage with advanced topics like penetration testing, security architecture, cyber law, and incident management. This level enhances strategic thinking and equips learners to design robust cybersecurity strategies aligned with organisational goals.
The course combines theoretical learning with practical application, including case studies, simulations, and project work that reflect real-world cybersecurity challenges. This approach ensures learners not only understand concepts but can also apply them effectively in operational environments.
Graduates of this combined diploma are equipped with the skills needed to support and manage cybersecurity frameworks across various sectors including finance, healthcare, government, and technology. The qualification also offers pathways to higher education or professional certifications in cybersecurity.
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security qualification consists of 11 mandatory units making a combined total of 240 credits for the completed qualification.
Mandatory Units
| Sr# | Unit Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cyber Security Threat and Risk |
| 2 | Network Security and Data Communications |
| 3 | Database Security and Computer Programming |
| 4 | Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics |
| 5 | Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation |
| 6 | Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance |
| 7 | Cyber Wars |
| 8 | Cryptography |
| 9 | Digital Investigations and Forensics |
| 10 | Communications and Incident Management |
| 11 | Strategic Leadership |
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security is designed for:
- Aspiring cybersecurity professionals seeking a comprehensive qualification to start a career in cyber security.
- IT professionals and network administrators looking to specialise or advance their skills in cybersecurity.
- Individuals with a basic IT background aiming to deepen their understanding of cyber threats and defence mechanisms.
- Security analysts and incident responders wanting to formalise their knowledge with a recognised diploma.
- Students preparing for further studies or certifications in cybersecurity and information security.
- Organisational staff responsible for data protection and compliance who need to understand cyber risks and mitigation strategies.
- Anyone interested in understanding ethical hacking, risk management, and digital security principles.
- Professionals seeking career advancement in sectors like finance, healthcare, government, or technology that require robust cybersecurity skills.
Upon successful completion of the Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security, learners will achieve the following outcomes:
Cyber Security Threat and Risk
- Understand complex business cyber security threats and risks
- Understand recent mega breaches and explain malware and ransomware attacks
- Understand how threats and malicious hackers are advancing and developing customised intrusion tools
Network Security and Data Communications
- Understand how computers and digital devices communicate with one another over a network
- Understand, at a strategic level, how computer networking, web applications and software can be exploited
- Understand methods of security prevention and systems hardening
- Understand key network security and systems resilience tools, terminology and models
Database Security and Computer Programming
- Understand the broad range of information security controls to protect databases
- Understand types of database categories of control
- Understand the underpinning concepts and models of cloud-based storage solutions
- Understand the relationship between computer programming and computer hacking
- Understand the ‘interpreted’ general-purpose programming language, Python
Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics
- Understand the role and composite parts of Incident Response as a business function and how CERTS operate
- Understand aligned task/task forces for Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management
- Understand how major computer incidents are formally investigated
- Understand laws and guidance in relation to the conduct of planned and structured major incident investigations
Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation
- Understand the concept of strategy, strategic management, planning and buy-in in relation to cyber security
- Understand how legislation, formal industry standards, training and accreditations support cyber security
- Understand how to implement Plan, Do, Check and Act security and risk management policies
- Understand the future legal and technical environment and the impact on cyber security planning and digital risk management
- Understand how to plan and design a security audit for a cyber network
Cyber Security Threats and Risks: Banking and Finance
- Understand the threats and risks facing traditional and emerging financial services
- Understand the architectural structures of traditional and emerging financial markets
- Understand how payments systems connect to underpinning financial services architecture
- Understand how cryptocurrencies connect to underpinning financial services architecture
Cyber Wars
- Understand how nation states are potentially engaged in cyber defence and offensive capability strategy
- Understand the motivations and causes behind nationstate-linked cyber-attacks and breaches
- Understand how private sector industry has been targeted by potentially statesanctioned cyber-crime groups and/or armies
- Understand how CNI has been targeted by statebacked cyber-crime groups and/or armies
Cryptography
- Understand key cryptographic principles and modes
- Understand the standards, regulations and laws that apply to business and government organisations in relation to encryption
- Design an encryption plan and courses of action for a given organization
Digital Investigations and Forensics
- Understand the core principles of digital investigations
- Apply the types of tool that support professional digital investigations at a strategic level
- Plan for an investigations and forensics teams
- Understand the importance of safeguarding evidential integrity in digital investigations
Communications and Incident Management
- Understand the physical and human resources required to manage a major suspected cyber security incident
- Apply Business Continuity Management to major incident planning and response
- Understand how Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management are integrated into a suspected major cyber-enabled incident
- Evaluate the potential impact of NOT planning crisis communications and incident response
Strategic Leadership
- Understand the role senior leaders and strategic leadership
- Evaluate the management streams and performance monitoring mechanisms that relate to information security
- Understand how threat and risk identification and management is integrated into C-Suite considerations and governance
- Understand how data protection legislation impacts considerations of strategy-setting and strategic leadership
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Fee Structure for Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security
Future Progression
1. Pursue a Level 6 University Degree (Top-Up)
Progress to a Bachelor’s Degree (Subject to Successful Application to Partner Institution):
Upon successful application and acceptance by our partner institution, you have the opportunity to continue your academic journey by enrolling in a Level 6 university degree program. This top-up degree, which builds upon the knowledge and skills gained from the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security, culminates in a full bachelor’s degree. This advanced qualification will deepen your expertise, expand your career prospects, and position you for specialized roles and advanced career opportunities in cybersecurity and related fields.
2. Enter Advanced Professional Roles
Seamlessly Transition into Employment in Cyber security:
With the completion of the Level 5 Extended Diploma, you are well-prepared to step directly into advanced employment opportunities within the cyber security sector. Your diploma provides a robust foundation for roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Security Consultant, or Information Security Manager. The practical skills and theoretical knowledge gained from the diploma make you a competitive candidate for these positions, enabling you to effectively address complex security challenges and contribute significantly to the protection of organizational assets.
