In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations across the globe are in critical need of skilled professionals who can secure and maintain robust network infrastructures. The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is meticulously designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in network engineering, security protocols, and cyber resilience. Whether you’re aspiring to start a career in IT or aiming to advance your current role, this diploma offers the skills and credentials to make it happen.
This comprehensive program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, allowing students to engage deeply with core concepts such as network configuration, ethical hacking, information assurance, cryptography, and digital forensics. Each module is crafted to address the real-world challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals and network administrators, offering practical insight into mitigating cyber threats and ensuring data integrity.
As a combined Level 4 and Level 5 qualification, the course covers both intermediate and advanced aspects of networking and cybersecurity. You will develop a broad understanding of the digital ecosystem and gain proficiency in managing security risks in complex IT environments. Additionally, the diploma is aligned with current industry standards, making it highly relevant for both employers and academic institutions.
Delivered through flexible learning formats, the program is ideal for working professionals, career changers, and students seeking a cost-effective and internationally recognized qualification. Learners have access to a range of resources, including virtual labs, expert tutorials, and peer support networks, ensuring a well-rounded and interactive educational journey.
Upon successful completion, learners will be equipped with the competencies required to enter roles such as network engineer, cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, and IT security consultant. Additionally, the diploma serves as a stepping stone toward further academic progression, such as a final-year university degree or specialist certifications in the cybersecurity domain.
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma offers a strategic pathway into one of the most in-demand fields in technology. The course is divided into two progressive levels, each designed to build technical capabilities while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will explore advanced networking practices, incident response protocols, malware analysis, and cloud security principles that align with modern IT infrastructure needs.
The curriculum is structured to offer a balance between academic rigor and professional relevance. At Level 4, students gain core knowledge in IT systems, network architecture, and communication protocols. Progressing into Level 5, the focus shifts toward applied cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and enterprise-level threat detection. This layered learning approach ensures that graduates are both technically adept and strategically aware.
What sets this program apart is its emphasis on real-world applicability. Through simulated labs and case-based assignments, learners engage with the types of challenges they’ll face in professional environments. This experiential learning methodology helps reinforce technical skills and cultivates decision-making abilities vital for high-pressure cybersecurity roles.
In addition to technical expertise, the diploma enhances soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and analytical reasoning. These attributes are essential for navigating complex projects and collaborating across departments in an organizational context. By the end of the program, students are not only technically proficient but also ready to contribute meaningfully to their workplace from day one.
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security qualification consists of 11mandatory units 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 | Physical IT Networking |
| 7 | Cryptography |
| 8 | Digital Investigations and Forensics |
| 9 | System Administration |
| 10 | Network Routing and Switching |
| 11 | Network Design and Administration |
The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is designed for a diverse group of individuals who are keen to advance their expertise in the rapidly evolving fields of networking and cybersecurity. Here’s who will benefit most from this course:
- Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals: If you are looking to start a career in cybersecurity, this diploma provides the foundational and advanced knowledge needed to enter the field. It prepares you for roles such as cybersecurity analyst or IT security specialist.
- Current IT Professionals: For those already working in IT, such as network administrators or systems analysts, this diploma offers a pathway to specialize in cybersecurity. It helps you enhance your skills, advance to senior positions, and tackle the increasing complexities of digital security.
- Network Engineers and Administrators: Professionals involved in designing, implementing, and managing network infrastructures will find this diploma invaluable. It provides advanced insights into network security and management, enabling you to better protect and optimize network systems.
- Career Changers: Individuals looking to transition into the IT and cybersecurity sectors will find this qualification particularly useful. The diploma offers a comprehensive introduction to the field and helps build the expertise needed to shift into these high-demand roles.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Those running or planning to start a tech-focused business will benefit from the course’s focus on network security and data protection. It equips you with the knowledge to safeguard your business against cyber threats and ensure the integrity of your digital assets.
- IT Consultants: Consultants seeking to expand their service offerings to include cybersecurity will gain valuable skills from this diploma. It enhances your ability to advise clients on network security and risk management effectively.
Upon successful completion of the Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security, you will achieve several key learning outcomes that prepare you for advanced roles in the field. These include:
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.
Physical IT Networking
- Apply the components of physical networking.
- Understand the components and interfaces between different physical networking attributes.
- Install security protocols in a physical network.
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 organisation.
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.
System Administration
- Understand system administration.
- Perform user management and file system management.
Network Routing and Switching
- Understand switching.
- Perform routing.
Network Design and Administration
- Understand network design.
- Configure a local area network and a VLAN.
- Administer a network.
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Fee Structure for Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security
Future Progression
- QUALIFI Level 7 Diploma: This qualification provides advanced expertise and specialization in your field.
- Progress to University for a Degree: Utilize this diploma as a pathway to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, enhancing your academic credentials and career prospects.
- Pursue Employment in a Related Profession: Leverage the diploma to enter or advance in a professional role within your industry, applying your advanced knowledge and skills in a practical, career-focused context.
