Diploma in Cyber Security

Undergraduate - Level 5

Programme Overview

The Level 5 Diploma in Cyber Security develops the technical understanding and management and leadership skills needed to organise business responses to major cyber security incidents. This semi-technical course covers cryptography, digital investigations and forensics, communications and incident management, and strategic leadership. It is particularly suited to current or aspiring executives and leaders responsible for business resilience, information security, safe technological innovation, and risk management. The qualification supports senior IT, digital, data, and security roles and can provide a pathway to a Level 6 degree top-up.

Correspondence

Equivalent to the second year of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree in the UK and comparable to the second year of undergraduate studies internationally (US, Canada, Asia, and Europe).

Aims of the Diploma

The qualification aims to:

  • Equip learners with the knowledge, understanding, and skills required for success in information security-related employment.
  • Enable progression to a university-approved Level 6 degree award.
  • Provide specialist study relevant to learners’ current or intended work in the business and public service sectors.
  • Develop learners’ ability to contribute to good and ethical practice in technology and risk management.
  • Build the skills, techniques, and personal qualities needed to perform well at work and enhance prospects for promotion and career advancement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:

  • Understand key cryptographic principles, along with the standards, regulations, and laws that apply to encryption.
  • Design an encryption plan and recommended courses of action for a given organisation.
  • Understand the digital investigation lifecycle, select appropriate tools, and plan investigation and forensics teams.
  • Understand how to safeguard evidential integrity and how evidence is stored and presented in legal environments.
  • Apply Business Continuity Management, Disaster Recovery, and Crisis Management to major cyber incidents, and evaluate the impact of failing to plan crisis communications.
  • Understand strategic leadership, performance monitoring, and how risk management and data protection law shape C-Suite decisions and governance.
Duration
  • Full-Time: 1 Year
  • Part-Time: 2 Years
  • Maximum Completion: 5 Years from Enrolment
Mode of Delivery
  • Distance Education
  • Self-Paced Learning
  • Course Materials: Video and Text Resources

Admission Requirements

  • Typical Age: 18+
  • Entry Requirements: Successful completion of a Level 4 qualification in Cyber Security or related fields, or relevant work experience with demonstrated responsibilities in the field, is required.
  • International Qualifications: Equivalent qualifications may include:
    • A high school diploma or recognised pre-university certification, plus at least one year of post-secondary study or additional course credits(e.g., Grade 12 followed by college-level course in Asia, Senior Certificate with further post-secondary education in Africa, Advanced Certificate or EQF Level 4 plus additional academic credits in Europe, or a high school diploma plus college-level or Advanced Placement(AP) in the US/Canada).
  • English Proficiency (for non-native speakers): IELTS 5.5, CEFR level B2, or equivalent.
  • Additional Guidance : For assistance with qualification equivalency or language requirements, please contact our admissions office.

Structure of the Qualification

  • Total Credits: 120 ECTS
  • Modules: 4 mandatory units, each worth 30 credits, combining technical cyber security knowledge with management and leadership skills.

Core Modules

  1. Cryptography (30 Credits): Explores cryptographic principles, symmetric and asymmetric methods, methods of attack, key escrow and recovery, and relevant standards and laws.
  2. Digital Investigations and Forensics (30 Credits): Covers the investigation lifecycle, team formation and tools, evidence recovery from mobile and Internet of Things devices, chain of custody, and legal requirements.
  3. Communications and Incident Management (30 Credits): Examines the people, sites, and equipment required for major incidents, along with Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Crisis Management, crisis communications, and cyber resilience.
  4. Strategic Leadership (30 Credits): Addresses senior leadership roles, performance management, risk and governance, cultural complexity, ethics, and data protection compliance.

Explore the complete curriculum for this course to gain a detailed understanding of the topics covered, learning objectives, and key skills you'll develop. See the full curriculum below.

View Curriculum

Assessment and  Regulations 

Assessment Approach

Each module is assessed through written assignments, case studies, and practical applications: 

  • Written Assignments: Each unit includes assignments that test applied knowledge of Cyber Security concepts.
  • Case Studies: Practical tasks that relate to real-world cyber security issues, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Practical Applications: Assignments that emphasize technical skills, particularly in programming and network management.
Grading System

Grades are awarded based on the successful completion of unit-specific assessment criteria:

  • Distinction: 70% and above
  • Merit: 60%–69%
  • Pass: 40%–59%
  • Fail: 0%–39%
Completion Requirements

Learners must achieve a minimum score of 40% in each unit, with assessments subject to internal and external quality assurance by Awarding Body.

Professional Development and Progression

Progress to Higher-Level Study:
  • Potential entry into a Level 6 university degree top-up, subject to a successful application to a partner institution and completion of the Level 4 and Level 5 Cyber Security Diplomas (240 credits).
Employment Opportunities:

This qualification prepares learners for roles such as:

  • Information Security Manager
  • Cyber Security Manager
  • Incident Response Manager
  • IT Risk Manager
Work-Based Learning:
  • Case studies and practical assignments within each module support skill development and readiness for the workplace. Where possible, learners are encouraged to draw on workplace opportunities for research and investigation, preparing them for professional roles in various industries.

Diploma in Cyber Security

£6,950

  • Category

    Undergraduate
  • Level

    Level 5
  • Awarding Body

    QUALIFI
  • Code

    603/4139/7
  • Credits

    120 ECTS
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