1. OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME

The qualification has been created to develop those learners who are looking to choose, or already have chosen, a career in a business-related sector. It is envisaged that this programme will encourage both academic and professional development so that learners move forward to realise not just their own potential but also that of organisations across a broad range of sectors.

Cyber security considerations have now very much converged with physical security requirements. Due to the course’s more advanced technical settings, it is recommended that applicants without any technical experience or understanding of computer networking, network security, programming, or security risk management principles, should complete the QUALIFI Level 3 Diploma in Cyber Security Management and Operations before enrolling onto this course programme.

This Level 4 qualification is potentially unique because it is about ‘cyber security’ as a holistic discipline. It is therefore a semi-technical qualification that looks at both cyber-technical and cyber- physical security threats, risks, responses and risk treatments. Due to the huge economic risks to business communities and their underpinning financial infrastructure from cyber-attacks, this course programme provides a dedicated elective unit, Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance,in order to thoroughly investigate and analyse how business banking, finance and payment systems are actively targeted, breached and also to ascertain how risks might be treated.

The qualification will identify and evaluate practical ways to safely and securely protect people and information from cyber-attacks and associated impacts. The Diploma is accredited at Level 4 with a total equivalence of 120 credits. It is envisaged that learners completing this Level 4 programme will progress to QUALIFI Level 5 programmes.

2. RATIONALE FOR THE DIPLOMA

The rationale of the programme is to provide a career path for learners who wish to develop their core capabilities within the cyber security and risk management sector. The outcome of the Diploma, which is a recognised UK qualification, is for learners to develop the cyber security skills required by organisations globally. In doing so, the qualification looks to develop the cyber security team leaders, managers and leaders of the future through the creation and delivery of learning appropriate for that industry. It is also to provide a pathway via learner credits and potential direct entry into Level 5 Cyber Security Degree programmes.

The qualification will:

• prepare learners for employment; and

• support a range of senior IT and digital, data and security roles in the workplace.

This Level 4 course is especially designed for existing organisational executives and leaders who are tasked with responsibility for business resilience, information security, technology and risk management, as well as physical safety and security of people, processes and information. Because the course is flexible and online, and utilises many case studies from business and public-sector organisations, it is particularly suited for those who are already in work, or those who are seeking to develop a structured competency in organisational cyber security and digital data risk management.

This course particularly suits learners who work for large multinational firms, international organisations or widely distributed governmental bodies and agencies. Learners might be employees who are responsible for colleagues’ and customer-data located across several time-zones via diverse, international business IT and telecoms networks and environments. This qualification will therefore also incorporate converged security considerations critical for those leading and managing the protection of people, assets and information.

3. AIMS OF THE DIPLOMA

This Level 4 programme provides the opportunity for individuals to develop a more advanced career in a specific area of business or public organisations by developing analytical knowledge and deeper understandings of several core cyber security operational domains. The course will also provide useful generic management and leadership teaching at key points in order to help learners to build essential support from within the business for their cyber security work including (but not limited to): Project Management, Risk Management and Business Case writing skills. The QUALIFI Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security aims to give learners the opportunity to:

1. develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in cyber-security related employment
2. progress into Level 5 learning within Cyber Security domains
3. carry out specialist study relevant to individual vocations and environments in which learners are currently working, or to which learners are aiming to work within business and public service sectors
4. develop their ability to contribute positively to good practice in business technology and risk management environments through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in the qualification
5. develop skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life and thereby enabling learners to make an immediate and positive contribution to their employment.

4. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE DIPLOMA

Learners studying for the Level 4 Diploma will be expected to develop the following skills during the programme of study:

1. the ability to read and utilise relevant technical and security literature (including threat intelligence feeds) with a full understanding; the ability to think independently and solve potential over arching cyber security issues within a business or organisation
2. applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems in thecyber security and digital risk management domains
3. recognising the moral and ethical issues of business practice and research; appreciating the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct, including in relation to conducting investigations, audits and incident responses
4. an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of cyber security within business and service provision and wider operating environments and supply chains
5. capacity to give a clear and accurate account of a subject, in a mature way; engage in credible debate and dialogue both with specialists and non-specialists in relation to cyber security- related issues and challenges
6. transferable skills and knowledge – including Project Management and Incident Response – which will enable individuals to meet changing environments and risks
7. motivate individuals to progress to further professional development through future study or as part of their chosen career
8. instill and embed a sense of understanding and respect of the global nature of the cyber threat environment; as well as the criticality of respecting, anticipating and learning from diverse,international business practices and the global operating context.

5. ENTRY CRITERIA

Qualifications at Level 3 and/or;

• some technical and risk management experience in a computing or security business environment and demonstrate ambition with clear career goals;
• a Level 4 qualification in another discipline and who want to develop their careers in cybersecurity.

In certain circumstances, learners with considerable experience but no formal qualifications may be considered, subject to interview and being able to demonstrate their ability to cope with the demands of the programme.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 5 (or equivalent) is required. International Qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes. The applicants are normally required to produce two supporting references, at least one of which should preferably be academic.

6. PROGRAMME SUMMARY

There are mandatory and optional units for this qualification. All units cover a number of topics relating to learning outcomes. Each unit has the equivalency of 20 credits.

Learners are required to complete six units (five mandatory units and one elective unit) to achieve the 120 credits required to gain the Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security. Learners will be expected to attend lectures and workshops that will introduce the subject matter. Formative assessments (weighted at 0%) may be used in lectures or tutorials to check knowledge and understanding of specific topics and subject areas. Units require reflective exam sets and/or summative assessments for marking.

Unit Reference	Mandatory Units	Level	TQT	GLH	Credits
CSEC01	Cyber Security Threat and Risk	4	200	120	20
CSEC02	Network Security and Data Communications	4	200	120	20
CSEC03	Database Security and Computer Programming	4	200	120	20
CSEC04	Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics	4	200	120	20
CSEC05	Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation	4	200	120	20
Optional Unit
CSEC06	Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance	4	200	120	20