Cyber Security

Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security
Our cyber security diploma covers a range of topics. Topics include information security, digital forensics and other fundamental concepts. It also incorporates transferable skills applicable to professional development. Cyber security is a growing concern for organisations of all sizes. And the industry is currently experiencing a major skills gap and global demand for cyber security professionals. Our industry-relevant cyber security diploma provides a rigorous approach to the study and application of cyber security. From here, you can progress onto our MSc in Cyber Security.

Key features of the course
• Brings together theory and practice and draws on your own background and experience.
• Provides a platform for further research studies.
• Enables you to study a broad range of cyber security topics relevant to career needs and professional interests.

Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits as follows:
120 credits from:
Module
• Information security (M811) 30
Next start: 01 Nov 2022
• Digital forensics (M812) 30
Next start: 01 May 2022
• Systems security (M817) 30
Next start: 01 May 2022
• Network security (T828) 30
Next start: 01 Nov 2022

Entry requirements
To start this diploma, you will need a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent) in computing, cyber security or a related discipline, or relevant industrial experience in the area of cyber security. If you do not hold a bachelors degree, irrespective of your industrial experience, you will need to study a module from the Postgraduate Certificate in Computing (K22) to demonstrate your ability to study successfully at postgraduate level.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

Our badged open course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, will introduce you to the nature of masters-level study. It offers essential preparation for pursuing your learning at this level – and is free.

1 - 4 years.

How long it takes
This qualification can be completed within one year. Most students will study this qualification over two years, completing 60 credits each year. The maximum time to complete this is four years.

Career relevance
The modules in the postgraduate cyber security programme are for professional security specialists, computer specialists, engineers, technical managers and scientists who need to develop or update their skills and knowledge in the area of cyber security and gain a recognised qualification to develop their careers. They have been developed to combine theoretical and practical aspects of cyber security, to enable you to become an effective professional in the industry.

In addition, they aim to encourage you, through the provision of appropriate educational activities, to develop study and transferable skills applicable to your employment and your continuing professional development.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.