Industrial Networks & Cybersecurity - Carlow

This programme tackles the urgent need for specialised cybersecurity in Industrial Automation & Control Systems (IACS) and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). With a focus on Operational Technology (OT), you'll gain the foundational knowledge to distinguish OT from traditional IT security and visualise these systems across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transport.



Designed for professionals safeguarding essential infrastructure, this programme empowers you to design, build, and manage Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) for IACS or CNI environments, backed by robust business cases for OT-specific cybersecurity investment.



What You'll Learn



Industrial control principles and protocols critical to IACS cybersecurity.



CSMS frameworks for attack prevention, detection, response, and recovery.



Penetration testing methodologies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities .



Cybersecurity architecture for OT — including network segmentation, access controls, and Defence-in-Depth strategies.



Business continuity and OT risk management to ensure resilience and compliance.



The psychology of hacking and the role of cyberpsychology in mitigating social engineering attacks.



Critical evaluation of IACS designs and development of real-world security recommendations.

The programme is made up of the following two modules.



Cybersecurity 1: Securing Operational Technology (OT)

Get hands-on with the world of Operational Technology security — a critical frontier in cybersecurity for sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and critical infrastructure.



What You’ll Learn:

Visualize OT Systems: Understand how OT operates in real-world environments. Explore SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and the key differences between OT and IT.

Build the Business Case: Learn how to justify OT security investment. Explore risk, compliance, and how to influence stakeholders.

Architect Secure OT Networks: Master cybersecurity frameworks for OT, including network segmentation, firewalls, and Defence-in-Depth strategies.

Access Control & Incident Response: Delve into both physical and digital access control, awareness training, and robust response planning.

Risk in OT Environments: Explore risk assessment and mitigation tailored to OT, with a focus on operational safety and business resilience.



Cybersecurity for Industrial Networks

Dive deeper into the cyber defense of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), blending psychology, compliance, and technical rigour.



Key Learning Outcomes:

Master Security Frameworks: Implement Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) and align with ISO/IEC standards and EU directives.

Understand the Hacker Mindset: Uncover the psychology behind cyberattacks. Learn how social engineering works — and how to stop it.

Penetration Testing in IACS: Apply ethical hacking tools and methodologies to uncover and fix vulnerabilities.

Plan for the Unexpected: Learn to build and rehearse Business Continuity Plans that ensure operations stay resilient under cyber duress.

Entry to the programme is via direct entry with the following requirements:



Graduates with a minimum for 2.2 honours in a Level 8 degree such as Electronics / Electrical / Mechatronics / Computer Engineering or equivalent programme.



Graduates with a Level 7 Distinction award in Electronics / Electrical / Mechatronics / Computer Engineering or equivalent programme with a minimum 2 years relevant post qualification experience.



EU graduates whose qualifications which are in line with the Bologna agreement or the international NARIC system for Level 8 comparison.

Application Deadline 28 Aug 2026

24 weeks, blended.



Delivery

2 hours per week x 24 weeks online with 4 onsite workshop days (2 per semester).

Next intake September 2026.