Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security

Master advanced IT security and networking skills to protect systems and advance your career in the global tech industry.

Reserve Your Slot

Course Level

Level 5

Course Type

Ofqual Regulated

Awarding Body

Qualifi

Duration

1200 GLH

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Overview

What is this course

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is an internationally recognized and industry-standard course designed for professionals seeking advanced skills in networking, cyber security, and IT infrastructure management. It provides learners with practical knowledge to secure networks, protect data, and manage modern IT systems in line with global standards.

This Level 5 extended diploma focuses on developing expertise in network design, administration, threat analysis, penetration testing, and cybersecurity policies. Participants gain hands-on experience in configuring and maintaining secure networks, implementing firewalls, monitoring threats, and responding to cyber incidents. The program emphasizes best practices in IT security management and compliance with international security frameworks.

Ideal for IT professionals, network engineers, and aspiring cybersecurity specialists, this diploma prepares learners for roles such as Network Administrator, Cyber Security Analyst, IT Security Consultant, or Systems Manager. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic progression, including professional certifications or a master’s degree in cybersecurity, networking, or information technology, making it a valuable credential for career advancement in the global IT industry.

Course Content

Detailed Curriculum Structure

Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security consists of 11 mandatory units having 2400 TQT and 1200 GLH. Learners must complete all mandatory units to achieve 240 Credits.

Cyber Security Threat and Risk
Network Security and Data Communications
Database Security and Computer Programming
Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics
Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation
Physical IT Networking
Cryptography
Digital Investigations and Forensics
System Administration
Network Routing and Switching
Network Design and Administration

Learning Outcomes of Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security:

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

Administer a network.
Understand network design.
Configure a local area network and a VLAN.

Who Should Attend

Target Audience and Participants

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is an internationally recognized course for professionals aiming to enhance their networking and cybersecurity expertise for global IT environments.

This course is suitable for:

IT professionals seeking to specialize in network administration and cybersecurity
Network engineers and system administrators looking to upgrade technical skills
Aspiring cybersecurity analysts and IT security consultants
Professionals responsible for data protection, threat analysis, and network security
Graduates wanting an international Level 5 qualification in networking and cybersecurity
Individuals planning to pursue professional IT certifications or postgraduate studies
Tech enthusiasts aiming to develop hands-on skills in network management, penetration testing, and threat mitigation

Career & Learning Benefits

Skills, Knowledge & Opportunities You Will Earn

Gain expertise in network configuration, administration, and secure system management
Develop advanced skills in cyber threat analysis, penetration testing, and incident response
Enhance ability to implement IT security protocols and protect organizational data
Strengthen knowledge of firewalls, network monitoring, and cybersecurity policies
Improve career opportunities in IT security, network administration, and cybersecurity consultancy
Achieve a globally recognized Level 5 qualification aligned with international IT standards
Prepare for professional certifications or higher education in IT, networking, or cybersecurity
Increase employability as a Network Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Systems Administrator, or IT Security Consultant

Need More Information?

Frequently Asked Questions Explained

Beyond the technical skills, the diploma builds strategic leadership capabilities—such as disaster recovery planning, business continuity, and risk management—which are essential for moving from a “technician” role into a “managerial” or “consultancy” position.

This diploma is academically broader than a vendor certification. While a vendor cert (like CCNA) makes you an expert on a specific brand’s hardware, this diploma teaches you the fundamental architecture, law, and management strategy that apply across all vendors. Many professionals find that pairing this diploma with a specific vendor cert creates the “perfect candidate” profile.

Network Security focuses on the perimeter and traffic flow (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, routing, and access control lists).
Cyber Security is a wider scope involving data protection, cryptography, threat intelligence, and human/organizational security culture. This diploma bridges both, ensuring you can secure the physical network and the data living on it.

In a Level 5 Diploma, assessors are not looking for simple definitions. They are looking for your ability to perform a Security Gap Analysis. For example, instead of defining a “firewall,” an assignment will ask you to:

Evaluate the effectiveness of a stateless vs. stateful firewall in a specific business scenario.
Justify your configuration choices based on cost, latency, and security posture.

This is a significant advantage. If you have experience in a sector like finance, you already understand “data sensitivity.” Applying this diploma to your existing industry knowledge makes you a “Domain Expert.” For example, a candidate who understands both Banking Compliance and Network Security is significantly more hireable for a Fintech security role than a general IT graduate.

The “Extended” diploma is often modular. If you already hold a Level 4 qualification (or possess significant, verifiable technical experience), you may be able to fast-track through the Level 4 units and focus primarily on the Level 5 content. You should always discuss “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) with your specific training provider before enrolling.

Enrollment Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment

Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
A basic understanding of computer networks, IT systems, or cybersecurity fundamentals.
Relevant industry experience in IT or networking experience preferred but not mandatory (recommended).
Age 19 or above