Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security

Protecting the digital world with advanced cyber skills

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Course Level

Level 5

Course Type

Ofqual Regulated

Awarding Body

Qualifi

Duration

240 GLH

Study Mood

Online

Assessment

Assignments Based

Course Overview

What is this course

The Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security is an internationally recognized qualification designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical expertise in safeguarding digital systems. This program provides a strong foundation in IT security while focusing on modern cyber threats, risk management, and defense strategies.

Learners explore essential areas such as network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, cyber law, incident response, and digital forensics. The course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, ensuring graduates can identify vulnerabilities, design secure systems, and respond effectively to cyber-attacks.

This diploma is ideal for individuals seeking career progression in IT security, professionals aiming to specialize in cyber defense, and graduates preparing for higher education in computing or information security. With international recognition, learners can pursue opportunities across industries including finance, healthcare, government, education, and technology.

By completing this qualification, participants gain the confidence to protect organizations from cyber threats, implement robust security frameworks, and contribute to global digital resilience.

Course Content

Detailed Curriculum Structure

All 11 units are mandatory to receive 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
Cyber Security Threats and Risk: Banking and Finance
Cyber Wars
Cryptography
Digital Investigations and Forensics
Communications and Incident Management
Strategic Leadership

Learning Outcomes of Qualifi Level 5 Extended Diploma in 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

Cyber Security Threats and Risks: Banking and Finance

Understand the threats and risks facing traditional and emerging financial services
Understand the architectural structures of traditional and emerging financial markets
Understand how payments systems connect to underpinning financial services architecture
Understand how cryptocurrencies connect to underpinning financial services architecture

Cyber Wars

Understand how nation states are potentially engaged in cyber defence and offensive capability strategy
Understand the motivations and causes behind nationstate-linked cyber-attacks and breaches
Understand how private sector industry has been targeted by potentially statesanctioned cyber-crime groups and/or armies
Understand how CNI has been targeted by statebacked cyber-crime groups and/or armies

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 organization

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

Communications and Incident Management

Understand the physical and human resources required to manage a major suspected cyber security incident
Apply Business Continuity Management to major incident planning and response
Understand how Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management are integrated into a suspected major cyber-enabled incident
Evaluate the potential impact of NOT planning crisis communications and incident response

Strategic Leadership

Understand how data protection legislation impacts considerations of strategy-setting and strategic leadership
Understand the role senior leaders and strategic leadership
Evaluate the management streams and performance monitoring mechanisms that relate to information security
Understand how threat and risk identification and management is integrated into C-Suite considerations and governance

Who Should Attend

Target Audience and Participants

The diploma is designed for learners and professionals who aspire to excel in cyber security and IT defense.

IT professionals aiming to specialize in cyber security.
Network administrators and system analysts seeking advanced skills.
Security consultants and auditors focusing on compliance and risk management.
Career changers transitioning into the cyber security field.
International learners seeking globally recognized cyber security qualifications.

Career & Learning Benefits

Skills, Knowledge & Opportunities You Will Earn

Global Employability: Recognized internationally, opening opportunities across diverse industries.
Entrepreneurship: Equips learners to establish and manage cyber security-focused businesses.
Higher Education Progression: Provides entry routes into bachelor’s and master’s programs in IT and cyber security.
Comprehensive Knowledge: Covers network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and cyber law.
Practical Application: Builds skills in digital forensics, incident response, and secure system design.
Analytical Skills: Strengthens problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation in cyber defense.
Industry Relevance: Aligns with global cyber security standards and practices.

Need More Information?

Frequently Asked Questions Explained

Absolutely. The curriculum is highly aligned with industry standards, providing a solid foundation for those aiming to pursue globally recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).

The curriculum includes dedicated modules on penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. You will move beyond theory to learn the methods hackers use to exploit systems and, crucially, how to defend against them. This is an essential skill set for roles like Security Consultant or Penetration Tester.

Yes. As organizations shift to the cloud, the diploma covers foundational concepts and models of cloud-based storage and infrastructure security. This ensures you understand how to manage and protect data that is hosted outside of traditional, on-premise data centers.

Unlike technical-only certifications, this diploma includes leadership training to prepare you for management. You will study business continuity management, crisis management, and the organizational policies needed to coordinate responses to major security incidents. This prepares you for roles that bridge the gap between technical teams and senior management.

While the diploma is an academic/vocational qualification, it provides a strong foundation for professional memberships. Many students use this diploma to support their academic requirements when applying for professional membership with bodies like the IIRSM or as a stepping stone toward certifications like the CISSP.

Not necessarily. While IT experience is beneficial, the course is designed to be accessible. If you are a career changer, you can be admitted through an interview and a demonstration of your ambition and aptitude for security concepts.

Enrollment Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment

Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
A basic understanding of fundamental computing and digital literacy skills
Relevant industry experience in IT or networking experience preferred but not mandatory (recommended).
Age 21 or above