Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security

Master advanced digital security skills and protect modern organizations from evolving cyber threats.

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Course Level

Level 4 and 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 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security is an internationally recognized and standardized qualification designed to provide learners with comprehensive knowledge of modern cyber security principles and practices. Awarded by Qualifi, this program equips students with essential technical and analytical skills required to understand cyber threats, protect digital assets, and manage information security in today’s technology-driven world.

This combined diploma integrates Level 4 and Level 5 study to deliver advanced training in areas such as network security, cyber risk management, ethical hacking fundamentals, information security governance, and digital forensics. The course helps learners develop the ability to identify vulnerabilities, implement effective cyber defense strategies, and ensure the protection of sensitive organizational data and systems.

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security is ideal for aspiring cyber security professionals, IT practitioners, and individuals looking to strengthen their expertise in information security. Graduates gain practical knowledge, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for careers in cyber security analysis, network protection, and information security management while also supporting progression to higher academic qualifications.

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 4 and Level 5 combined 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 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
Understand how data protection legislation impacts considerations of strategy-setting and strategic leadership

Who Should Attend

Target Audience and Participants

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Cyber Security by Qualifi is an internationally recognized and standardized program designed for individuals who want to develop advanced cyber security knowledge and practical skills to protect digital systems and information.

Aspiring cyber security professionals who want to build a strong foundation in network security, cyber risk management, and digital protection.
IT professionals and system administrators seeking internationally recognized qualifications to advance their careers in cyber security.
Students who have completed secondary or equivalent education and want to pursue a professional pathway in cyber security and information security management.
Individuals interested in learning ethical hacking fundamentals, cyber threat analysis, and data protection strategies.
Professionals working in IT, networking, or information systems who want to upgrade their knowledge with globally recognized cyber security standards.
Learners planning to progress to higher qualifications or specialized certifications in cyber security and information technology.

Career & Learning Benefits

Skills, Knowledge & Opportunities You Will Earn

Develop strong knowledge of cyber security principles, network protection, and information security management used in global IT environments.
Gain practical skills to identify cyber threats, manage vulnerabilities, and implement effective digital security solutions.
Enhance career opportunities in roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Network Security Specialist, Information Security Officer, and IT Security Consultant.
Learn essential techniques in risk assessment, cyber defense strategies, and digital forensics used in modern organizations.
Build analytical and problem-solving skills to handle real-world cyber security challenges and data protection issues.
Increase employability in high-demand sectors including IT, finance, healthcare, government, and technology industries.
Create pathways for progression to higher academic qualifications and specialized cyber security certifications.

Need More Information?

Frequently Asked Questions Explained

If you choose to stop after completing the first 120 credits, you are eligible for the Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Cyber Security as a standalone exit award.

While the qualification is regulated by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), many students use it as a stepping stone to gain industry-specific certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or CISSP. The curriculum is mapped to meet global cybersecurity standards, making it highly respected by private firms and government contractors.

By the end of the program, you will be proficient in:

Vulnerability Assessment: Using tools to scan and identify system weaknesses.
Network Defense: Configuring firewalls and monitoring traffic for anomalies.
Ethical Hacking: Understanding the “attacker mindset” to build better defenses.
Digital Forensics: Recovering data and preserving evidence after a security breach.

This depends on the Learning Centre you choose. If you are studying with a UK-based college that has a “Student Sponsor” license, you may be eligible. However, many students choose to study this program online from their home country, which removes the need for a visa and significantly reduces living costs.

Since the course involves practical labs, you will typically need:

A laptop or desktop with at least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended).
A processor capable of Virtualization (to run Kali Linux or Windows Server VMs).
Stable internet access for accessing the Virtual Lab environments provided by your training provider.

Enrollment Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment

Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking)
A basic understanding of computers, internet technologies, and fundamental IT concepts.
Relevant industry experience in IT, networking, or computer systems is recommended.
Age 18 or above