Entry year
2024/25
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.1
2.1
Duration
1 year (Part-time)
1 year (Part-time)
Places available
tbc (Part Time)
tbc (Part Time)
PgCert Applied Cyber Security addresses the Skills Shortage in Cyber Security as identified in the Strategic Framework for Action. Cyber Security is vital to all sectors and industries as every aspect of daily life becomes increasingly connected, including contactless and online payments, health, and wellness monitoring devices, connected cars, and connected devices within our homes. Cyber Security skills are essential to every business and organisation.
This PgCert Applied Cyber Security plays a vital role in the overall Cyber Security architecture by developing specialist Cyber Security skills. The PgCert:
- The skills identified are recognised and valued by employers.
- It will attract talented individuals who wish to improve their skills and mobility within the Cyber Security sector.
- Candidates who complete the PgCert will see a recognisable career value and be sought after as part of career progression.
- A flexible part-time delivery model will enable those already employed to undertake the course while minimising disruption to their regular work.
This programme is aimed at:
- Experienced software engineers who wish to upskill into Cyber Security,
- New graduates in Software who are seeking an accelerated route into Cyber Security.
- Career changes which have been in generic IT roles and have recently completed a software degree or PgCert.
By completing this PG Cert successfully with 60 CAT points, you will be eligible to progress directly into Year 2 of study on the MSc Applied Cyber Security.
ABOUT THE COURSE This innovative programme is at the forefront of technical advances in cutting-edge Cyber Security topics such as Network Security & Monitoring, Software Assurance and Penetration Testing. This is an applied course, which mixes theoretical skills with practical work in the lab to give you hands-on experience.
PLEASE NOTE: In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
The demand for certified cyber security professionals is currently growing at over 12 times the rate of the overall job market.
Applied Cyber Security highlights
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Course content
Course Structure
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Course Details
Penetration Testing - 20 CATS
This module seeks to develop a student's skills in penetration testing, in line with recommendations in Cybok. Students will develop a methodical approach to evaluating the security profile of companies and applications by using best practices in Pen-testing and Ethical Hacking. The student will develop an understanding of test infrastructures for vulnerabilities and malicious attack.
Software Assurance - 20 CATS
On completion of this module, the successful student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Understand and analyse the cyber security threat landscape; apply software assurance best practice;
manage and implement software assurance processes; critically assess security requirements;
identify risks and vulnerabilities in software components; implement secure coding standards and software verification.
Network Security & Monitoring - 20 CATS
On completion of this module, the successful student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Comprehensive understanding of key problems in network security and the treat landscape. Critical awareness of how network traffic can be manipulated and the network misused to enable attacks, the consequent risks, and an ability to select mitigation measures. Ability to devise, analyse and make judgements on the effectiveness of prevention, monitoring and detection tools and methodologies. Ability to design and assess a network architecture.
Modules are regularly updated to reflect new developments in the dynamic field of cyber security. Modules offered may be subject to change.
People teaching you
Course DirectorEEECS
Email: askeps@qub.ac.uk or
pgt-admin-eeecs@qub.ac.uk
Learning and Teaching
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Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
- Assessment criteria are linked to the learning outcomes for each module.
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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Course content
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Entry requirements
Entrance requirements
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics with Computer Science, Physics with Computer Science or a related discipline. Applicants must normally have achieved 2:1 standard or above in relevant modules.
Applicants who hold a 2.2 Honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University) in one of the above disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All applicants will be expected to have mathematical ability and significant programming experience as evidenced either through the content of their primary degree or through another appropriate formal qualification. It would be beneficial if applicants have experience programming in C and working in a Linux environment.
Applications may be considered from those who do not meet the above requirements but can provide evidence of significant recent relevant technical experience in industry, for example, in programming. Significant experience will be indicated by five or more years hands on technical experience in industry. Management type roles will not be considered as relevant experience.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
AICC funding: A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme for eligible applicants resident in Northern Ireland. Where there are more eligible applicants than places available the academic selectors will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided within each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available places. You will be notified as soon as possible after the deadline whether your application has been selected for a funded place. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available. More details can be found at the link below.
Application deadline for AICC funding is Friday 14th June at 12 noon.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/about/Leadership-and-structure/Faculties-and-Schools/Engineering-and-Physical-Sciences/AICC/
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Career Prospects
Introduction
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Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry Requirements
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | Free for DfE Funded students (see below) |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | N/A |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | N/A |
| EU Other 3 | N/A |
| International | N/A |
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
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Fees and Funding