Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security (QUALIFI)

The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Securityis an advanced, industry-focused qualification designed to build strong technical skills and professional knowledge in cyber defence, digital security, and network protection. This programme is ideal for learners who have completed a Level 4 qualification or have relevant IT experience and wish to progress into more specialised cyber security roles.

As cyber threats continue to increase worldwide, organisations across all sectors urgently need trained cyber security professionals. This Level 5 Extended Diploma provides in-depth understanding of cyber risk management, penetration testing concepts, digital forensics, secure system design, network defence, threat intelligence, and incident response. Learners also develop analytical and problem-solving skills essential for preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber-attacks.

Equivalent to RQF Level 5, which is academically comparable to the second year of a university degree. Benefits of Doing a Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber SecurityOnline

Studying Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Securityonline offers learners a flexible, accessible, and career-focused route to advancing their skills within the sector. Key benefits include:

1. Flexible Learning
   • Learners can study at their own pace and schedule, making it ideal for those balancing work, family, or other commitments.
2. Cost-Effective
   • Online learning removes the need for travel, accommodation, and other campus-related expenses, making education more affordable.
3. Access to Quality Resources
   • Students gain access to interactive digital learning materials, recorded lectures, case studies, and dedicated tutor support through an online learning portal.
4. Career Advancement Opportunities
   • The qualification develops essential leadership and management skills, supporting progression into supervisory and career roles within the health and social care sector.

Course Delivery

The qualification is delivered fully online through:

• Virtual Learning Platform:Access to study materials and resources 24/7.
• Tutor Support:Regular guidance via email, online forums,
• Independent Study:Learners study at their own pace with structured guidance.
• Obtain assignment:marking and feedback.
• Online Assessments:Assignments, projects, and portfolios submitted on LSM.
• Acquire:Assignment briefing, study lesson plan
• Receive excellent-quality study notes.
• Receive dedicated customersupport via chat, telephone, and email (Monday to Friday)

At the core of Qualifi’s mission is the creation and awarding of respected qualifications, built on a rigorous focus on high standards and consistency. Qualifi is recognised as an Awarding Organisation (AO) by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, and is also a signatory to the BIS international quality commitments.

To achieve the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security, learners must achieve 240 credits in total.

All Units are mandatory

Unit 1 Cyber Security Threat and Risk

1. Understand complex business cyber security threats and risks
2. Understand recent mega breaches and explain malware and ransomware attacks
3. Understand how threats and malicious hackers are advancing and developing customised intrusion tools.

Unit 2 Network Security and Data Communications

1. Understand how computers and digital devices communicate with one another over a network.
2. Understand, at a strategic level, how computer networking, web applications and software can be exploited.
3. Understand methods of security prevention and systems hardening.

Unit 3 Database Security and Computer Programming

1. Understand the broad range of information security controls to protect databases.
2. Understand types of database categories of control.
3. Understand the underpinning concepts and models of cloud-based storage solutions.

Unit 4 Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics

1. Understand the role and composite parts of Incident Response as a business function and how CERTS operate
2. Understand aligned task/task forces for Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management.
3. Understand how major computer incidents are formally investigated

Unit 5 Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation

1. Understand the concept of strategy, strategic management, planning and buy-in in relation to cyber security
2. Understand how legislation, formal industry standards, training and accreditations support cyber security
3. Understand how to implement Plan, Do, Check and Act security and risk management policies.

Unit 6 Cyber Security Threats and Risks: Banking and Finance

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

Unit 7 Cryptography

1. Understand key cryptographic principles and modes
2. Understand the standards, regulations and laws that apply to business and government organisations in relation to encryption

Unit 8 Digital Investigations and Forensics

1. Understand the core principles of digital investigations
2. Apply the types of tool that support professional digital investigations at a strategic level
3. Plan for an investigations and forensics teams

Unit 9 Communications and Incident Management

1. Understand the physical and human resources required to manage a major suspected cyber security incident
2. Apply Business Continuity Management to major incident planning and response
3. Understand how Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management

Unit 10 Strategic Leadership

1. Understand the role senior leaders and strategic leadership
2. Evaluate the management streams and performance monitoring mechanisms that relate to information security

• To study a Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Securitylearner must be aged of 18 and above.
• Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification.

• Assessment is via assignment submission only.
• No Exams

Average completion timeframe (Course Duration)

• The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 11- 13 months.
• Learners are granted a maximum of two years’ access to complete the course from the date of enrolment.

Progression – Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security

Successful completion of the qualification allows learners to progress in several ways:

• Level6 Diploma in Cyber Security
• Level6 Diploma in Computing / Information Technology
• Bachelor’sDegree Top-Up (Final Year) inCyber Security, information Security, Computer Science, Networking and Digital Forensics

2. Employment Opportunities

Learners can advance into a variety of entry-level roles within legal and professional organisations, including:

• CyberSecurity Analyst
• InformationSecurity Officer
• NetworkSecurity Engineer
• SOCAnalyst (Security Operations Centre)
• CyberRisk and Compliance Assistant
• DigitalForensics Technician
• TechnicalSupport Engineer
• VulnerabilityAnalyst
• ITSecurity Support Technician