Short Course: Cyber Security
About
Cyber security, which has an impact on national security, infrastructure, and the global economy, is one of today's most pressing issues.
Due to the enormous digital threat, cyber security knowledge is among the most in-demand globally. This course examines recent advancements in cyber security theory and practice.
To enable critical cyber security decision-making, those taking the module will develop the fundamental and advanced aspects of cyber security in terms of theory, practice, policy, and security standards.
They will also learn about the threats to current and emerging systems and networks and how to effectively counter them in accordance with information security management standards, as well as the social, legal, and ethical issues surrounding cyber security.
Term dates
Start date: 26 January 2026 to 29 May 2026.
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Belfast campus, on Fridays, from 3:15pm – 8:15pm, during Semester 2 in 2026.
Attendance
5 timetabled hours from mid-afternoon, one day per week for 12 weeks including lectures, tutorials and practicals in the computer labs.
Location
This course is delivered on the Belfast campus.
Assessment
The assessment is 100% coursework.
Academic Profile
The micro-credential module is delivered by the School of Computing at Belfast. Academic staff in the School of Computing are qualified to teach in higher education with most of them holding at least a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice.
The majority of academic staff in the School (over 90%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) or above.
Further Information
Modules
This is a 20 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
The module credits can be used towards attaining a Postgraduate Certificate or MSc award in Computer Science.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
(a) have gained
(i) a second class honours degree or better, in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline, from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification excluding Conversion courses; and the qualification must be in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline.
and
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, Trinity ISE: Pass at level III or equivalent English language tests comparable to IELTS equivalent score.
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route.
Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Software and Digital from the drop down box. Then select Cyber Security from the next drop down box.
