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Accreditation This programme is accredited by the CPD Certification Service, an internationally recognised body that independently verifies the quality and relevance of professional development training. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital CPD-accredited certificate. |
Build your career in cybersecurity with practical, job-ready defence skills. Organisations increasingly rely on professionals with highly sought-after security skills to defend critical systems, identify vulnerabilities and respond confidently to security incidents. The CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate at Dorset College Dublin provides a practical and accessible pathway into modern cybersecurity, with no prior cybersecurity experience required.
Class size is limited to 10 students, ensuring personalised attention and support. Delivered live online by an experienced industry professional currently working in the field, this foundation-level course also introduces a number of intermediate topics. Over 13 modules, learners develop practical skills across network security, encryption, endpoint protection, security monitoring, threat intelligence, access control and business continuity. Learners work with the tools and techniques used to detect threats, assess vulnerabilities, monitor networks and protect organisational systems, building the confidence to recognise and respond to real security risks. Premium resources include access to the EBSCO Online Library.
Upon successful completion, learners receive the CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate as a digital certificate and can continue their professional development towards recognised industry qualifications, including CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+ and CISSP, supporting continued career progression within the growing cybersecurity sector.
NEXT INTAKE STARTS TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2027
Enrolment offer – save €260 on this intake
€1,310 €1,050
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step towards globally recognised cybersecurity certifications.
STEP 1
CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, Dorset College Dublin
STEP 2 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
CompTIA Security+
STEP 3 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
STEP 4 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Steps 2–4 are external certifications from CompTIA and ISC2, taken separately after this course. This programme builds the foundational knowledge that supports progression towards them; external course and exam fees are not included. CISSP also requires relevant professional experience, as set by ISC2.
KEY SKILLS COVERED IN THIS PROGRAMME
Thirteen modules built around the cybersecurity skills employers are hiring for most today.
✓ Threat awareness & detection – identify threat actors, malware and indicators of compromise.
✓ Security operations & monitoring – analyse traffic with SIEM and Wireshark.
✓ Identity, endpoint & Zero Trust – secure access with EDR, sandboxing and Zero Trust.
✓ Network fundamentals – OSI and TCP/IP models, TCP and UDP protocols.
✓ Network security – firewalls, IDS/IPS and access controls.
✓ Threat intelligence – indicators of compromise and STIX/TAXII sharing.
✓ Encryption – protect data with symmetric and asymmetric keys.
✓ Business continuity – BC/DR planning with RTO and RPO values.
Earn a recognised cybersecurity credential
Add your CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to your LinkedIn profile and CV.
I knew it would be hard, but it was worth every bit of it. The programme opened doors I simply would not have reached otherwise. I would not have gone this far without Dorset College.
Ilze Santare – Dorset College Dublin
Funding Available
Intreo Training Support Grant – up to €1,000
You may be eligible for Training Support Grant (TSG) funding of up to €1,000 towards the cost of the CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Funding is available to eligible jobseekers and is subject to approval by your Intreo Employment Personal Adviser or Job Coach.
Learn more: Training Support Grant (TSG) on gov.ie
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Classes begin Tuesday 23 February 2027. Talk to our admissions team on WhatsApp.
✓ Cyber threats & threat actors
Identify who is behind cyber attacks and understand what motivates them.
✓ Impact of cybercrime
Explore how cybercrime affects people, businesses, and organisations.
✓ Secure network design
Understand the principles behind building networks that stay secure and reliable.
✓ Firewalls, IDS/IPS & access control
Explore how key security tools monitor, filter, and control network traffic.
✓ TCP & UDP protocols
Understand how data moves across networks and the differences between key transport protocols.
✓ TCP session management
Explore how TCP manages connections and ensures data is delivered accurately.
✓ Threat actor classification - Identify the different types of attackers, the techniques they deploy and the level of risk each presents to an organisation.
✓ Malware & ransomware analysis - Understand how malicious software operates and assess the damage and business risk it can cause.
✓ Cryptography fundamentals
Understand the role encryption plays in protecting sensitive data and communications.
✓ Symmetric & asymmetric encryption
Explore the key differences between encryption approaches and when each is used.
✓ Malware & phishing threats
Recognise the most frequent attack vectors targeting devices and users.
✓ Antivirus & HIDS tools
Learn how endpoint security tools detect and respond to threats at device level.
✓ Endpoint protection & access control
Learn how endpoint security controls keep devices secure from intrusion.
✓ EDR, sandboxing & encryption
Evaluate tools used to detect, contain, and protect against endpoint threats.
✓ Core network components
Consolidate your understanding of the building blocks of networks and how data moves between systems.
✓ OSI & TCP/IP models
Map the security tools covered so far onto the layered models that underpin network communication.
✓ Threats, vulnerabilities & risk
Apply the relationship between threats, vulnerabilities and risk to real network scenarios.
✓ Hackers & indicators of compromise
Trace how attacker profiles have changed and learn to recognise signs of a breach.
✓ IDS, IPS, firewalls & endpoint tools
Bring network and endpoint defences together into a layered monitoring strategy.
✓ Wireshark & SIEM monitoring
Gain hands-on experience with tools used to capture and analyse network traffic.
✓ The CIA triad
Apply Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability to access control decisions.
✓ Zero trust security model
Understand why organisations are moving to a never-trust, always-verify security approach.
✓ DNS tunnelling & SQL injection
Recognise the signatures of these common attacks and how they feed into threat intelligence.
✓ STIX & TAXII frameworks
Learn how structured threat data is shared across security teams and organisations.
✓ BC & DR planning principles
Learn why Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning are essential for organisational resilience.
✓ RTO & RPO values
Determine recovery time and recovery point objectives to prioritise what matters most.
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
No prior cybersecurity experience is needed. The course is built for complete beginners and takes you from the fundamentals through to job-ready skills, though some general IT familiarity is helpful.
What certification will I receive?
A digital CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, awarded by Dorset College Dublin and independently accredited by The CPD Certification Service UK – ready to add to your LinkedIn profile and share with employers on completion.
How is the course delivered?
100% online via live, tutor-led classes every Tuesday evening, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. Every class is recorded and available to revisit from the following day.
How long is the course and when does it start?
13 weeks, from 23 February to 18 May 2027 – just one evening per week, designed to fit around work and other commitments.
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€1,050 after the €260 enrolment discount. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance payable in full or split across three instalments. No hidden fees.
What topics will I cover?
Threat awareness, network security, network fundamentals, encryption, endpoint threats and security, risk management, monitoring and defence, access control, threat intelligence, and business continuity and disaster recovery.
Is a CPD certification recognised by employers?
Yes. CPD certification is independently verified and internationally recognised – it carries the credibility of an external accreditation body and strengthens your CV and professional standing.
What careers can this course lead to?
Entry-level roles such as IT Security Specialist or Junior Network Security Engineer, with typical starting salaries in Ireland of €35,000–€50,000 and strong progression as experience grows.
Will I have direct access to a tutor?
Yes. Every session is led live by a working cybersecurity professional – ask questions and draw on their real-world experience throughout.
How large are the classes?
Class size is limited to 10 students, ensuring personalised attention and support.
What makes this course stand out?
Live delivery by a working industry professional, an internationally recognised CPD UK accreditation, small class sizes, and an employer-focused curriculum – from a college established in 1983 with over 40 years of educational experience.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in just three minutes – no photo ID needed to start. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance payable in full or across three instalments.
• Accredited by CPD Certification Service UK - A Globally Recognised Standard
• Independently Verified for Quality - Not Self-Certified
• A Curriculum Built Around What Employers Are Hiring For Right Now
• Practical Skills You Can Use in the Workplace From Day One
• A Certification That Strengthens Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
• Graduate With a CPD Accredited Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
• An Internationally Recognised Certification Respected by Employers Worldwide
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin - Established and Trusted Since 1983
• Certified by CPD Certification Service UK - Independently Verified
• Build Skills That Are in Demand Across Every Industry
• Stand Out to Employers With a Verified Professional Credential
• Cyber Security Analyst - A Role With Strong Demand and Clear Progression
• Cyber Security Team Member / Lead - Grow Into a Leadership Position
• Advisory Consultant - Cyber Security - High-Value Expertise, Flexible Career Paths
• Cyber Security Engineer - One of the Most Sought-After Roles in Tech
• Deposit of €150 to secure your place
• Balance paid in full or split into 3 instalments
• Deposit: €150.00
• 1st Instalment: €300.00 - 23/02/2027
• 2nd Instalment: €300.00 - 23/03/2027
• 3rd Instalment: €300.00 - 23/04/2027
• Submit the online application in 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Our team will guide you through the next steps
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Suitable for complete beginners; however, some IT experience would be beneficial.
• B2+ proficiency in English is required.
