![]() |
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 a future-proof career in digital security with the CPD Cybersecurity Professional Certificate at Dorset College Dublin. As cyber threats rapidly evolve, modern organisations increasingly rely on skilled professionals with highly sought-after technical expertise to defend critical systems, analyse vulnerabilities, neutralise security incidents, and mitigate digital risk.
Designed as a direct, practical gateway into the technology sector, this comprehensive programme requires no prior technical or coding experience to enrol. Delivered 100% live online by active cybersecurity practitioners, the course equips you with real-world technical skills across network defence, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, incident response, risk management, and AI-enhanced cybersecurity techniques. Through hands-on exercises with industry-standard security tools, you will gain practical experience identifying live threats, securing system architectures, and applying effective defence strategies to mitigate organisational vulnerabilities.
As a Dorset College learner, your studies are supported by premium academic resources, including complimentary access to the EBSCO Online Library. Upon successful completion, you will earn an internationally recognised, CPD-accredited digital professional certificate that validates your technical competency to employers. Beyond opening doors to immediate entry-level IT and security roles, this course establishes a strong academic and technical foundation for advanced industry certifications, offering clear progression routes toward CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CySA+, and CISSP credentials.
Unmissable Savings – Save €260 with your discount code
DORSET260
Enter this code upon application to claim your €260 saving.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step in a globally recognised cybersecurity certification pathway.
STEP 1
CPD Cybersecurity Certificate, Dorset College Dublin
↓
STEP 2 RECOMMENDED
CompTIA Security+
↓
STEP 3 RECOMMENDED
CompTIA CySA+
↓
STEP 4 RECOMMENDED
CISSP
KEY SKILLS COVERED IN THIS PROGRAMME
Thirteen modules built around the cybersecurity skills employers are hiring for most today.
✓ Threat detection & incident response – detect and contain threats fast.
✓ Security operations & monitoring – analyse traffic with SIEM and Wireshark.
✓ Identity, endpoint & Zero Trust – secure access with EDR and Zero Trust.
✓ AI-enhanced defence – use AI tools to spot and stop attacks.
✓ Network security – firewalls, IDS/IPS, and access controls.
✓ Threat intelligence – DNS tunnelling, SQL injection, STIX/TAXII.
✓ 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 Digital CPD-verified Cybersecurity Professional Certificate to your LinkedIn profile and CV.
"
I would highly recommend Dorset College, it felt more personable than other colleges offering the same course. The staff were very nice to deal with and always responded to queries very quickly.
Alison Golden – Dorset College Dublin
€
Funding Available
Intreo Training Support Grant – up to €1,000
You may be eligible for Intreo Training Support Grant (TSG) funding towards the cost of the Accredited CPD Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Funding is available to eligible jobseekers and is subject to approval by your Intreo Case Officer.
Learn more and apply: Training Support Grant (TSG)
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Talk to our admissions team on WhatsApp or unlock your discount above.
✓ 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 and the techniques they commonly deploy.
✓ Malware & ransomware analysis
Understand how different forms of malicious software operate and cause damage.
✓ 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
Understand the building blocks of networks and how data moves between systems.
✓ OSI & TCP/IP models
Explore the layered models that underpin modern network communication and security.
✓ Threats, vulnerabilities & risk
Establish a clear understanding of the core concepts that underpin cybersecurity practice.
✓ Hackers & indicators of compromise
Trace how attacker profiles have changed and learn to recognise signs of a breach.
Participants will gain exposure to ethical hacking and penetration testing concepts:
✓ Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Concepts
✓ Reconnaissance Techniques
✓ Vulnerability Identification
✓ Basic Exploitation Techniques
Practical demonstrations will introduce commonly used security testing tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nikto, and Gobuster, allowing learners to understand how attackers discover and exploit vulnerabilities.
✓ IDS, IPS, firewalls & endpoint tools
Explore the key technologies used to detect, block, and respond to security threats.
✓ Wireshark & SIEM monitoring
Gain hands-on experience with tools used to capture and analyse network traffic.
✓ The CIA triad
Use Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability as the foundation for sound security decisions.
✓ Zero trust security model
Understand why organisations are moving to a never-trust, always-verify security approach.
✓ DNS tunnelling & SQL injection
Examine how attackers exploit network services and application vulnerabilities.
✓ 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.
On completion of this module, students will be able to explain the core AI and machine-learning concepts relevant to cybersecurity.
✓ Describe how AI is applied defensively for anomaly detection and automated threat analysis.
✓ Explain how attackers use AI for phishing and automated attack techniques.
✓ Identify the associated defensive strategies.
✓ Discuss the ethical and dual-use implications of AI in a security context.
Also look at the risks of over-reliance on AI tooling, and the ethical and responsible-use dimension of deploying AI in security.
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
None. The course is built for complete beginners and takes you from the fundamentals through to job-ready skills.
What certification will I receive?
A digital CPD Certificate in Cybersecurity, independently awarded 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 to 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 22nd September to 15th December 2026 - 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 a 20% discount. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance split across three instalments. No hidden fees.
What topics will I cover?
Threat detection, network security, encryption, risk management, ethical hacking fundamentals, incident response, endpoint security, and business continuity.
Is a CPD certification recognised by employers?
Yes. CPD certification is independently verified and globally recognised - it carries the credibility of an external accreditation body and strengthens your CV and professional standing.
What careers can this course lead to?
Roles such as IT Security Specialist or Junior Network Security Engineer, with typical starting salaries 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?
Deliberately small - meaning more interaction, faster progress, and a tutor who knows your name, not just your student number.
What makes this course stand out?
Live delivery by working industry professionals, an internationally recognised CPD UK certification, small class sizes, and an employer-focused curriculum - from a college with over 40 years of educational experience.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes - no photo ID needed to start. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible payment options for the balance.
• 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
• No Single High-Stakes Exam - Assessed Continuously Across Each Module
• Hands-On Exercises That Build Real Confidence, Not Just Theory
• Graduate With a CPD Certificate in Cyber Security
• An Internationally Recognised Certification Respected by Employers Worldwide
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin - Established and Trusted Since 1983
• Co-Certified by CPD Certification Service UK - Independently Verified, Not Self-Awarded
• 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 - 21/07/2026
• 2nd Instalment: €300.00 - 21/08/2026
• 3rd Instalment: €300.00 - 12/09/2026
• 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]
• 100% Online - No Commute, No Campus, No Compromise
• Fit Your Studies Around Work and Life, Not the Other Way Around
• Taught by Working Industry Professionals With Real-World Experience
• Everything You Need to Succeed Is Provided From Day One