Courses
Foundational Cybersecurity Awareness & Practices
Postgraduate Certificate
Course Details
| Course Code | LL_IFCAP_S |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Credits | 10 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
| Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Course Overview
The aim of this certificate is to equip non-specialist and non-technical SME staff with foundational cybersecurity awareness and practical skills to recognise, prevent, and respond to common cyber threats. Learners will develop secure-working behaviours, apply basic technical and procedural controls, and adopt responsible practices when using digital and AI-enabled workplace tools.
This certificate also introduces learners to concepts of post-quantum preparedness, enabling them to understand how emerging risks may affect everyday business systems.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Foundational Cybersecurity Awareness & PracticesThis module develops cybersecurity awareness and secure-working behaviours for non-specialist/non-technical staff in SMEs. Learners examine common cyber threats including phishing, business email compromise, and ransomware, with emphasis on how everyday behaviours, processes, and communications create or reduce risk. The module supports learners to apply practical controls and frameworks in daily work (identity hygiene, safe information handling, cloud/remote working practices) and to use AI-enabled workplace tools responsibly in order to prevent data leakage and unsafe automation. Learners are also introduced to post-quantum preparedness, focusing on which business systems rely on public-key cryptography and the practical steps SMEs can take now. The aim is to provide learners with the foundational knowledge, frameworks, and behaviours required to identify common cyber threats and apply current best practice defences. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate the principal cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities affecting SME environments, including ransomware and extortion, drawing on contemporary frameworks and research. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
2 hours class synchronous
2 hours asynchronous
4-6 hours independent learning
2 hours asynchronous
4-6 hours independent learning
Examination and Assessment
100% continuous assessment
Progression
On successful completion of this programme students can apply for other level 9 programmes.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold a level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree with a minimum grade classification of H2.2 or equivalent. Candidates who do not meet the H2.2 performance standard in a Level 8 award will be required to pass a qualifying assignment at an H2.2 performance standard as established by the Programme Board for the programme in question and as approved by the Registrar.
Advanced Entry
Applications are welcome from candidates who have successfully completed cognate programmes at a lower level, and who wish to apply for advanced entry. Candidates who wish to apply for advanced entry to this programme apply directly to the university, providing documentation relating to results and programme content. These are assessed, and if appropriate and places are available, applicants are admitted at a level appropriate to their prior learning.
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature applicants (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year) are welcomed by ATU. A quota of places is reserved for mature applicants. These applicants do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of ability and competence to undertake the programme).
Careers
Graduates will be well positioned to contribute immediately to improved cybersecurity posture within their organisations. The knowledge and applied skills developed, including secure working practices, threat awareness, safe AI use, reporting behaviours, and an understanding of post‑quantum considerations are increasingly valued across all business functions.
While the course is not aimed at producing technical specialists, it enhances employability by strengthening a learner’s capability in digital responsibility, governance, risk awareness, and operational resilience.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
The course is designed for non‑technical professionals who play an important role in day‑to‑day organisational cybersecurity, particularly within Irish SMEs. Typical learners include staff working in administration, HR, finance, operations, customer support, compliance, and general management roles. These individuals frequently interact with sensitive data, business processes, and digital tools but may not have formal training in cybersecurity practices.
Anticipated demand is strong, driven by the growing prevalence of phishing, business email compromise, fraud, ransomware, and unsafe use of AI‑enabled workplace tools, all of which disproportionately affect SMEs. Organisations increasingly recognise the need to broaden cybersecurity competence beyond IT teams, creating ongoing demand for accessible, short‑format, skills‑focused learning at NFQ Level 9 that directly supports workplace resilience.
Contact Information
Head of Department
Jade Lyons
T: +353 (0)74 9186304
E: computing.donegal@atu.ie
Department
Computing
