Foundational Cybersecurity Awareness and Practices

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	Part Time

Apply via NW Depth NW Depth Requirements

Foundational Cybersecurity Awareness and Practices

Apply via NW Depth NW Depth Requirements

Course Overview

North West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) – is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – and is led by Atlantic Technological University in partnership with Ulster University, North West Regional College, and Donegal Education and Training Board via their well-established strategic collaboration, the North West Tertiary Education Cluster (NWTEC).

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 & Practices This 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. 2. Explain and distinguish core security mechanisms (hashing, encryption, digital signatures, authentication/MFA) used in everyday business systems and outline a practical checklist for current and post-quantum preparedness. 3. Apply and justify secure working practices for identity, email, devices, and information handling (e.g., MFA, password management, safe sharing, update awareness, backup hygiene). 4. Evaluate opportunities and risks arising from AI-enabled tools (including generative AI such as modern LLMs) and propose safe-use practices aligned with organisational policy and relevant regulation. 5. Design and justify a concise, evidence-informed cybersecurity awareness plan suitable for an SME (micro), including reporting pathways and simple evaluation metrics. Then reflect critically on individual and collective responsibilities for sustaining digital trust and resilience across diverse organisational contexts.	10	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

This course is delivered online over 10 weeks, with one evening class per week (2 hours per session). Students can also expect to allow for4-6 hours of independent learning per week.

Examination and Assessment

100% continuous assessment

Progression

On successful completion of this programme students can apply for other level 9 programmes.

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Level 8 Honours degree (H2.2 or higher) in a relevant field. Candidates with suitable experience may also apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Fees

This programme is offered free to eligible candidates via NW Depth. Within the application process, select ‘Other’ in response to the question "How is this course being funded?". When prompted to provide the funder organisation, enter ‘NW DEPTH’

Further information on fees

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

Application Closing Date

5th January 2027

Start Date

18th January 2027

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.