Courses
Strategic Threat Intelligence and Incident Leadership
Certificate
Course Details
| Course Code | LL_ISTIL_S |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| Credits | 10 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
Delivered one evening per week from 24th August to 2nd November.
This course is fully funded and delivered by ATU on behalf of Skillnet Ireland, as part of the Digital4Security project, co-funded by the European Union.
The aim of this programme is to equip managers, IT leads, and compliance-focused professionals with the advanced knowledge, analytical capability, and practical frameworks required to identify, assess, and treat cybersecurity risks in a structured, evidence-based, and proportionate manner.
Learners will develop a deep understanding of recognised governance and risk management standards, including ISO/IEC 27001 aligned approaches and NIST CSF control domains, and apply these to real world challenges such as ransomware, supplier compromise, operational disruption, and business fraud. Through scenario-based learning, the programme enables participants to design and justify risk registers, treatment plans, and resilience strategies that reflect organisational constraints, regulatory obligations, and international best practice.
The programme also builds capability in using AI‑enabled monitoring tools responsibly and preparing for emerging threats such as post‑quantum impact. Ultimately, the programme aims to strengthen organisational resilience by developing professionals who can make informed, defensible, and strategically aligned cyber‑risk decisions.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Strategic Threat IntelligenceThis module builds strategic leadership capability in threat intelligence and incident response for managers and senior decision makers, enabling them to understand and apply the full threat intelligence lifecycle, from collection and analysis to dissemination and decision-ready briefing. Learners explore how to assess sources, confidence levels, and uncertainty, interpret evolving threat landscapes, and navigate complex incidents such as ransomware extortion and supplier-related compromises. The module emphasises strategic judgement, crisis coordination, communication under pressure, and ethical reasoning during high-stakes cyber events. Learners also critically examine the role of AI-supported analytics in detection, triage, and intelligence production, with a focus on governance and accountability. Integrated horizon scanning topics, including post-quantum preparedness, equip participants to anticipate future risks and lead evidence-based decision-making in dynamic cyber environments. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically analyse global threat‑intelligence models and evaluate their relevance to multi‑sector organisational contexts, including emerging technology risks. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
This course is delivered online over a 10-week period, with one evening class each week (2 hours per session).
Students can expect to allow for 4-6 independent learning hours per week.
Students can expect to allow for 4-6 independent learning hours 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
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 course is fully funded and delivered by ATU on behalf of Skillnet Ireland, as part of the Digital4Security project, co-funded by the European Union.
Further information on feesCareers
Graduates of this module will develop specialised, industry‑relevant skills that are in high demand across sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and government. The ability to conduct structured cyber risk assessments, build evidence‑based risk registers, design treatment roadmaps, and evaluate AI‑enabled security tools positions learners for roles including cybersecurity manager, IT manager, governance or compliance specialist, operational resilience lead, or risk analyst within SME and enterprise settings.
For those already employed, the module strengthens promotion prospects and enhances their organisation’s capacity to meet regulatory, assurance, and stakeholder expectations. As cyber resilience continues to gain board‑level attention, professionals who can make informed, defensible risk decisions and align them with recognised standards will benefit from strong and sustained employment opportunities.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
This course has now closed for applications for September 2026.
Start Date
The course will run from the week commencing from 24th August and run to 2nd November.
Who Should Apply?
This module is designed for managers, IT leads, compliance officers, and staff who play a role in operational resilience, information governance, or cybersecurity oversight within their organisations. Learners are typically professionals working in SMEs, public‑sector bodies, or service‑driven environments where cyber risk has become an increasingly strategic priority. Many will have practical experience but limited formal training in applying structured risk‑management frameworks, conducting scenario‑based assessments, or developing prioritised risk registers and treatment plans.
Demand for this module is expected to be strong, driven by rising cyber‑threat activity, growing regulatory expectations, and the pressing need for organisations to demonstrate robust governance, risk, and compliance capabilities. The online, flexible delivery model further increases accessibility for working professionals who require high‑impact, practice‑focused upskilling.
