Qualification Structure

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 2400 hours and 1200 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), with 240 credits.

Assessment for the Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with Qualifi assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and application of networking and cyber security principles.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 11 mandatory units.

Core Study Units

Unit 1: Cyber Security Threat and Risk

• Understand complex business cyber security threats and risks.
• Understand recent major data breaches and explain malware and ransomware attacks.
• Understand how threats and malicious hackers are advancing and developing customised intrusion tools.

Unit 2: Network Security and Data Communications

• Understand how computers and digital devices communicate with one another over a network.
• Understand, at a strategic level, how computer networking, web applications and software can be exploited.
• Understand methods of security prevention and systems hardening.
• Understand key network security and systems resilience tools, terminology and models.

Unit 3: Database Security and Computer Programming

• Understand the broad range of information security controls used to protect databases.
• Understand types of database categories of control.
• Understand the underpinning concepts and models of cloud-based storage solutions.
• Understand the relationship between computer programming and computer hacking.
• Understand the interpreted general-purpose programming language, Python.

Unit 4: Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics

• Understand the role and composite parts of incident response as a business function and how Computer Emergency Response Teams operate.
• Understand aligned tasks and task forces for business continuity, disaster recovery and crisis management.
• Understand how major computer incidents are formally investigated.
• Understand laws and guidance relating to the conduct of planned and structured major incident investigations.

Unit 5: Security Strategy: Laws, Policies and Implementation

• Understand the concept of strategy, strategic management, planning and organisational buy-in in relation to cyber security.
• Understand how legislation, formal industry standards, training and accreditations support cyber security.
• Understand how to implement Plan, Do, Check and Act principles within cyber security and risk management policies.
• Understand the future legal and technical environment and its impact on cyber security planning and digital risk management.
• Understand how to plan and design a security audit for a cyber network.

Unit 6: Physical IT Networking

• Apply the components of physical networking.
• Understand the components and interfaces between different physical networking attributes.
• Install security protocols in a physical network.

Unit 7: Cryptography

• Understand key cryptographic principles and modes.
• Understand the standards, regulations and laws that apply to business and government organisations in relation to encryption.
• Design an encryption plan and courses of action for a given organisation.

Unit 8: Digital Investigations and Forensics

• Understand the core principles of digital investigations.
• Apply the types of tools that support professional digital investigations at a strategic level.
• Plan for investigation and forensics teams.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding evidential integrity in digital investigations.

Unit 9: System Administration

• Understand system administration.
• Perform user management and file system management.

Unit 10: Network Routing and Switching

• Understand switching.
• Perform routing.

Unit 11: Network Design and Administration

• Understand network design.
• Configure a local area network and a VLAN.
• Administer a network.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security is designed for learner seeking structured academic and technical development in computer networking, cyber security and secure IT infrastructure. It is particularly relevant for:

• Aspiring Cyber Security Professionals – Learner seeking to build foundational and advanced knowledge of cyber security threats, risk management, incident response, cryptography and digital forensics.
• Networking Professionals – Learner working with or progressing towards roles involving network administration, routing, switching, network design and infrastructure security.
• IT Support and Systems Professionals – Learner seeking to strengthen understanding of system administration, user management, network configuration and IT security controls.
• Cyber Security Career Changers – Learner transitioning into networking or cyber security who requires a structured Level 4 and Level 5 qualification pathway.
• IT and Computing Graduates – Learner seeking to develop specialist knowledge beyond general computing and apply networking principles to cyber security environments.
• Network Security Specialists in Development – Learner interested in network protection, systems hardening, security protocols, encryption and secure network architecture.
• Digital Forensics and Incident Response Aspirants – Learner interested in digital investigations, forensic processes, evidential integrity and organisational incident response.
• International IT Learner – Learner outside the UK seeking a UK-regulated qualification covering internationally relevant networking and cyber security concepts.
• Professionals Seeking Further Study – Learner planning to progress academically towards higher-level study in cyber security, networking, computing or related disciplines, subject to the receiving institution's entry and recognition requirements.

Career Opportunities

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security develops learners’ knowledge of computer networking, cyber security, network infrastructure and digital protection. The qualification covers key areas including network security, cyber threats and risk, cryptography, system administration, digital forensics, incident response, routing and switching, and network design. It is suitable for UK and international learners seeking to strengthen their technical knowledge and progress towards higher-level study in networking, cyber security, computing or related fields.

Future Progression

The Qualifi Level 4 and Level 5 Combined Diploma in Networking and Cyber Security provides learners with a structured foundation for further academic study and entry-level opportunities across networking, IT infrastructure, and cyber security. The qualification develops knowledge of network security, cyber security threats and risk, system administration, cryptography, digital forensics, incident response, routing and switching, and network design.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level qualifications or degree-level study in areas such as cyber security, computer networking, computing, information technology, and related disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving institution.

Professionally, this diploma can support progression towards roles such as Network Support Technician, Junior Network Administrator, Cyber Security Analyst, IT Support Technician, Systems Administrator, Network Security Technician, SOC Analyst, Incident Response Assistant, and Digital Forensics Assistant, depending on experience and employer requirements. The knowledge developed provides a foundation for understanding network infrastructure, identifying security risks, administering systems, and supporting the protection of digital environments.