University of Cape Town

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Acquire the knowledge and skills to defend your organisation’s systems and data from the escalating threat of cyberattacks.

Start date

03 March 2025

Price

$1,147 USD

Installment Plan

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Course duration

8 weeks

Excluding orientation

Language

English

Access resources from start date

Effort

7–10 hours per week

Self-paced learning online

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Course overview

30%

The predicted global cybersecurity spend to come from banking, discrete manufacturing, and central government by 2023.

HashedOut (May, 2020).

$430.33 billion

The predicted global market size of the cybersecurity industry by 2027.

Cision (May, 2020).

Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)

Organisations have had to adapt to a new way of doing business in the digital age, bringing about a revolution. However, this has also created new risks for companies and their customers. Cyberattacks are now a real threat in Africa and globally, highlighting the need for professionals with the expertise to tackle online security vulnerabilities.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) offers the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course, which equips students with the essential knowledge of cybersecurity management. The course provides a South African and global perspective, enabling learners to become proficient in safeguarding sensitive company data. Gain valuable skills to help you make informed decisions to support your organisation in thwarting attacks and responding appropriately to incidents.

Is this course for you?

This course benefits professionals across all levels, including technical and managerial staff working within the cybersecurity industry. Individuals who are new to the field or hold administrative or information security roles will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends in cybersecurity and gain a competitive edge in the job market. For management professionals, the course will cover the regulations and legislation that impact cybersecurity. They will learn to develop bespoke cybersecurity training programmes and incident policies to meet their organisational needs. This course will help all professionals gain the confidence and skills to identify threats and implement measures to safeguard their organisations against cyber risks.

Course overview

Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)

What will set you apart

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

An understanding of the fundamental principles of cybersecurity management and the relevant legislative environment.

The ability to evaluate cybersecurity risks, and analyse corporate information security policies.

The skills to design a secure network model and a suitable incident response plan for an organisation.

Insight into cybersecurity software and hardware products, and knowledge of the measures that can be implemented to protect a business from cyberthreats.

Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.

Course curriculum

Enhance your understanding of cybersecurity risk management strategies as you work through the weekly modules of this online short course.

Orientation module

Welcome to your Online Campus

Module 1

Basic principles of cybersecurity management

Module 2

Risk assessment

Module 3

Corporate governance, policies, and the regulatory environment

Module 4

Cybersecurity culture

Module 5

Cybersecurity architecture

Module 6

Cybersecurity software and hardware

Module 7

The CIS 20 critical security controls (CSCs)

Module 8

Incident management

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What past students
think

Nosi Fana

Senior Information Security Analyst, PPS Insurance

For me, the course content was definitely not what I had expected. This content was real, it was relevant, and it required me to truly apply myself. It definitely is not an easy course, one needs to set aside the time and also be willing to do research. One also needs to tackle the topics covered as though they were applying the concepts in the real world. My understanding has definitely been enhanced, I now have a better and deeper understanding of why and how to think, and also how to implement certain controls and solutions in my work environment. The support and motivation from the Head Tutor was remarkable. He is always available to explain any queries one might have about the content. He is also great at pushing us and motivating us to do better and to apply ourselves. This was definitely a challenging but rewarding and valuable experience for me.

Course Convenor

The design of this online short course is guided by UCT faculty and industry experts who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.

Zainab Ruhwanya

Lecturer, Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, UCT

About the certificate

Gain an understanding of the core principles of cybersecurity and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.

Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.

Your digital certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you upon successful completion of the course, as per the stipulated requirements. Please note, due to additional administrative requirements, at times UCT course certificate delivery may be delayed by several weeks/months.

UCT Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course certificate

YOUR INFORMATION

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FAQ

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GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.

We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.

Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.

Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.

You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.

GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.

At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.

By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?

Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.

If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.

As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.

To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.

The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.

On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.

We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.

How do I apply?

You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter

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