FAO Applicants Resident in Ireland: Springboard+ Funding
This course has been funded under the Irish Government’s ‘Springboard+’ programme, for more information on the fee structure please head to the Springboard+ website here. To be eligible you need to be:
- Resident in Ireland - either with a valid social welfare claim in place for unemployed people; or, for employed people, proof of having been resident here for 3 out of last 5 years.
- Non-EU Irish residents must have ‘Stamp 4’ residency immigration status or above in order to be eligible.
- Recent Graduates of full-time level 8 degree programmes are not eligible for Springboard+ funding for one year after graduation date but may apply as fee-paying students.
- The funding is not open to people who are not resident in Ireland. Please see further information on Springboard+ eligibility.
- The Springboard+ application closing date is Friday, 31 July 2026.
About the Programme
This programme tackles the urgent need for specialised cybersecurity in Industrial Automation & Control Systems (IACS) and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). With a focus on Operational Technology (OT), you'll gain the foundational knowledge to distinguish OT from traditional IT security and visualise these systems across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transport.
Designed for professionals safeguarding essential infrastructure, this programme empowers you to design, build, and manage Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) for IACS or CNI environments, backed by robust business cases for OT-specific cybersecurity investment.
What You'll Learn
- Industrial control principles and protocols critical to IACS cybersecurity.
- CSMS frameworks for attack prevention, detection, response, and recovery.
- Penetration testing methodologies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities .
- Cybersecurity architecture for OT — including network segmentation, access controls, and Defence-in-Depth strategies.
- Business continuity and OT risk management to ensure resilience and compliance.
- The psychology of hacking and the role of cyberpsychology in mitigating social engineering attacks.
- Critical evaluation of IACS designs and development of real-world security recommendations.
Why This Matters Now
The demand for OT cybersecurity professionals is rapidly increasing:
- 41% of difficult-to-fill STEM vacancies in Ireland are in ICT, including cybersecurity
- 90% growth in IT & programming skills demand expected in Europe by 2030
- 75% of OT professionals have experienced intrusions
- The NIS2 Directive increases compliance obligations for OT-dependent sectors
- SMEs face higher risks due to limited in-house cybersecurity expertise
Industry-Aligned & Regionally Relevant
Through SETU’s active membership in Cyber Ireland and Engineering in the South East, and partnerships with regional manufacturing and cyber companies, the programme targets:
- Manufacturing & utilities professionals
- Energy, transport & CNI specialists
- Engineers & IT personnel upskilling for OT/IACS roles
Special emphasis is placed on wind energy, a rapidly expanding CNI segment. Tailored case studies address the cybersecurity challenges of onshore and offshore wind farms, helping professionals meet NIS2.
Delivery
2 hours per week x 24 weeks online with 2 onsite workshop days (1 per semester).
The programme is made up of the following two modules.
Foundations, Structures and Controls of Cybersecurity
Get hands-on with the world of Operational Technology security — a critical frontier in cybersecurity for sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and critical infrastructure.
What You’ll Learn:
- Visualize OT Systems: Understand how OT operates in real-world environments. Explore SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and the key differences between OT and IT.
- Build the Business Case: Learn how to justify OT security investment. Explore risk, compliance, and how to influence stakeholders.
- Architect Secure OT Networks: Master cybersecurity frameworks for OT, including network segmentation, firewalls, and Defence-in-Depth strategies.
- Access Control & Incident Response: Delve into both physical and digital access control, awareness training, and robust response planning.
- Risk in OT Environments: Explore risk assessment and mitigation tailored to OT, with a focus on operational safety and business resilience.
Operational Technology (OT) Security & Architecture
Dive deeper into the cyber defense of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), blending psychology, compliance, and technical rigour.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Master Security Frameworks: Implement Cyber Security Management Systems (CSMS) and align with ISO/IEC standards and EU directives.
- Understand the Hacker Mindset: Uncover the psychology behind cyberattacks. Learn how social engineering works — and how to stop it.
- Penetration Testing in IACS: Apply ethical hacking tools and methodologies to uncover and fix vulnerabilities.
- Plan for the Unexpected: Learn to build and rehearse Business Continuity Plans that ensure operations stay resilient under cyber duress.
Entry to the programme is via direct entry with the following requirements:
- Graduates with a minimum for 2.2 honours in a Level 8 degree such as Electronics / Electrical / Mechatronics / Computer Engineering or equivalent programme.
- Graduates with a Level 7 Distinction award in Electronics / Electrical / Mechatronics / Computer Engineering or equivalent programme with a minimum 2 years relevant post qualification experience.
- EU graduates whose qualifications which are in line with the Bologna agreement or the international NARIC system for Level 8 comparison.
