School of Information Technology & Data ScienceOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst

NQF Level 5SAQA ID 118986173 credits18 MonthsFull-time

Programme Overview

Prepare for a career in cybersecurity with training in threat detection, incident response, network security, vulnerability assessment, and compliance frameworks.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID118986

NQF LevelNQF Level 5

Total Credits173

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMICT SETA — Accredited

QCTO Accreditation — 1 record

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP040825200420Active

SAQA 118986 · NQF Level 5 · 173 credits

Valid 25 Jul 2025 – 24 Jul 2030

Accredited site: Highbury College — Pretoria Central Accredited Training Site

Certification for this occupational qualification is issued by the QCTO — Highbury College is the accredited skills development provider and is not the awarding body.

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

53credits

9 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

68credits

8 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

52credits

3 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
NQF Level 4 qualification.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Introduction to Cybersecurity252901-001-00-KM-018 cr
Fundamentals of Network Security and Defence252901-001-00-KM-0212 cr
Cybersecurity and Cyber Threats and Attacks252901-001-00-KM-0312 cr
Introduction to Cybersecurity Governance, Legislation and Ethics252901-001-00-KM-044 cr
Fundamentals of Design Thinking and Innovation252901-001-00-KM-051 cr
Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations252901-001-00-KM-063 cr
Computers, Devices and Computing Systems252901-001-00-KM-076 cr
Data and Database Vulnerabilities252901-001-00-KM-083 cr
Introduction to 4IR and Future Skills252901-001-00-KM-094 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) conducted through the relevant assessment quality partner. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration18 Months

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: Higher Certificate in Computer Forensics, NQF Level 05. Vertical: Advanced Certificate in Information Security, NQF Level 06.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, as well as for access to the final external assessment, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Cybersecurity AnalystSOC AnalystPenetration TesterInformation Security OfficerSecurity Consultant

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 3 modules totalling 52 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Compliance with Legal Cybersecurity Requirements
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Cybersecurity Detection, Protection and Prevention Processes

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

Certification follows successful completion of all modules and the final external integrated summative assessment.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0