The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Discover the underpinning concepts of information security and risk management in this online professional course. 

Based on mapping information security and risk management roles onto various security models, the model offers a thorough introduction to security and governances principles and practices – as well as security and threat management, business continuity and more. Ultimately, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of assessment and mitigation techniques within information risk management. 

You’ll cover a range of interesting topics, including:  

  • the basic principles of information risk management 
  • the relevant standards and legislation which impact risk and security management 
  • how to identify and analyse risks, threats and vulnerabilities in information systems 

At the end of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to study one of our popular postgraduate computing courses. 

 

Why we’re great 

  • Teaching is delivered in engaging formats, including team projects and individual activities. 
  • Learn how to articulate and solve common problems faced by information security and risk professionals. 
  • Receive your online professional course certificate from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025). 
  • Hone your academic writing and referencing skills with support from our Study Skills team.  
  • Build your connections by studying alongside students in over 140 countries. 

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • what are Information Risk Management (IRM) and Information Security Management (ISM)? Role and concept of IS/IR Manager, key security concepts and terminology 
  • risk modelling and frameworks 
  • ISM framework – standards and compliance  
  • disaster recovery and business continuity management 
  • cyber threat management 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including: 

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students 
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals 
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

 

Assessment methods 

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start 
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

  

Study duration 

Our Security and Risk Management online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Security and Risk Management online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into business – helping you stand out amongst the competition. 

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional computing online professional courses. Alternatively, you could progress onto the PG Cert Cyber Security (60 credits); PG Dip Cyber Security (120 credits); or the full MSc Cyber Security (180 credits). 

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme. 

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:
£1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) Δ
 

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.   
  • 10% anniversary scholarship available when you enrol by 31 July 2024.
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach on our Security and Risk Management online professional course are experts in the business field.

What our students say

testimonials

Alice Villar -MSc Computer Science

Alongside studying my Masters, I also work as a Python instructor in a coding school.

I have a great deal of programming experience with Python and I’m passionate about game development. I’m a creative person and in my opinion, building games while studying is the best way to learn how to code.  Before starting a career in computer science, I was a lawyer and published three books – the first two on jurisprudence with a preface written by Luis Fux, a justice minister of the Supreme Federal Court. The third book focuses on banking law and has a preface written by Luis Felipe Salomão, a justice...

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