Core Issues in Digital Trust and Security

Course overview 

• Learn about threat actors, from individuals to nation-states, who exploit technology for malicious purposes. 

• Examine vulnerabilities that enable cybercriminals to steal data, money, and identities, disrupt services, and undermine trust in institutions and democracy. 

• Explore privacy concerns, surveillance, and digital footprints — what they reveal about us, and how that information might be used. 

• Investigate how hackers operate, the tools and techniques they use, and study case examples that show how attacks unfold in practice. 

• Consider how law enforcement and security agencies respond to cybercrime, and discover protective measures for citizens, businesses, and governments. 

• Reflect on key dilemmas in digital trust and security: Who should control access to our data? How can individuals and organisations best protect themselves? And how should societies respond to harmful material online? 

Topics you will explore in this micro-credential include: 

• Week 1: Introduction to Core Issues in Digital Trust and Security 

• Week 2: Understanding Hyperconnectivity 

• Week 3: How Did We Get Here? 

• Week 4: Trust and Security in a Hyperconnected World 

• Week 5: Introduction to Cybercrime 

• Week 6: How Do Cybercriminals Operate? 

• Week 7: Putting it All Together: The Cyber Kill Chain 

• Week 8: Conclusion and assessment preparation  

This postgraduate-level micro-credential is ideal for professionals and learners who want to deepen their understanding of digital trust and security in today’s hyperconnected world. 

• Business leaders and managers seeking to protect their organisations from cyber threats and safeguard sensitive data. 

• IT and security professionals looking to expand their knowledge of threat actors, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. 

• Policy makers and public sector staff who need to understand the societal impact of cybercrime, surveillance, and digital privacy. 

• Non-profit and charity workers navigating digital risks while protecting communities and maintaining trust. 

• Educators, researchers, and students interested in exploring the ethical dilemmas of digital footprints, online safety, and governance. 

• Any professional or individual who wants to build resilience against cyberattacks, strengthen digital literacy, and confidently respond to the challenges of our increasingly connected world. 

Developed with direct input from an Industry Advisory Board with representatives from leading businesses, charities, and governmental organisations, this micro-credential ensures that the skills you gain are aligned with real-world needs and industry best practices. 

• This micro-credential involves around 50 hours of self-study, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. 

• The course is delivered fully online and asynchronously, giving you the flexibility to study at your own pace. 

• Learning materials include a blend of video and audio content, written guidance, and interactive activities to support your engagement. 

• You will have opportunities to check your progress through self-tests, diagnostics, and online assessments. 

• Academic support is provided through approximately two hours of weekly contact with your course lead via email. 

• You will also benefit from an online induction and ongoing non-academic support, available through email and online drop-in sessions. 

Enhanced cybersecurity awareness  

Gain a clear understanding of what cybersecurity really means, the types of threats it seeks to counter, and how to mitigate them in both personal and professional contexts. 

Real-world insight  

Explore the tools and techniques cybercriminals use, supported by case studies that illustrate how attacks unfold in practice, encouraging critical thinking about prevention and mitigation. 

Workplace impact  

Apply learnings directly to your organisation’s context, using practical frameworks to strengthen resilience and educate others. 

Broader perspective  

Understand the systemic and organisational dimensions of digital trust and security, including the role of individuals, corporations, and nation states in shaping risks. 

Future-focused knowledge  

Examine the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technological developments including the rise of big data and AI, preparing you to anticipate and address future harms. 

Balanced approach  

Experience a strong mix of theory and practice, ensuring concepts are not only understood but immediately applicable across diverse settings. 

Confidence and empowerment  

Build the skills to take action, strengthen organisational resilience, and contribute to a safer digital world. 

Assessment is designed to help you apply knowledge in practical, workplace-relevant ways. It includes a weekly reflective journal and a final written assignment. 

Reflective journal (Formative Assessment) 

At the end of each week, you will respond to a reflective prompt that encourages you to connect course concepts to your workplace or institutional context. These reflections form the foundation for your final assignment. 

Final written assessment (Summative Assessment – 100%) 

For the final assignment, you will take on the role of a digital trust champion within an organisation, either real or fictional. You will identify one cybersecurity challenge your organisation is facing and produce a 1,000–1,200 word written resource designed to raise awareness among colleagues. This resource is grounded in one of your weekly reflections and may draw on examples from your current or previous workplace, an educational institution, or a voluntary organisation. 

Feedback 

You will receive written feedback within 15 working days (three weeks) of the submission deadline. 

Our courses offer a robust guarantee of quality. 

Your learning is validated through detailed, verifiable information embedded in your digital certificate, ensuring transparency and credibility recognised by employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. 

Upon completion (and relevant assessment), you'll receive an official electronic certificate detailing your achievement, including:  

• The total learning hours 

• The equivalent academic level of study 

• The certificate's validity period 

• The awarding institution 

• Regular access to a computer or smart phone with internet access fast enough to stream video.  

• A computer that meets the software requirements of video conferencing and other software, broadband internet connection, desktop or laptop PC with windows 10 or later, 4GB RAM, 6GB disk space for installation (administrator rights are required to install software).  

• A smart phone on Android 11.0 or greater, or iOS 11.0 or greater, as you'll need to use multi-factor authentication to access your learning materials. 

Standard price 

• £1,250 per micro-credential 

• Early Bird: 10% off for the first cohort starting in May 2026 
• UoM alumni: 10% off for returning UoM learners (email learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk with proof of your alumni status e.g. your degree certificate). This discount can be used in conjunction with the Early Bird discount for May 2026 start. 

To discuss corporate enrolment and payment by invoice, please contact: learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk

Reserve your space via our online store. You can choose to pay in full or in instalments, using either a credit or debit card.  

To discuss corporate enrolment and payment by invoice, please contact: learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk.  

1. Head to our online store and choose your fee level.
2. Add the course to your basket and complete the registration and payment process.
3. Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive your enrolment information two weeks before the course begins. 

Reserve you place now

If you have any questions or need support, please contact: learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk. 

If you are a corporate customer eligible for a discount and would like to arrange payment via invoice or make a group booking, please contact us at learningsupport@manchester.ac.uk