About the course
Course content
In your first year, we will provide a general introduction to computing skills and computer security. You’ll also gain technical skills that you’ll build on in later years. Our lab includes a penetration testing (ethical hacking) infrastructure that allows you to develop ethical hacking skills and learn how to use them to identify security vulnerabilities. You’ll also develop technical skills in network security, as well as in biometrics and biometric-based security systems.
Throughout your degree, you will use and evaluate a wide range of cyber security tools and techniques. We will teach you the Cisco networking syllabus for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching. You’ll then follow the CCNA Security syllabus, and have the chance to take the industry-standard EC-Council Ethical Hacker Certification at additional cost. In your final year, you’ll cover cryptography and malicious software in detail.
To support your learning, we integrate guest lectures featuring experts from the Police and industry. Enrol on the sandwich course and you’ll have the opportunity to spend Year 3 on placement, applying your knowledge in the workplace and gaining hands-on experience.
Modules
This module map provides an indicative list of the modules that make up your course. Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you take a combination of compulsory and optional modules, enabling you to cover key subject knowledge while developing your own interest. You must take modules worth a total of 120 credits at each level of the course. The number of optional modules you can take depends on the number of compulsory modules at a given level, you may have more choice in later parts of the course.
Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. You can always find the most up-to-date information about your modules and who is teaching them in our module catalogue. We aim to ensure that all optional modules run as scheduled. If for any reason an optional module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Before you can register on some optional modules, you may be required to have undertaken prerequisite modules. Some module combinations may not be allowed.
Foundation Year
Semester 1
Module title
Introduction to Professional and Academic SkillsCompulsory
Introduction to Web Technologies and Database SystemsCompulsory
Introductory MathematicsCompulsory
Introduction to Software Development and Computer SystemsCompulsory
Semester 2
Module title
Introduction to Professional and Academic SkillsCompulsory
Introduction to Web Technologies and Database SystemsCompulsory
Introductory MathematicsCompulsory
Introduction to Software Development and Computer SystemsCompulsory
Year 1
Semester 1
Module title
Fundamentals of Computer NetworksCompulsory
Hardware and Computer SystemsCompulsory
Data Storage and Software DevelopmentCompulsory
Maths for Technical ComputingCompulsory
Semester 2
Module title
Fundamentals of Computer NetworksCompulsory
Hardware and Computer SystemsCompulsory
Data Storage and Software DevelopmentCompulsory
Introduction to Security TechnologiesCompulsory
Year 2
Semester 1
Module title
Network SecurityCompulsory
Cyber SecurityCompulsory
Ethical HackingCompulsory
Advanced Programming Languages for Computer SystemsOptional
System Programming with C++Optional
Biometrics in a Security EnvironmentOptional
Semester 2
Module title
Network SecurityCompulsory
Cyber SecurityCompulsory
Ethical HackingCompulsory
Advanced Programming Languages for Computer SystemsOptional
System Programming with C++Optional
Biometrics in a Security EnvironmentOptional
Year 3
Semester 1
Module title
Final Year ProjectCompulsory
Research Methods for ComputingCompulsory
Advanced Software SecurityCompulsory
Advanced Cyber SecurityCompulsory
Semester 2
Module title
Final Year ProjectCompulsory
Advanced Software SecurityCompulsory
Advanced Cyber SecurityCompulsory
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is research-informed and 72% of our full-time staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
Teaching
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.
Study time
Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:
BSc (Hons)
Year 1: you'll spend 32% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 68% of time in independent study.
Year 2: you'll spend 28% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 72% of time in independent study.
Year 3: you'll spend 14% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 86% of time in independent study.
BSc (Hons) with a Placement Year
Year 1: you'll spend 32% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 68% of time in independent study.
Year 2: you'll spend 28% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 78% of time in independent study.
Year 3: you'll spend 100% of time on placement.Year 4: you'll spend 14% of time in lectures, seminars or similar, and 86% of time in independent study.
Progression routes to masters
- MSc Cyber Security