BSc (Honours) in Cyber Security

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this qualification, you will have:

• A broad critical understanding of the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques of the design and development of secure digital systems and their secure use
• An understanding of the theory and practice of cyber security within networked systems including an appreciation of a range of methods, models and tools to support secure management and analysis of information systems, along with awareness of the various operating systems and platforms
• An understanding of the range of situations in which digital systems are used and how people interact with them
• A critical awareness of the professional, ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of digital systems
• An awareness of major trends in cyber security and the implications of these trends
• A thorough understanding of developing and implementing secure systems and the methods and tools used in the design, implementation and testing including offensive methodologies
• The ability to critically analyse, develop and apply digital solutions appropriate to security examination and digital forensic investigation, including an appreciation of tools, techniques and legal requirements.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Apply and critically evaluate key digital and cyber security concepts in a range of contexts
• Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing cyber security systems and be aware of the limitations involved
• Compare, contrast and critically analyse and refine specifications and implementations of digital systems from a cyber security perspective
• Device and carry out a cyber security project that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding, and critically reflect on the processes involved and the outcomes of your work.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Analyse, design, evaluate and/or test digital and cyber security systems, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools where appropriate
• Plan and organise yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning to keep up to date with digital and cyber security systems
• Identify and address the professional, ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of digital and cybersecurity systems
• Use appropriate professional tools to support your work.

Key skills

On completion of this qualification, you will be able to:

• Communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways, bearing in mind the audience it’s for and the purpose of your communication
• Work in a group, communicating effectively using digital communication and in face-to-face contexts
• Work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and improving your learning
• Select, and use accurately, appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
• Recognise and understand a range of technological problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose one 30-credit module and complete a 30-credit project module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study all three of the following:

• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)
• Technologies in practice (TM129)

You'll choose one from:

• Discovering mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study all four of the following:

• Web technologies (TM252)
• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257)
• Communication and information technologies (TM255)
• Cyber security (TM256)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Information security (TM311)
• Systems penetration testing (TM359)

You'll choose one from:

• Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357)
• Communications technology (TM355)
• IT systems: planning for success (TM353)
• Web, mobile and cloud technologies (TM352)

You'll study the following:

• The computing and IT project (TM470)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This degree course is useful if you already work, or would like to work, in computing and IT systems. The degree will impart technical and personal attributes to manage, implement and assess the security of business activities in a global context in addition to a broad understanding of the workings of socio-technical systems and an ability to adequately prevent or respond to cyber security incidents.

The course enables the development of discipline-specific and personal transferable skills so that during studies and on graduation students may move directly into responsible positions in a variety of careers such as software security architect, software developer, system administrator, penetration tester, digital forensic investigator, security operations analyst, IT consultant or computing researcher that match both learners and employers expectations.

Career relevance

A study by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) indicates a severe shortage of cyber security skills is a national challenge and is also an indication of technology growth.

Cybersecurity graduates will be in demand beyond the traditional workplaces where general computing and IT graduates have sought employment. The extensive range of organisations employing cyber security graduates includes retail, financial services, leisure and gaming, legal and insurance sectors, telecommunications, broadcast media, digital media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare.

Cyber security is top among the areas of high demand while other areas include mobile development, cloud computing and the management of Big Data.

Other careers

Beyond pure technology roles, some graduates also enter careers in policing (cybercrime), insurance companies where digital forensic experts are in demand to support cyber insurance services, management consultancy firms or corporate roles, while others go into technical writing roles or work freelance.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.