University of Derby

BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security

As companies increasingly look to defend themselves against cyber attacks, the number of job openings is growing rapidly. If you have an interest in the latest technologies, a flair for problem-solving and a capacity for quick thinking, fulfilling career in cybersecurity is for you.

• Prepare for high-level roles in the drive to combat cybercrime.
• Gain all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by today’s cybersecurity professionals.
• Learn in the impressive setting of our new Network and Security suite.
• Take an optional industrial placement year which will stand you in good stead for securing a rewarding job on graduation.
• Get involved in exciting projects such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are collaborating with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research.
• Become a highly employable graduate – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016).

Security is a vital requirement of computer-based systems. As the number of security-related incidents continues to grow, so does the demand for expertise in cybersecurity.

High-level technical skills

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security prepares you to become a successful security specialist. You will study security policies, legal and regulatory requirements, risk and vulnerability assessment, security architecture and development, information assurance methodologies, ethical hacking and incident management.

We will equip you with the know-how to critically analyse and evaluate responses to security-related incidents. You will also develop the technical skills needed to specify, build and develop the physical infrastructure and software to ensure solutions are robust and secure.

An ideal learning environment

We have a new Network and Security Suite featuring a full range of wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers such as CISCO, D-Link, Linksys and Netgear®. Our teaching entails a compelling mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.

Boost your employability

Employability skills are integrated into many of the taught modules on the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security. You can even choose to spend a year on a relevant placement working alongside industry professionals – an experience which will give you the edge in the graduate job market.

In addition to assisting with internships and placements, we offer wide-ranging support to help you enhance your future prospects during your studies and to secure graduate roles when you have completed your course. This includes employability workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as CV writing and interview preparation.

What you will study

Stage one

You will study modules such as:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Foundations in Computer Science
• Computational Mathematics
• Programming 1
• Foundations in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• Programming 2

Stage two

You will study modules such as:

• Databases
• Ethical Hacking
• Digital Forensic Investigation
• The Problem of Proof
• Communication and Security Protocols
• Team Project
• Optional Placement Year

Stage three

You will study modules such as:

• Multimedia Security
• Independent Studies
• Security Management
• Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
• Security Architecture and Future Trends

How you will learn

Modules are typically assessed via one or more coursework assignments and/or one or more examinations. Some modules are only assessed via coursework, others are only assessed via examination, while others use a mix of both.

Depending on the nature of a given coursework assignment, you may receive the assignment specification at the beginning of the module for hand-in at the end of the module. Alternatively, you may be given it later in the module to complete before a set deadline.

Entry requirements

September 2020 typical entry requirements

Careers

There is significant demand for skills in developing, maintaining and securing computer systems, as well as on the engineering side of security protocol development and research.

This degree delivers comprehensive training and equips you with the personal attributes you need for a variety of careers within the cybersecurity field.