BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Core Module:

Research and professional practice (15 credits): Develop the fundamental skills required to engage in research activities, project management and professional conduct. This module incorporates relevant themes – including how to adopt sustainable development goals, minimise impact and promote social responsibility. You’ll also begin building your entrepreneurial skills and understanding of research methodologies through theoretical discussion, practical exercises and real-world case studies.

Introduction to maths and statistics (15 credits): How do maths and statistics affect decision making in sustainable practices? Find out in this informative module. From summary statistics, hypothesis testing and linear algebra, to permutations, probability and parametric and non-parametric tests, you’ll cover a range of mathematical and statistical applications. And by the end, you’ll have a strong understanding of how they’re integral to the role of a computer scientist. 

Fundamentals of programming (15 credits): Gain a comprehensive introduction to programming. By writing, testing and debugging through Python, you’ll develop a strong understand of coding and the impact on software development. There’s also a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable software, as you explore the role of software in society and beyond.  

Object-oriented programming (15 credits): Ready to discover the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) and their application in software development? From inheritance and polymorphism to encapsulation and abstraction, this module introduces key OOP concepts and techniques, giving you a solid foundation for a future career in computing. There’s also a strong focus on sustainability, as you consider resource-conscious software solutions to reduce energy consumption and waste. 

Fundamentals of networks (15 credits): This comprehensive module introduces you to the fundamentals of computer networking. You’ll explore network architecture, protocols, models, services and security considerations – helping you gain the skills needed for a successful career in computing. Workshop sessions also allow you to build hands-on experience in configuring network devices and implementing solutions for various applications. 

Introduction to cyber security (15 credits): This module introduces cybersecurity principles, exploring common threats, vulnerabilities, data protection, network security, encryption, and risk management to develop essential skills for safeguarding digital systems and information.

Ethical hacking penetration testing (15 credits): This module explores ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing methodologies, vulnerability assessment, and security tools to identify system weaknesses and strengthen cybersecurity defenses responsibly.

Operating systems security (15 credits): This module explores operating system security principles, access controls, authentication, vulnerability management, and threat prevention techniques to protect systems, ensure data integrity, and enhance cybersecurity.

Core Module:

Research and professional practice 2 (15 credits): Build the skills you need to succeed in your future computing career. Following a team-based projects framework, you’ll choose a team project that aligns with specific attributes that fit with your chosen topic. That way, you’ll develop a strong understanding of various professional competencies and ethical standards in project development. 

Software engineering fundamentals (15 credits): Discover the key concepts of software engineering in this exciting module. From design and implementation to testing, deployment and maintenance, you’ll explore the entire software development life cycle – as well as how to leverage technology to develop energy-efficient software. And through real-world case studies, you’ll develop core skills to succeed in any computing role. 

Computer security (15 credits): Gain a thorough introduction to cybersecurity with this informative module. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll explore cryptography, user authentication, operating system security, malware forensics and more – ensuring you’re well prepared for a career in this sector.  

Introduction to AI (15 credits): Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing area – and this module offers an introduction to all facets of AI. You’ll explore the methodologies and techniques of search algorithms, knowledge representation and learning mechanisms – as well as the role of AI in computer games and robotics. And at the end, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of systems bult upon interacting intelligent acts. 

Digital forensics (15 credits): This module introduces digital forensic techniques, covering evidence collection, data recovery, incident investigation, and forensic analysis to identify cybercrimes and support legal proceedings.

Cryptography (15 credits): This module explores cryptographic principles, encryption algorithms, digital signatures, authentication, and key management to protect sensitive information, ensure data integrity, and secure digital communications.

Data visualisation and communication (15 credits): This module explores data visualisation techniques, analytical tools, and communication strategies to transform complex datasets into meaningful insights, effective visual representations, and informed decisions.

Behavioural cyber security (15 credits): This module examines human behaviour in cybersecurity, exploring social engineering, security awareness, psychological factors, and behavioural risks to develop effective strategies for preventing cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Core Module:

Capstone project (45 credits): The Capstone project gives you the chance to demonstrate the academic knowledge you’ve gained throughout your degree. You’ll carry out a significant piece of independent research or an extensive practical project – showing off your creativity, innovation, and academic and professional abilities. You’ll also carry out meticulous research and present your findings in a professional setting.  

Information retrieval (15 credits): Discover how to design energy-efficient information retrieval (IR) systems in this inspiring module. You’ll learn all about the theoretical foundations of IR systems – such as text processing, indexing and querying – while considering how to minimise the carbon footprint of digital information processing during design and development. That way, you’ll have a strong understanding of the role IR systems in building environmentally responsible systems that drive social and economic value. 

Network security (15 credits): Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You’ll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios. 

Data ethics and leadership (15 credits): This module explores ethical data management, privacy, governance, responsible decision-making, and leadership principles to promote data integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical practices.

Information security and risk management (15 credits): This module explores information security principles, risk assessment, threat mitigation, security policies, and compliance frameworks to protect organisational assets, minimise vulnerabilities, and ensure business continuity.

Security operations and incident response (15 credits): Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You’ll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios.