Cyber Security

OVERVIEW
Cyber activities are an important part of our daily lives, but also represent one of the major threats to national and global security, with the rise of cyber attacks and new cyber crime tactics constantly hitting the headlines. Cyber experts can help protect against such cyber threats but, according to recent statistics, the sector is facing a significant shortfall in skilled professionals. By taking our Cyber Security degree course, you can become part of the solution and join a rapidly-growing sector gaining considerable interest.

Our course will enable you to develop key cyber security skills such as analysing and diagnosing problems and causes, systematic problem-solving and the ability to organise and classify large amounts of information and risks. You will also explore technical subject areas such as computer systems, networking, programming, cyber security, infrastructure and system security, software and platform security, secure operations and incident management.

Studying our degree in cyber security will give you access to our state-of-the-art IT and computer facilities, including our dedicated cyber security laboratory where you can apply your training in a controlled environment. You’ll also have the chance to gain real-world experience on a paid placement, providing ideal preparation for a wide variety of jobs ranging from cyber security analyst to secure software developer, network security administrator and more.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

• Work placement – Put your cyber training into real-life practice on an optional paid 48-week placement, with no tuition fees during your placement year

• Practical application – Study in our cutting-edge computer labs, including our purpose-built cyber security laboratory featuring industry-standard equipment

• In-depth research – Explore an area of the cyber security field in depth by completing a major final year research project

• Higher Technical Qualification - Students on our Cyber Security university course will receive an additional Level 4 HTQ on successful completion of the first year of study. Find out more on our website.

• Award-winning university – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

FACILITIES
Students on our cyber security university course will have access to computing rooms with course-specific software installed, while our new cyber security laboratory will enable students to learn and participate in cyber-related activities in a controlled environment. You will also have access to our Digital Creative Studio featuring industry-standard media equipment.

PLACEMENTS
Our course features the option of a paid 48-week work placement, during which you will not incur any tuition fees.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

• Cyber security analyst

• Cyber security consultant

• Cyber security engineer

• Systems analyst

• Network security administrator

• Penetration tester

You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

• Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

YEAR 1

• Cyber Security Fundamentals
• Introduction to Computer Systems
• Introduction to Professional Issues in Cyber Security
• Networks and Communications
• Principles of Object-Oriented Programming
• Secure Systems Analysis and Design

YEAR 2

• Cyber Forensics
• Database Technology
• Dynamic Web Development
• Ethical Hacking
• Research Methods for Cyber Security
• Securing Networks

YEAR 3

Work placement (optional)

YEAR 3/4

• Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security
• Cyber Security and Emerging Trends
• Cyber Security Incident Management
• Cyber Security Individual Project
• Secure Programming

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

TEACHING

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 14 contact hours):

• Group teaching – 6 hours
• Subject-related workshops – 6 hours
• Tutorials – 2 hours

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:

• Coursework – 50%
• Practical assessment/projects – 50%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.