Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security with foundation year

Foundation Year

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree course onwards will be from Coventry University campus.

This course covers a range of digital technology content including fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts, the theory behind how networks operate, how devices communicate and how such networks should be designed. It also covers information technology in business and the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems.

Degree
Dive into cyber security, ethical hacking, digital forensics and secure networking. Learn practical skills, gain knowledge and build towards a future-proof cybersecurity career.

This course could be the right fit for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, tech enthusiasts and problem-solvers who want practical skills in ethical hacking, network security and digital forensics. Gain industry-relevant expertise through labs, and real-world projects to launch your career. With this course, you could benefit from opportunities for hands-on learning, industry placements and an integrated master's degree (subject to meeting progression standards).2

Key course highlights

• Practical ethical hacking: learn penetration testing, web security and exploit development in dedicated hacking labs.

• Security and forensics: master risk management, secure network infrastructures, incident response and digital evidence analysis.

• Industry-aligned learning: apply skills through 'Capture the Flag’ challenges, simulations and collaborative projects.

Why you should study this course

• Hands-on, industry-relevant skills:  gain real-world expertise through practical labs, penetration testing exercises and ‘Capture the Flag’-style challenges in dedicated hacking labs.

• Career-focused learning:  master in-demand areas like ethical hacking, network security and digital forensics—directly aligned with industry roles such as penetration tester, security operation centre analyst or forensic investigator.

• Active industry engagement: employability is at the core of our courses, and as such we aim to provide you with optional industry guest lectures and networking events to help you stand out from the crowd (subject to availability).

• Modern facilities:  train in specialist on-campus ethical hacking and computing labs with professional tools, simulating real cyber threats in a controlled environment.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

Foundation Year
Foundation year modules include:

• Fundamental Pure Mathematics
• Software and Databases
• Networks and Communications
• Information Technology in Business

Year One
On successfully passing your foundation year you progress to year 1 of your degree on Coventry University campus. In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

• Cyber Security Fundamentals – 30 credits
• Legal and Ethical Factors in Cyber Security – 30 credits
• Networking and Computer Architecture – 30 credits
• Introduction to Programming – 30 credits

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt.

Modules

• Digital Forensics – 30 credits
• Ethical Hacking – 30 credits
• Networking – 30 credits
• Security Operations – 30 credits

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Final Year
Your final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from previous years. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules
Secure Network Design and management – 30 credits
Digital Security Audit and Risk Management – 30 credits
Advanced Digital Forensics – 30 credits
Advanced Ethical Hacking and Exploit Development – 30 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT