Cyber Security (with Placement Year)

Step into cyber security at ARU in Cambridge and gain the hands-on skills to defend critical systems and launch a high-demand career.

Why study Cyber Security at ARU?

• Study in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, a leading global hub for technology and innovation and home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and more

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving

• Gain recognised certifications as you study: we're a Cisco Networking Academy, a CompTIA Academic Partner, an EC-Council Academic Partner, VMWare Academy, and AWS Academy

• Use specialist labs and a virtual NetLab, equipped with cyber security and forensics tools and operating systems.

Cyber security is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, with demand accelerating as threats evolve. At ARU's Cambridge campus, in the Silicon Fen, you’ll gain the expertise to thrive in this dynamic sector, supported by highly qualified, research-active lecturers.

Throughout the course, you’ll build practical skills in specialist labs using tools like Kali Linux, Wireshark and Burp Suite, and explore cybercrime, networks and secure development.

You’ll gain industry insight through Cisco CCNA modules and key professional skills, graduating ready to protect organisations and progress confidently in this high-demand field.

At ARU, you'll combine technical, analytical and the professional skills needed to protect organisations from evolving threats. You’ll gain knowledge in areas such as penetration testing, network security and risk management, preparing you for roles across industry and the public sector.

With this hands-on experience, industry certifications and optional placement opportunities, you’ll be equipped for high-demand roles in a rapidly growing global sector.

You’ll start the course by building a strong foundation in computing, networks and secure software development.

You'll progress into advanced cyber security, digital forensics and malware analysis. You’ll also learn how modern systems are designed, automated and protected, while gaining hands-on experience with industry tools and secure coding practices.

The course develops your ability to identify and respond to cyber threats, apply risk management and security governance, and understand legal and ethical responsibilities. You’ll also gain teamwork, analytical and professional skills for real-world security roles.

During your time at ARU, you’ll also get the opportunity for a placement year in industry which will see you linked with a high-tech hub company in Cambridge, the region and beyond. You’ll build up valuable work experience and make industry contacts to benefit your studies and enhance your long-term career prospects.

Year 1:
Introduction to Networks (30 credits)
Introduction to System Architecture and Automation (30 credits)
Software Principles (30 credits)
Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
Cyber Crime Fundamentals (15 credits)

Year 2:
Cloud and IoT (15 credits)
Network Routing and Switching Essentials (30 credits)
Digital Security (15 credits)
Networking Technologies (30 credits)
Principles of Digital Forensics (15 credits)
Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year3:
Work Placement (120 credits)

Year 4:
Final Project (30 credits)
Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)
Digital Forensics and Malware Science (15 credits)
Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
Security Management, Operations and Analytics (30 credits)
Software Security (15 credits)

We’ll use a range of assessment methods to help measure your progress. Besides exams, you’ll undertake coursework, lab tests, group work, presentations, case studies and log books.