Cyber Security

UCAS code: G550

Here's what De Montfort University says about its Cyber Security course.

Technology and computer systems are becoming ever more integrated with our day-to-day lives and protection of the data and information they contain is paramount. With many organisations and businesses now considering the defence of online information a critical business issue, there’s an increased focus and demand on the role of cyber security.

On our Cyber Security BSc, you will learn about different types of cyber-attack, how to solve them and how to prevent them. Discover how to build ultra-secure software and systems, carry out rigorous penetration testing and study cryptography techniques. By putting yourself in the mind of a hacker, you will come to expect the unexpected and develop problem-solving skills that are highly-valued in the world of work.

A versatile range of core computing and cyber security skills are embedded throughout the course, giving you a solid understanding of the underlying principles of cyber security. This includes the mathematical foundation of computing, secure coding and computer ethics. Your Final Project in year three provides an opportunity to work innovatively and creatively to produce a quality solution that addresses a societal or organisational need.

By the time you graduate, you will have the skills required for an exciting career in the cyber security sector. Recent graduates have progressed into careers in industry, government and law enforcement, as security analysts, penetration testers, forensic investigators and cyber security engineers, at organisations such as Deloitte, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Year one

Block 1: Foundation of Computing and Cyber Security Block 2: Secure Coding Block 3: Endpoint Security Block 4: Business Infrastructure and Security

Year two

Block 1: Secure Scripting and Business Applications Block 2: Incident Response and Cyber Threat Intelligence Block 3: Penetration Testing Block 4: Industrial Cryptography

Year three

Block 1: Cyber Physical Systems Security Block 2: Malware and Attacker Techniques Block 3/4: Final Project

Optional Modules (choose one):

Block 3/4: Cyber Security and Social Responsibility Block 3/4: Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security Block 3/4: Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Investigation

The course is part of DMU’s Cyber Security Centre, which influences the government and corporations in their approach to cyber security. This shapes the curriculum so that you learn what is important. It also grants you privileged access to career opportunities.

You may be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, laboratory sessions, practical sessions and self-directed study. Assessment and how assessments are weighted is varied across modules. Our assessment practices reflect the best practices in teaching methods deployed by academic members of staff each year. Indicative assessment weighting and assessment type per module are shown as part of the module information. Again, these are based on the current academic session and are subject to change.

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. Outside of your normal timetabled hours you will be expected to conduct independent study each week to complete preparation tasks, assessments and research.

In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to use our on-line resources, participate in flipped or virtual classroom discussions on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study and revision for approximately 25 hours per week.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.