Cyber Security
Entry requirements
A level
UCB will accept A Level in General Studies for this course and will also take into consideration applicants who are studying an extended project.
You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Maths: You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics or Functional Skills Level 2.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points
T Level
A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.
UCAS Tariff
Level 3 qualifications are accepted at UCB for entrance, a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required. If you are unsure if your qualification is accepted call us on 0121 604 1040 or email [email protected].
About this course
**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 attacks but, according to recent statistics, the sector is facing a significant shortfall in skilled professionals. By taking our Cyber Security foundation 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 course 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. This practical experience will provide 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?**
- **Practical application** – Study in our cutting-edge computer labs, including our purpose-built cyber security laboratory featuring industry-standard equipment
- **Diverse skills and knowledge** – Build your skills in areas ranging from ethical hacking, web development and network security to programming and systems analysis
- **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.
**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
Upon completion of the foundation degree, you can also progress onto the final year of our full BSc (Hons) degree.
- **Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course**
Modules
**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
Assessment methods
**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.
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
Test
The Uni
University College Birmingham
Business School - FdA/FdSc
What students say
How do students rate their degree experience?
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After graduation
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Computer science
What are graduates doing after six months?
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Top job areas of graduates
A specialist subject, and not surprisingly graduates tend to go into software engineering roles or related. The degree classification students achieved made a particular difference last year — computing graduates with the best grades were much less likely to be out of work after six months and employers can even rate a good grade as important as work experience. Most students do get jobs, though, and starting salaries are good — particularly in London, where average starting salaries for good graduates were getting towards £38k last year. Be aware that at the moment, recruitment agencies are much the most common way for graduates from this degree to get their first job, so it may be worth getting in touch with a few specialist agencies in advance of graduation if you take this degree to get a foot in the door.
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