Cyber Security

UCAS code: L411

Here's what University College Birmingham says about its Cyber Security 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

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

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.