Computer Science with Cybersecurity with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This cybersecurity program equips students with the skills to defend against digital threats, handle sensitive information, and design security initiatives. Through hands-on training, industry certifications, and professional work placements, graduates are prepared for careers in cybersecurity, including penetration testing, network security, and security architecture. The program emphasizes active learning, collaboration, and employability, providing a strong foundation for further study and research.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• This program aims to equip students with the theoretical, conceptual, and practical skills needed to defend and mitigate possible threats in computing and networking environments.
• Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of handling sensitive and confidential information, with consideration of government regulation and ethics.
• They will explore the tools, strategies, and concepts used by adversaries to compromise computer systems, developing mitigation strategies and security defenses.
• The program focuses on developing hands-on technical skills and building awareness of core concepts, theories, and principles of data security.

Key Program Features:

• Professional work placements provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
• Graduates are prepared to design, implement, manage, and lead initiatives on cyber intelligence, cyber resilience, and threat mitigation, securing data in diverse business contexts.

• Individuals interested in learning how cybersecurity is used to defend computer systems against digital crime.
• Those who want to learn to design, implement, and manage data protection initiatives.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Introduction to coding (principles, concepts, rules of object-oriented coding, designing, developing, and testing simple apps - Python, JavaScript)
• Principles of web development (HTML, JavaScript, CSS, open-source software - creating website code, social media integration, data capture, test processes)
• Academic skills and studying with confidence (planning, note-taking, communication through essays/reports, presentations, managing time, prioritizing tasks, managing stress)
• Project (personalized study based on chosen future specialization)

Year 1:

• Introduction to software development (data representation, management, algorithms, data structures, methodologies, testing, debugging - programming in Java, Python)
• Computing skills and employability (soft skills development, group work - software solution for real-world problem, understanding software development in business)
• Introduction to tech stack (web technologies - client-side technologies, web servers, server-side development, databases, cloud architecture, operating systems)
• Technology in business (tech in business environment, cost reduction, profit increase, valuation, cost-benefit analysis, business case, and regulatory guidelines)
• Team project (developing software solution for real-world problem)

Year 2:

• Further software development (mobile app development, technical skills in realistic commercial contexts, principles and processes of programming in higher-level languages, object-oriented design, Android app development)
• Professional development and placement (six-week placement, bridge gap between academic skills and professional life, development of personal/professional skills, self-awareness, employability skills, networking, interpersonal relationships, teamwork)
• Cybersecurity (ethics, regulations, law, crime, social implications, professional roles, careers, vulnerabilities, cyberattacks, risk assessments, penetration testing, incident response, digital forensics, ethical hacking)
• Team project (delivering on a client brief, tools and process effectiveness, professional standards)

Year 3:

• Secure development and deployment (secure software development and deployment principles, methodologies, processes, secure deployment of software using platforms like Azure and AWS)
• Project (independent project, advanced skills and knowledge in specific subject area, problem boundaries, investigation of plausible solutions, broader social/cultural contexts, software artifact with real context)
• Option modules (Advanced Network Security, Cyberoperations for Emerging Technologies, AI Applied to Cybersecurity, Data Mining and Big Data)

Assessment:

• A variety of assessment methods are used, aligned with learning outcomes, allowing students to demonstrate the acquired knowledge and skills.
• These methods include:
• Examinations
• Coursework (assignments, essays, projects, presentations)
• Practical assessments (demonstrations, simulations, coding tasks)
• Portfolios showcasing students' work and development

Teaching:

• The program emphasizes an active learning approach, with students taking the initiative in shaping their learning, developing critical thinking, and reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses.
• Key themes include:
• Student involvement and engagement
• Inclusion
• Integrated program and assessment experience
• Digital literacy and skills
• Employability and enterprise
• Collaborative learning activities and support systems are available to promote student development and success.
• Expert lecturers with industry experience provide in-person teaching, while digital materials enhance the learning experience.

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped for diverse cybersecurity career paths across public and private sectors, including:
• Penetration tester
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Network security engineer
• Security architect
• Security risk and governance
• Self-employment opportunities also exist.
• The program also lays a strong foundation for further study and research in related fields.

Other:

• The program is subject to validation, meaning it is still being approved.
• International students, including those from the EU, should refer to the webpage for international students for detailed information.
• Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa.
• Opportunities to obtain professional certifications from tech giants (Cisco, Microsoft) are available.
• Career support is provided through mentoring, CV and interview preparation, and access to graduate employability events.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK Home Students: Tuition fees cost £9,250 a year for this course in 2024/2025. Part-time tuition fees will be prorated accordingly to the number of credits you're studying. Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years. Tuition fees for 2025/26 entry will be set in summer 2024. Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration. Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study. International Students, including EU Students: Visit our webpage for international students. Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa. Additional costs We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include: Books - recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own. Print costs - the University provides students with a £6 printing credit each academic year which can be topped up either on campus or online.