BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security (Degree Apprenticeship)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security (Degree Apprenticeship) is a three-year part-time program combining part-time study with full-time employment at a participating company. Designed for individuals seeking a career in cybersecurity, it equips students with the knowledge and skills in IT security, hacking, and forensics to analyze, design, and maintain computer systems. The program offers real-life project opportunities and emphasizes practical assessments in ethical hacking and penetration testing, preparing students for the workplace.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security (Degree Apprenticeship) is a three-year part-time program designed for students seeking a career in cybersecurity. It is a degree apprenticeship program, meaning students will study one day a week while working full-time at a participating company. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze, design, develop, test, and maintain modern computer systems.

Key Objectives:

• Gain a full degree in three years of part-time study.
• Study one day per week, with the remaining four days in employment.
• Address advances in cybersecurity through an in-depth understanding of IT security, hacking, forensics, and emerging technologies in the field.
• Gain opportunities to undertake real-life projects, preparing them for work in the industry.
• Build and configure computer and networked systems, including necessary support systems.
• Apply knowledge and professional skills developed in the program to their workplace.

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4):

• Modules:
• Computer Systems
• Managing Data
• Problem Solving with Programming
• Discrete Computational Methods
• Fundamentals of Information Security
• Governance
• Focus: Essential fundamental material relevant to all computing programs, supporting studies in years two and three.
Students will learn subject-specific skills as well as transferable skills to enhance employability.

Year 2 (Level 5):

• Modules:
• Server Technology
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Cybersecurity and Forensics
• Secure software design
• Securing networks and Infrastructure
• Work-based project
• Focus: Continued development of fundamental discipline knowledge, introduction of specialist modules like Cybersecurity and Forensics and Security in Context.
Students will enhance computing and investigative skills through laboratory and practical work related to cybersecurity.

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Modules:
• IT Project Management
• Network Security
• Ethical Hacking
• Future Technologies
• Project
• Focus: Further skill development through taught modules and research, focusing on the latest developments in cybersecurity.
Specialist modules of Network Security and Ethical Hacking prepare students for dealing with security threats and attacks. Students will undertake an individual final year project, preparing them for workplace tasks and situations. The final year practical and project work will develop in-depth specialist knowledge, understanding, and practical skills within key areas of the discipline.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Practical assessments
• Reports and essays
• Analysis of case studies
• Oral presentations
• Seminar papers
• Project work
• Personal development portfolios
• Examinations
• Unseen class tests
• Criteria:
• Linked to individual module learning outcomes.
• Include both individual and group/team-based assignments.
• In specialist security modules, practical assessments involve configuring computer systems, penetration testing, and ethical hacking.
• Apprentices are expected to demonstrate professional competencies and behaviour within the workplace.
• A three-way learning plan is agreed between employer, apprentice, and University, detailing on-the-job training and professional competencies specific to the individual employer.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Hands-on teaching of cybersecurity skills, techniques, and tools, such as cryptography, authentication, access control, viruses and malware, penetration testing, risk management, and forensic investigation.
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with internet access.
• Faculty:
• Students have opportunities to attend and be involved with cluster meetings and events.
• University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in computing and computer science.
• Unique Approaches:
• Developed as a three-way learning partnership between the employer, the student, and the academic program team.
• Utilizes the full calendar year and applies core tenants of work-based learning, allowing students to achieve their award within the same period as a standard full-time student.
• Wrexham University provides workshops and support sessions in academic writing, effective note-making, and preparing for assignments.
• Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors for guidance with university work.
• The University's Inclusion Services provide guidance and support to students requiring reasonable adjustments due to disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Engineer
• Ethical Hacker
• Penetration Tester
• Forensic Analyst
• Opportunities:
• Degree apprenticeships provide real work experience alongside the knowledge and theory gained from studying.
• Develop skills and knowledge for specific jobs and careers.
• Can kick-start a career and provide a strong CV tailored to the desired field.

Other:

• The program offers extensive PC and networked computer facilities with internet access.
• The University has strong links to the North Wales Cyber Security Cluster, providing students with opportunities to network and learn from industry professionals.
• The University is home to ARCLab, a research center specializing in computing and computer science.