Cyber Security, BSc (Hons) Degree Course

Program Overview

The Cyber Security BSc (Hons) Degree Course at UCLan equips students with the skills and knowledge to become successful cyber security professionals. The program emphasizes understanding attack methods, protecting systems and individuals, and addressing legal, ethical, and privacy issues in the field. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the rapidly growing cyber security industry.

Program Outline

Cyber Security, BSc (Hons) Degree Course - UCLan

Degree Overview:

This program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful cyber security professionals. The course focuses on building secure and compliant systems that meet the needs of employers, preparing graduates for a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field.

• Gain practical skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems.
• Develop skills in information security management, risk assessment, and security assurance.
• Gain experience in penetration testing and secure software development.
• Understand the legal, ethical, and privacy issues associated with cyber security.

Outline:

The Cyber Security, BSc (Hons) program is a three-year full-time course delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. It is also available as a part-time option. The program is structured into three years, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• The Computing Challenge: This module introduces key practical aspects of computing, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Programming: This module develops programming skills, including debugging, software design, and advanced programming techniques.
It also examines legal, ethical, and privacy issues related to data collection and emerging technologies.
• Systems Analysis and Database Design: This module focuses on database design and implementation, developing practical skills in this area.
• Web Technologies: This module explores modern web technologies, security concerns in web-based applications, and the contexts in which web technologies are developed and applied.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• The Agile Professional: This module develops project leadership skills, emphasizing Agile methodologies and teamwork.
• Advanced Programming with C++: This module develops problem-solving skills using algorithms and data structures, with a focus on Windows and Unix environments.
• Network Management: This module introduces IT systems management practices and principles, covering single operating systems and large-scale systems.
• Cyber Security: This module examines vulnerabilities and attacks on computer systems and networks, instilling a vigilant attitude towards system weaknesses and developing methods for protecting communication and computer systems.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Honours Degree Project: This module culminates the program with a research-based project, involving the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution.
• Secure Software and Malware Analysis: This module covers malware classification, analysis, and detection, as well as skills in programming, debugging, and algorithm design.
• Penetration Testing: This module raises awareness of penetration testing, providing practical experience in testing network security both internally and externally.
It also explores legal and ethical issues related to penetration testing.
• Advanced Cyber Security: This module introduces advanced theories and methodologies in cyber defense and security, focusing on security technologies, big data architectures, and security policies in IT systems.
• Optional Modules:
• Wireless and Mobile Networks: This module focuses on mobile and wireless network systems, covering theory and practice.
Students gain hands-on experience in setting up, configuring, and testing wireless networks.
• Cloud Computing: This module introduces the fundamental concepts of cloud storage and computing services, covering different models, architectures, and security, privacy, and accountability issues in this context.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations, and exams. The program emphasizes practical-based learning, with the main contribution to the degree classification coming from coursework.

Teaching:

The program is taught by staff with a wide range of research and industrial backgrounds. The faculty carries out research in various computer-related areas, including Human-Computer Interaction, data communications and networks, mobile computing, computer security, and software engineering. They have collaborated with major organizations such as BAE, Sony, and various UK and overseas universities. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical sessions. The program emphasizes practical-based learning, utilizing purpose-built laboratories and the University's general computer rooms. Students have access to specialist computing labs featuring the latest open source and commercial tools related to cyber security.

Careers:

Cyber security is a highly competitive industry with a growing demand for skilled professionals. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Data recovery expert
• Ethical hacker/penetration tester
• Forensic investigator and consultant
• Network administrator
• Secure system architect
• Security consultant
• Security engineer
• Security research assistant
• System management
The program's advanced skills and knowledge open doors to many other graduate-level careers.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and fully meets the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
• Students have access to specialist software utilized by the Police and other forensic investigators, including investigative software and multi-processor password cracking software.
• Students can take a one-year industrial placement during their studies to increase their employability.
• The program is based in the School of Engineering and Computing.

• UK
• Full-time
£9,250 per year
• Sandwich year
£1,500 for the sandwich year
• Part-time
£1,540 per 20 credits
• International
• Full-time
£16,500 per year