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Cyber Security

BSc (Hons)

Innovative partnerships

Undertake projects with Staffordshire Police’s forensics division

92% student satisfaction

National Student Survey 2019

Recognised qualifications

Gain certification related to EnCase, MicroSystemation XRY, and Cellebrite UFED.

UCAS code:
I751
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Choose another study option
Duration:
3 Years
Start date:
21 September 2020
School:
Computing and Digital Technologies
Book onto an Open Day Enquire about this course Apply now

Become a protector of cyberspace and modern technology in our specialist degree and become an ultra-employable expert in cyber security.

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security award is designed to launch your future career in the protection of software and hardware against malicious threats. Our course is designed to not only give you a  theoretical foundation in computer science, but to give you a practical and expert-level knowledge in a specialist area of the field which can range from network security through to ethical hacking, so you're fully prepared to work in the industry upon graduation.

We focus heavily on the practical element of cyber security, and we back that up with the distinctive facilities we have available to use at the university, including a dedicated, self-contained laboratory, with its own private internal network, containing some of the latest equipment and software.  We have access to external specialists from the Police and industry both for guest lectures and Q&A sessions.  The version of EnCase we use in the lab is the version used by law enforcement. We are equipped to perform both ‘PC’ based investigations, as well as mobile forensics (on smartphones, and sat nav’s etc).

We offer more than just a degree too, so you’ll be ahead of the competition as soon as you graduate. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to complete industry-recognised certifications in EnCase, MicroSystemation XRY and Cellebrite UFED. Our courses are also designed with input from Google, Amazon, and Cisco. In some modules you can elect to study for certifications from Amazon, Cisco, or Microsoft (you will be advised as to which certifications you can study as you progress through your course).

The Department of Computing at Staffordshire University has an international reputation for outstanding teaching and development of computing professionals with long-established relationships with leading companies in the computing industry, and we strive to bring in external speakers and those from industry to provide differing viewpoints of the computer science discipline. 

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security award is designed to launch your future career in the protection of software and hardware against malicious threats. Our course is designed to not only give you a  theoretical foundation in computer science, but to give you a practical and expert-level knowledge in a specialist area of the field which can range from network security through to ethical hacking, so you're fully prepared to work in the industry upon graduation.

We focus heavily on the practical element of cyber security, and we back that up with the distinctive facilities we have available to use at the university, including a dedicated, self-contained laboratory, with its own private internal network, containing some of the latest equipment and software.  We have access to external specialists from the Police and industry both for guest lectures and Q&A sessions.  The version of EnCase we use in the lab is the version used by law enforcement. We are equipped to perform both ‘PC’ based investigations, as well as mobile forensics (on smartphones, and sat nav’s etc).

We offer more than just a degree too, so you’ll be ahead of the competition as soon as you graduate. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to complete industry-recognised certifications in EnCase, MicroSystemation XRY and Cellebrite UFED. Our courses are also designed with input from Google, Amazon, and Cisco. In some modules you can elect to study for certifications from Amazon, Cisco, or Microsoft (you will be advised as to which certifications you can study as you progress through your course).

The Department of Computing at Staffordshire University has an international reputation for outstanding teaching and development of computing professionals with long-established relationships with leading companies in the computing industry, and we strive to bring in external speakers and those from industry to provide differing viewpoints of the computer science discipline. 

Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security award is designed to launch your future career in the protection of software and hardware against malicious threats. Our course is designed to not only give you a  theoretical foundation in computer science, but to give you a practical and expert-level knowledge in a specialist area of the field which can range from network security through to ethical hacking, so you're fully prepared to work in the industry upon graduation.

We focus heavily on the practical element of cyber security, and we back that up with the distinctive facilities we have available to use at the university, including a dedicated, self-contained laboratory, with its own private internal network, containing some of the latest equipment and software.  We have access to external specialists from the Police and industry both for guest lectures and Q&A sessions.  The version of EnCase we use in the lab is the version used by law enforcement. We are equipped to perform both ‘PC’ based investigations, as well as mobile forensics (on smartphones, and sat nav’s etc).

We offer more than just a degree too, so you’ll be ahead of the competition as soon as you graduate. Alongside your studies, you will have the opportunity to complete industry-recognised certifications in EnCase, MicroSystemation XRY and Cellebrite UFED. Our courses are also designed with input from Google, Amazon, and Cisco. In some modules you can elect to study for certifications from Amazon, Cisco, or Microsoft (you will be advised as to which certifications you can study as you progress through your course).

The Department of Computing at Staffordshire University has an international reputation for outstanding teaching and development of computing professionals with long-established relationships with leading companies in the computing industry, and we strive to bring in external speakers and those from industry to provide differing viewpoints of the computer science discipline. 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Part-time study

Part-time study is available, and students mirror the full-time timetable with a reduced number of modules each year, i.e. a maximum of 90 credits per academic year of study.

Part-time study

Part-time study is available, and students mirror the full-time timetable with a reduced number of modules each year, i.e. a maximum of 90 credits per academic year of study.

Part-time study

Part-time study is available, and students mirror the full-time timetable with a reduced number of modules each year, i.e. a maximum of 90 credits per academic year of study.

Work placements

We have a variety of placement opportunities, ranging from SME’s, both local and nationwide, large international/multinational organisations, and the Police and Government Security Agencies.

The University has entered into an exciting innovative partnership with Staffordshire Police’s forensics division. This gives us an opportunity for you to work alongside the Police in a variety of projects. Final Year students are involved in a forensic internship, which involves working within the Staffordshire Police High Tech Crime Unit as part of a final year module. Apart from this you can for your placement year look to work at nationally recognised companies (such as previously Barclays Bank) or in part of the security services.

The University is also represented on the Online Fraud Forum, under the auspices of the Deputy Police Crime Commissioner of Staffordshire.

Course content

In a typical 3 year, full-time course you’ll complete a variety of modules that will give you an indepth knowledge of cyber security. 

Our first year will help you get an all-round knowledge in the field, including aspects of software development and supplication modelling, a foundation of digital technologies, as well as delving into concepts of networking and cyber security and web development.

In the second year you’ll delve deeper into the specialisms of cyber security, tackling the subject of ethical hacking. You’ll also expand your foundational knowledge in computer science, looking at commercial computing.

In your final year, you’ll focus mainly on your Final Project. This will be negotiated with your course leader and will work to demonstrate the aspects of cyber security and computer science that you have studied during the course.

If you were to join the course through our Foundation Year you would study emerging technologies, develop skills in fundamentals of computer systems development, and other topics in key areas of Computer Science to prepare you for joining the degree.

In a typical 3 year, full-time course you’ll complete a variety of modules that will give you an indepth knowledge of cyber security. 

Our first year will help you get an all-round knowledge in the field, including aspects of software development and supplication modelling, a foundation of digital technologies, as well as delving into concepts of networking and cyber security and web development.

In the second year you’ll delve deeper into the specialisms of cyber security, tackling the subject of ethical hacking. You’ll also expand your foundational knowledge in computer science, looking at commercial computing.

In your final year, you’ll focus mainly on your Final Project. This will be negotiated with your course leader and will work to demonstrate the aspects of cyber security and computer science that you have studied during the course.

If you were to join the course through our Foundation Year you would study emerging technologies, develop skills in fundamentals of computer systems development, and other topics in key areas of Computer Science to prepare you for joining the degree.

In a typical 3 year, full-time course you’ll complete a variety of modules that will give you an indepth knowledge of cyber security. 

Our first year will help you get an all-round knowledge in the field, including aspects of software development and supplication modelling, a foundation of digital technologies, as well as delving into concepts of networking and cyber security and web development.

In the second year you’ll delve deeper into the specialisms of cyber security, tackling the subject of ethical hacking. You’ll also expand your foundational knowledge in computer science, looking at commercial computing.

In your final year, you’ll focus mainly on your Final Project. This will be negotiated with your course leader and will work to demonstrate the aspects of cyber security and computer science that you have studied during the course.

If you were to join the course through our Foundation Year you would study emerging technologies, develop skills in fundamentals of computer systems development, and other topics in key areas of Computer Science to prepare you for joining the degree.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis with all of your study modules being worth 30 academic credits (our preferred size in order that you move rapidly from the basics to being an expert at the end of any module you study). Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis with all of your study modules being worth 30 academic credits (our preferred size in order that you move rapidly from the basics to being an expert at the end of any module you study). Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis with all of your study modules being worth 30 academic credits (our preferred size in order that you move rapidly from the basics to being an expert at the end of any module you study). Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The course has one start point in September.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Standard route

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Commercial Computing 30 credits
Cyber Operations And Network Security 30 credits
Cyber Security 30 credits
Ethical Hacking 30 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Advanced Topics In Cyber Security 30 credits
Final Year Project 30 credits
It Infrastructure Security 30 credits
Operating System Internals And Biometrics 30 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

We use UCAS points in our offer-making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

  • Foundation Year entry: Typical UCAS offer: 48 points
  • Degree entry: Typical UCAS offer: 112 points
  • A levels: BBC, CCC plus 16 points from other level 3 qualifications e.g. B at AS
  • BTEC: DMM, MMM plus 16 points from other level 3 qualifications

International and mature students with different qualifications and experience are also encouraged to apply.

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We use UCAS points in our offer-making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

  • Foundation Year entry: Typical UCAS offer: 48 points
  • Degree entry: Typical UCAS offer: 112 points
  • A levels: BBC, CCC plus 16 points from other level 3 qualifications e.g. B at AS
  • BTEC: DMM, MMM plus 16 points from other level 3 qualifications

International and mature students with different qualifications and experience are also encouraged to apply.

Facilities

Networking

We have three fully equipped Cisco labs with around 340 devices, plus a Juniper set-up which can be incorporated into courses.

Software Development

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications. Plus access to our iMac lab for iPhone and iPad development and a variety of mobile devices for testing.

Forensics/Biometrics

Our Forensic and Security lab contains dual screen PCs bound within a dedicated and isolated network. Our own in-house developed virtual machines and environment completes the Forensic Computing and Cyber Security Laboratory.

Careers

You’ll find graduates from our Computer Science disciplines working in many computing areas – Graduates from our Computer Science degrees have gone on to work in a whole range of related occupations. Previous roles include:  chief information security officer, forensic computer analyst, information security analyst, penetration tester, security architect, IT security engineer, security systems administrator, and IT security consultant.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching approaches can include for example formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, seminars, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. Each of these will be used on your modules so you get the chance to learn as effectively as possible.

Teaching approaches can include for example formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, seminars, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. Each of these will be used on your modules so you get the chance to learn as effectively as possible.

Teaching approaches can include for example formal lectures, group work, tutorials/practical sessions, seminars, workshops, directed and self-managed study, and research projects. Each of these will be used on your modules so you get the chance to learn as effectively as possible.

Assessment

This course is mainly assessed via coursework, but does include a small number of exams. We have carefully designed assessments in order we use the best methods available to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in within the Computer Science discipline. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to that in the workplace, and will require you to work both individually and in teams in generating computing solutions to set problems. To back up your work you will also write reports and deliver presentations.  Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and practical sessions and feedback is usually provided to you orally.

This course is mainly assessed via coursework, but does include a small number of exams. We have carefully designed assessments in order we use the best methods available to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in within the Computer Science discipline. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to that in the workplace, and will require you to work both individually and in teams in generating computing solutions to set problems. To back up your work you will also write reports and deliver presentations.  Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and practical sessions and feedback is usually provided to you orally.

This course is mainly assessed via coursework, but does include a small number of exams. We have carefully designed assessments in order we use the best methods available to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in within the Computer Science discipline. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to that in the workplace, and will require you to work both individually and in teams in generating computing solutions to set problems. To back up your work you will also write reports and deliver presentations.  Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and practical sessions and feedback is usually provided to you orally.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally (through formative feedback) before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark, but are essential for you to develop academically as a student. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. The feedback you receive will help to focus you to achieve better grades on the next set of modules you study.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally (through formative feedback) before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark, but are essential for you to develop academically as a student. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. The feedback you receive will help to focus you to achieve better grades on the next set of modules you study.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally (through formative feedback) before you complete the formal assessments. Each module normally includes practice or 'formative' assessments for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark, but are essential for you to develop academically as a student. There is a formal or 'summative' assessment at the end of each module and the grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. The feedback you receive will help to focus you to achieve better grades on the next set of modules you study.

Staff

Mohamed Hassan
Mohamed HassanCourse Leader

Mohamed Hassan is a lecturer in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security at Staffordshire University. He teaches on wide range of subjects in Digital Forensics, Cyber Security and Computer Science in general. He has many years’ of industry experience in a wide range of computing/IT fields, including Computer Security and Cryptography, Programming (C, C++, Bash, Awk/Sed Perl, Python, and Ruby), Computer Forensics, Embedded Systems, Kernel Internals, Operating Systems, Linux/Unix, Malware Analysis and Secure Programming. His current research explores the use of biology as a reference discipline that can provide meaningful insight and innovation in the Cyber Security domain.

Read full profile

Fees

For the course starting on 21 September 2020 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / EU / Channel Islands International (Non-EU)
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £14,000 per year of study

For the course starting on 21 September 2020 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / EU / Channel Islands International (Non-EU)
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £14,000 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 21 September 2020 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year
Study option UK / EU / Channel Islands International (Non-EU)
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £14,000 per year of study

UK, EU and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International (Non-EU) students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Our students

Kelly Ashman
Mobile Phone Forensic Analyst

I graduated from my BSc Cyber course with a first class degree and successfully got a job in digital forensics as a mobile phone forensic analyst. I found all of the staff to be extremely knowledgeable in the field as well as having their own area of expertise. This meant there were plenty of people on hand to speak to if there was something I was unsure of. The lectures and coursework were both enjoyable and thorough with a mixture of individual work as well as group tasks. I completed a placement year which I found to be invaluable in helping with my studies and even interviews for my current role in a different company.

about
Tobi Popoola
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)

The facilities here have been fantastic. The library is open 24/7 and most of the computers in the library have the software that I need to do assignments. Mellor building (which is where all the Cisco equipment is kept) is also open 24/7 as well so you can come and do work whenever you feel like doing so. 

The staff are always willing to help, and they also have drop in slots where they are able to talk one-on-one with you in private. They have been very supportive and helpful. They have shown me where I’ve gone wrong, they’ll help me to rectify the mistake and I don’t make them again. Or if I do make them again, I can then rectify it without their help. 

Apply

Stoke-on-Trent campus
BSc (Hons)
Full-time
21 September 2020
Apply now

Information from Discover Uni

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

10/07/2020 13:59:24 / Cyber Security / Full-time / 13.0 / 37.0 / SSTK-12390 / Direct link

10/07/2020 13:59:24 / Cyber Security / Full-time, with a foundation year / 5.0 / 37.0 / SSTK-12392 / Direct link

10/07/2020 13:59:24 / Cyber Security / Full-time, with a placement year / 5.0 / 37.0 / SSTK-12393 / Direct link