BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

If you are yet to make an enquiry to study with the University of Plymouth and are interested in securing a place for September 2020, you can pre-register for Clearing to receive priority treatment on results day.

Read our Clearing advice

A wide variety of career opportunities exist within the field of cyber security, with the marketplace for jobs increasing year on year. Historically, the demand for security professionals has historically outstripped many IT roles. Typical career profiles include secure software developer, penetration tester, digital forensic examiner, intrusion analyst and information systems auditor. Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as: Lockheed Martin, L3, BT, RSA, the Met Office, Apple and Microsoft.

• Make use of our links to professional and industry bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Information Security Academic Partnership
• Pursue industry-recognised professional certifications, such as the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), forensics ACE (AccessData Certified Examiner). 
• Access a wide variety of specialist software and up-to-date facilities, including a dedicated security and forensics lab. 
• Enhance your knowledge of a variety of computing disciplines, including programming, networking, databases, data centres and defensive coding. 
• Benefit from specialised course material covering the legal and regulatory aspects of cyber security.
• Seeking accreditation by BCS for 2020. 
• Academic Partner status by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).
  
• Hone your research skills - we work closely with our Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research
  

• Year 1

• We introduce you to the world of information security: hackers, crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. You underpin your computing knowledge in programming, computer systems, networks, and systems analysis and design.

  Core modules

  • BPIE111 Stage 1 Computing Placement Preparation

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  • COMP1000 Software Engineering 1

    This module exposes students to the principles of software design and construction. The basics of constructing source code to solve a problem will be introduced, exposing students to common control structures alongside concepts such as types and generics. Major programming paradigms such as object orientation and functional programming are introduced. Additionally, key software development tools and methods are explored.

  • COMP1001 Computer Systems

    This module provides students with an underpinning knowledge of how computers work. Topics include low-level systems and representation of data, operating systems, and an introduction to subjects such as virtualisation, parallelism, state and communications. Students will learn how operating systems manage processes and scheduling, and how memory management works.

  • COMP1002 Cyber Security & Networks

    Modern computing relies upon networking and robust cyber security. This module provides an appreciation of their core enabling technologies, discussing how they can be applied. Key networking topics include routing and switching, as well as wireless networks. Key areas of security include underlying concepts and threats, and exploring security technologies that can be applied to enable defence in depth.

  • COMP1003 Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics

    Data structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for an efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic Mathematics for Computer Science.

  • COMP1004 Computing Practice

    This module applies problem-based learning to provide students with the ability to identify problems and derive appropriate and considered solutions. A focus will be given to the early stages of the software development lifecycle to develop the skills of eliciting requirements whilst considering operational and technical trade-offs. The module will culminate in the creation of a simple yet complete software solution.

• Year 2

• Explore topics in the development of secure systems: access control, authentication, biometrics, trusted computing, secure coding, cryptography, vulnerability management and malware analysis. Security project drawing on your studies so far enables you to design, develop and evaluate security software and prepare you for placement.

  Core modules

  • BPIE211 Stage 2 Computing Placement Preparation

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  • COMP2000 Software Engineering 2

    Students’ understanding of software engineering is expanded by introducing a range of topics that instil best practice. Students will learn how to implement faster software using parallelism and consider aspects of human-computer interaction. Object-orientation and functional programming are revisited, while event-driven programming is introduced. Common design patterns used in the construction of software are introduced.

  • COMP2001 Information Management & Retrieval

    This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts for graphical representation, information management, database systems and data modelling. The capture, digitisation, representation, organisation, transformation and presentation of information is explored using conceptual and physical data models.

  • COMP2002 Artificial Intelligence

    This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of artificial intelligence and the methods used in that field. Topics covered include search and optimisation, knowledge representation and reasoning, and machine learning. Students will gain experience of modelling and simulation, and will apply analytical tools to evaluating results, and will consider the ethical implications of the introduction of AI.

  • COMP2003 Computing Group Project

    Knowledge gained in earlier stages of the computing programmes is consolidated and integrated into a substantial project. Students work in teams, champion professional roles, design and develop a software solution for a given scenario. The project integrates and expands upon software development stages covered on the course (project management, analysis, design, construction, communication, security and/or networking).

  • COMP2006 Security Architectures & Cryptography

    The ability to design secure systems is critical to the successful operation of any system. This module will develop the knowledge and understanding of security architectures, design principles (such as least privilege, default deny) and elicitation of security requirements to enable the design of secure systems. Core to this knowledge is the role cryptography can have in addressing these requirements.

• Optional placement year

• We strongly recommend that you take a placement year to develop your professional experience and significantly enhance your CV.

  Core modules

  • BPIE330 Computing Related Placement (Generic)

    A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich course, undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for you to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two years of study and to prepare for the final year and employment after graduation. Please note this placement is optional but strongly recommended.

• Final year

• Deepen your understanding of key network security concepts and develop the skills required to undertake penetration testing, intrusion analysis and digital forensics. Master all the varying elements of security by studying information security management, and gain an appreciation of the human, legal and regulatory aspects involved in the design and implementation of information security. A substantial project also helps you to develop specialised skills and expertise, resulting in a showcase of your skills that will help you to stand out when applying for jobs.

  Core modules

  • COMP3000 Computing Project

    The Computing Project provides an opportunity to tackle a major computing related problem in an approved topic area relevant to the programme of study.

  • COMP3009 Information Security Management & Governance

    This module looks at the issues surrounding the management and governance of information security within an organisational context. Consideration is given to the need for related policy, analysis of risk, and the management of organisational assets. Coverage also includes legal and personnel aspects of security, giving an overview of the wide range of laws and regulations governing systems & information security.

  • COMP3010 Security Operations & Incident Management

    This module will examine the incident management and the role it plays within modern information security systems. It will introduce key concepts in the analysis of network traffic for signs of intrusions, as well as the process of responding to computer incidents including the identification and analysis of malicious code.

  • COMP3011 Ethical Hacking

    Understanding the security and vulnerabilities of IT systems is critical in their protection. This module seeks to develop the knowledge and skills to undertake penetration testing of systems. A range of passive and active offensive techniques will be taught, alongside an in-depth understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding such activity.

  • COMP3012 Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis

    This module examines the procedures, tools and techniques utilised within the field of digital forensics. It will introduce an understanding of the methodology deployed in the handling of digial evidence, the volatility of data and mainting the integrity of data. Knowledge and skills will be developed of tools and techniques to examine and analyse forensic data across differing computing platforms.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Hons Cyber Security Programme Specification_6894

UCAS tariff

112 - 120