City College Plymouth

FdSc Applied Cyber Security

Institution code C83
Duration

4 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location City College Plymouth
We are a double Gold award-winning TEF college recognised for excellence in teaching and student achievement. Our supportive higher education community includes small classes, personal tuition, and dedicated, enthusiastic tutors and lecturers, delivering courses designed with employers. We offer higher national certificates (HNCs), foundation degrees and bachelor’s degree top-up courses approved by the University of Plymouth. Our courses combine academic study with the practical skills and attributes needed in the modern workplace.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CITY1142
    Applied Cryptography

    This module will develop the student's understanding and analytical skills of the cryptography algorithms and protocols and their applications. Students will learn how cryptographic algorithms are used in practical solutions.

    CITY1143
    Computer Systems and Operating Systems

    This module will help learners to understand the fundamental components used in modern computers. The module will provide an overview of different types of computer systems and identify various operating systems that are used in different environments. Learners will gain knowledge of how various operating systems and software manage the hardware, processes etc.

    CITY1146
    Systems Analysis

    Understanding the conceptual models of the software they create is necessary for software developers, and they must record this in both code and UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams. This module examines the modelling of an organisation using UML and the transition from the Business Model into the Cyber Security (Software) Model.

    CITY1147
    Threat Modelling and Intelligence

    This module will develop the student’s understanding of various threats in modern organisations and institutions. In addition, learners will develop the knowledge to prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks. Also, students will identify and analyse the requirements needed to provide cybersecurity solutions for systems.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CITY1144
    Introduction to Software Engineering

    The object oriented programming paradigm requires a programmer to design and develop code by considering what objects may exist in some system, how these are related to each other and how these may interact with each other. It is a proven method for developing reliable modular programs and encourages reuse which shortens development time.

    CITY1145
    Security Fundamentals with Computer Networks

    This module will develop the student’s analytical ability and provide a foundation for computer security. Students will learn different computer systems and networking attacks and study the techniques and methods for designing secure computer systems and networked systems.

    CITY2161
    Data Modelling and machine learning for cyber

    This module will introduce Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) principles and practical methods for cyber security applications. In addition, the module introduces graphical and statistical representations for data modelling from cyber security datasets as well as real data.

    CITY2163
    Offensive and defensive security

    This module will develop the student’s understanding and analytical skills of the cyber security applications. Students will learn how to design, implement and test Intruder Detection Systems (IDS) and Intruder Prevention Systems (IPS). Students will also gain skills to test various passive and active firewalls.

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    CITY2160
    Advanced Software Engineering

    This module explores the principles and techniques of software development. The learners will understand analysis, design, software construction and testing in independent and collaborative development. Further, Functional and Aspect-Oriented Programming will be introduced (to add to the procedural and OOP paradigms already taught), focusing on its common usage within Cyber Security frameworks.

    CITY2162
    Ethics, Legal and management

    This module explores the ethics and management of laws and policies in computing. The learners will acquire an understanding of different government acts and laws within the United Kingdom alongside the wider effects of breaches in security on individuals and institutions. In addition, an understanding of the management of reducing risks, enforcing policies and the procedures that ensue, will be introduced.

    CITY2164
    Penetration Testing

    This module will help learners to understand security vulnerabilities in IT and OT as well as various computer systems. The module will provide penetration testing knowledge and skills. Students will learn how to use both active and passive penetration testing methods and software.

    CITY2165
    Team project

    This practical take on systems engineering introduces this as a means of facilitating and assuring the development of a complex computer related technical product. Focusing predominantly on introducing tools and techniques that can be applied at different stages of the product development cycle. It will cover relevant system analysis processes that support project management and will focus on the CyberDevOps model.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with City College Plymouth
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact City College Plymouth to apply for this course:

City College Plymouth
Devonport
Plymouth
PL1 5QG

Tel: +441752305300
Email: info@cityplym.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with City College Plymouth

Just one-and-a-half miles from the University of Plymouth, we’re one of the largest colleges in the South West, with two main sites linked by shuttle buses, with a dynamic Students’ Union and Student Liaison Team.
Plymouth students working on a group project