BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Hacking, data breaches and online fraud are frequently headline news. Join the fight against cybercrime with the skills to investigate and protect the digital world. 

• As computing technology becomes more integral to our homes, workplaces and public services, cybercrime is increasingly widespread and dangerous. With our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, you’ll be part of the solution as you learn to investigate breaches and harness secure systems.
• You’ll specialise in identifying different cyber security attacks and mitigation techniques, detecting and responding to network-based intrusions, ethical hacking and testing approaches, and applied cryptography. And because other people’s private data is involved, you’ll also explore the legal and ethical implications and how they relate to cyber security.
• Throughout our cyber security degree, you’ll also gain a broad understanding of core computing subjects, such as programming, mathematics for computing, databases, networks and operating systems. Extensive group work will develop your ability to think logically and use your initiative to critically analyse problems. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a set of skills that are in high demand in our technology-led world, across both the public and private sectors.

Features and benefits

• The course gives you the opportunity to specialise in the fascinating and fast-growing field of cyber security, gaining knowledge and skills that are highly valued by both security specialist and general tech companies.
• The Department of Computing and Mathematics is an academic partner of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec). This partner status recognises our expertise in the field of information and cyber security.
• You will study a curriculum designed in conjunction with industry to equip you with the range of skills and strengths that employers demand.
• The four-year placement route gives you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, boosting your employment prospects on graduation. This may be subject to availability.
• You will experience what it's like to work as part of a professional team, finding solutions to complex problems via group projects. You can also get involved with extracurricular work to further apply your skills, for example, hackathons, gaming events and the Students’ Union Computing Society.
• Professional study environment – We’ve invested over £115 million to transform the way we teach and the way our students learn. The new Dalton building is equipped with dynamic learning spaces, world-class teaching and research facilities and collaborative study zones. This means you’ll graduate with the skills and experiences employers look for. 
• Our excellent facilities include teaching laboratories equipped with high-specification PCs with specialist, industry-standard software running on either Windows or Linux.
• Our dedicated drop-in lab provides an informal social working space with regular support sessions from our programme support tutors.

Course information

• Computing technology is fundamental to the way our world works. It’s a vital part of communication, transport, finance, leisure and more. In a matter of a few decades, it has quickly developed from the work of the early pioneers to computer systems that underpin nearly everything we do. The pace of innovation hasn’t slowed, with technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, smart cities, robotics and virtual reality taking us deeper into uncharted territories every day.
• With our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree, you’ll develop the analytical, problem-solving, professional and specialist cyber security skills necessary not just to keep up with these changes, but to drive them forward and keep our world’s computer systems secure.
• With all the latest equipment, we provide training in specialist laboratories with high-performance computers and the latest industry-standard software. We also have strong industry links in a city with one of the biggest creative and digital sectors in the UK. Our courses are developed with industry in mind, giving you the skills and knowledge you’ll need in the workplace. This ensures that by the time you leave us, you’ll be well placed to pursue a range of careers across a variety of sectors.

Year 1

In Year 1, you will study core computing topics including programming, mathematics for computing and databases, along with an introduction to the fundamentals of computer security and digital forensics. You’ll also develop your study, communication and teamworking skills. Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Databases
• Programming
• Forensics Fundamentals
• Security Fundamentals
• Team Project
• Mathematics for Computing
• Graduate Skills

Year 2

Your second year will build on your knowledge, with core modules typically exploring areas such as computer networks, operating systems, security auditing, incident response, ethical hacking and cyber security governance. You’ll also start developing your employability by engaging with the computing industry and community. Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Security Auditing
• Incident Response
• Ethical Hacking
• Cyber Security Governance
• Industry and Community Engagement
• Networks
• Operating Systems
• Thematic Project

Year 3

In your third year, you will have the choice to either go on a placement, where you'll work for a year in industry, or continue directly into your final year of study.

In your final year, you will study advanced subjects which build on your first and second year studies. Modules include emerging issues in security, privacy and forensics, applied cryptography, network security and, supervised by a member of academic staff, you will complete a large-scale technical project in line with your own interests. Please note that the following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core modules

• Synoptic Project
• Network Security
• Research Methods
• Applied Cryptography
• Emerging Issues in Security, Privacy and Forensics

Option modules

• Mobile Computing
• Rapid Applied Problem Solving
• Research in Computing
• User Experience and Interaction Design

Additional information about this course

• Students are expected to behave in a professional and business-like manner when on placement or conducting projects with external partners.

Placement options

• The four-year placement route provides the opportunity to go on a placement for at least 36 weeks, where you’ll get a taste of professional life. A placement not only gives you the opportunity to develop your core skills and experience, but also shows employers that you’re ready to get to work. We offer a wide range of services to help you find the right placement, including employer presentations, advice and fairs. But it’s also up to you – the more proactive you are about applying for placements, the better. This may be subject to availability.

Study and assessment breakdown

• Ten credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises of 360 credits (120 credits per year). During the course, you are likely to be required to engage in collaborative projects, group work activities and to give presentations to your peers/tutors. Some or all of this work may be formally assessed, depending on the course you are studying. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning.

Career prospects

• Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in a fast-growing industry. You’ll be ideally placed to apply for jobs such as cyber/IT security analyst or digital forensic investigator. Broader jobs in computing include software developer, systems analyst and architect, IT manager and technician, as well as roles managing technology to support a range of public and private sector organisations.
• In addition, the skills you learn on our cyber security degree are highly valued by a range of employers and opportunities may exist in areas such as project management, e-commerce, scientific research, education and many more.
• Manchester is a major hub for the digital technology industry. The close proximity of MediaCityUK and a large number of both established companies and innovative tech start-ups means that the opportunities for technological collaboration are huge. Situated in the ’Oxford Road Corridor’ innovation district of Manchester, the University and the Department of Computing and Mathematics are perfectly placed to work with key players in the digital technology and new media sectors.