Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

Our bsc (hons) cyber security prepares you to become a successful security specialist. You will study security policies, legal and regulatory requirements, risk and vulnerability assessment, security architecture and development, information assurance methodologies, ethical hacking and incident management. 

We will equip you with the know-how to critically analyse and evaluate responses to security-related incidents. You will also develop the technical skills needed to specify, build and develop the physical infrastructure and software to ensure solutions are robust and secure.  

High-level technical skills

• Security is a vital requirement of computer-based systems. As the number of security-related incidents continues to grow, so does the demand for expertise in cyber security. As companies increasingly look to defend themselves against cyber attacks, the number of job openings is growing rapidly. If you have an interest in latest technologies, a flair for problem-solving and a capacity for quick thinking, a fulfilling career in cyber security is for you.  

The best bits

• Benefit from our academic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec)
• Use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories, such as Microsoft Azure, Matlab, Encase, Wireshark, Nmap and Kali Linux
• Take an optional industrial placement year which will add substance to your CV, broaden your professional networks and stand you in good stead for securing a rewarding job on graduation
• Benefit from the flexibility of having the option to transfer to another course in our Computing portfolio after your first year
• You won’t have any written exams as all assessment is through coursework

Benefit from flexibility

• You’ll gain fundamental knowledge in your first year studying modules alongside students on our other Computing degrees.

At the end of your first year, you’ll then have the option to transfer to one of the following courses if you wish: 

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science 
• BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming 
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology 
• BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (subject to Mathematics prerequisites) 

You’ll then go on to study more specialist modules in your second year with further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest in your final year. 

Academic partnership

• We are a member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Academic Partner Programme. Our course has been recognised as industry standard and provides a link between our University with the information security industry. As a student, it will enable you to create contacts and develop your network within the cyber security community. You’ll also be able to take up individual CIISec membership. 

Boost your employability

• Employability skills are integrated into many of the modules taught on the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security.  You can even choose to spend a year on a relevant placement working alongside industry professionals – an experience that will give you the edge in the graduate job market. 
• In addition to assisting with internships and placements, we offer wide-ranging support to help you enhance your future prospects during your studies and to secure graduate roles when you have completed your course. This includes employability workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as CV writing and interview preparation. 

What you will study
Year 1
Core modules

• Logic and Discrete Mathematics
• Foundations of Computer and IT Systems
• Fundamentals of Networks and Security
• Computer Systems, Data Structures, and Data Management
• Programming
• Scripting and web technologies

Year 2
Core modules

• Software engineering
• Data driven systems
• Ethical Hacking
• Communication and security protocols
• Legal, Ethical and Sustainability Issues
• Team Project

Year 3
Core modules

• Artificial intelligence for security
• Security architectures and future trends
• Security management
• Individual Project

Optional modules

• Abstract interaction methodologies
• Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Modelling and evaluating emerging technologies

Optional Placement Year
Core modules

• Professional Practice

Professional Practice

• This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of the issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline. During this period of work experience, students gain a deep appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development. Students will be expected to develop their professional knowledge and improve their CV and professional profile with an aim to becoming competent in the skills needed to succeed in their chosen industry. 

Undergraduate Open Days

• The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.

How you will learn

• You won’t have any written exams. 

Instead you’ll be assessed either through coursework only, or by a combination of: 

• Coursework 
• Portfolios 
• Assignments 
• Case studies 
• Oral and graphic presentations 
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects 
• Computer-based testing

Careers

• There is significant demand for skills in developing, maintaining and securing computer systems, as well as on the engineering side of security protocol development and research. 

This degree delivers comprehensive training and equips you with the personal attributes you need for a variety of careers within the cyber security field. 

• Cloud security specialist 
• Security architect 
• Penetration tester 
• Computer forensics analyst 
• Application security engineer