There are many reasons why Cyber Security is fast becoming one of the most important aspects of Computing. The monetary value of data has led to an increase in cyber-crime, meaning computing professionals with Cyber Security knowledge and expertise are in high-demand. This course aims to prepare you for an exciting and impactful career in the Computing industry.

Many aspects of Cyber Security rely on the fundamental principles of Computer Science:

• Designing secure software systems
• Implementing cryptographic techniques for secure data transfer
• Auditing systems for vulnerabilities

In this course you will be taught both the theoretical and the practical aspects of Computer Science and Cyber Security. Many of the big challenges in the Cyber Security field use both Computer Science and Software Engineering techniques to find solutions, and to develop the next generation of security products, so it is necessary to have knowledge of both areas.

Your tutors will encourage you to tackle challenging problems, and particularly those at the forefront of research, to ensure you are in the best position to make a real impact in the Computing sector. You’ll be supported in developing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to recognise challenges that occur in Cyber Security, and to provide solutions. These can range from software solutions implementing the latest in artificial intelligence (AI), to the exploitation of computing applications for engineering or scientific experimentation.

In Year 1 you will follow the core computing programme to give you a broad understanding. Then from Year 2 onwards you will take specialist Cyber Security modules, cover topics such as Cryptography, Biometrics and Access Control, and Vulnerability Assessments. Providing you with a strong understanding to graduate and follow your chose career path.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Microsoft, Siemens, Hermes, Airbus and Cummins as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, BT and Amazon UK.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).