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.

Web-based systems are particularly vulnerable to malicious attacks due to the ability to connect remotely. Industry needs computing professionals who have both technical expertise to deliver new impactful and innovative solutions for end-users, but also those with Cyber Security knowledge to reduce the likelihood of solutions being compromised.

This course aims to provide you with skills and experience to help you develop new web-based technological solutions for organisations. This involves looking at web, desktop, and mobile-based solutions. In addition, you will be taught how to analyse cyber-security risks and how to take necessary steps to mitigate them. This will involve looking at:

• Aspects of cryptography for data security
• Biometrics for access control
• Mechanisms to identify and test vulnerabilities

To help develop your programming abilities, you will learn many common and essential programming languages, such as JavaScript and PHP. You will also learn frameworks like Bootstrap.

You are encouraged on day one to explore and experiment with new technology and novel concepts. In your third year you will also get the opportunity to undertake a work placement where it will be an excellent opportunity to put your new knowledge and skills into action.

After you graduate you may end up working for a company who specifically wants you for a skill or product you developed in your final year project, or you may decide to take it to market and become an entrepreneur. To be successful on the course you will need a strong interest in the technical side of web/app development and connecting with a variety of data streams, alongside the drive to be at the forefront of the next big step in the fight against cyber crime.

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 optional placement year is highly recommended as a means of becoming focused and raising personal knowledge and skills. With our support, you will have the opportunity to gain in experience, maturity and motivation and return better equipped to succeed in your studies and subsequently to secure the graduate job of your choice.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previously companies such as Freeman Grattan Holdings, TopCashback and Kirklees Council have provided our students with placements. 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. You can 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 graduate web design, user experience architect, digital graphic design manager and IT developer in organisations including the FGH (Freemans Grattan Holdings), Sky Betting & Gaming, Asda and Leeds City Council.**

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 also go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study 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).