BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.

LJMU has a growing national and international reputation for its research into cyber security and this expertise ensures the degree is at the leading edge of developments in this discipline. The demand for suitably qualified professionals is increasing as IT security problems escalate so you should enjoy excellent career prospects after graduation.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Cyber Security honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree

Information technology has transformed the way in which commerce and industry operate, but it has also provided criminals with a new way of committing crime, either against the computer itself or the information it holds. Major organisations are therefore increasingly reliant on dedicated information security professionals to protect sophisticated computing systems against the threat of cyber-crime. This course provides you with the skills to plan and implement cyber security systems, developing competence in technical areas like ethical hacking, cryptography and software development together with an understanding of ethical and privacy considerations.

Work-related Learning

Practical, hands-on experience to boost your employability is incorporated into this programme wherever possible. However the best way to really get a taste of working in the computer security industry or the IT industry in general is to take a year out after Level 5 and spend 12 months on supervised work placement.

This invaluable experience gives you a chance to put into practice the many concepts and techniques you have learnt on the course, as well as developing new skills. We highly recommend that you take up this opportunity, as it will greatly enhance your prospects when you come to negotiate your way around the competitive graduate job market.

Our teaching is supported by high quality research and collaboration with local and national companies such as Xyone Security, Fujitsu, Corus, Unilever, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, IBM, Eutechnyx, Jagex, Spiral House, Heinz, Liverpool Direct, Pilkington, MBNA Bank, HM Treasury, Lloyds TSB, Thames Water Authority, AstraZeneca, Littlewoods, Vauxhall Motors, GlaxoSmithKline to name but a few. This means that our computing courses are designed and developed to meet the needs of employers today, as well as creating excellent work placements for students.

Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

CCD-CCC

Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

Employability

Security is often cited among the top five IT skills demanded by employers. The need to improve knowledge and education in computer security has long been acknowledged.

This means that potential careers open to you as a graduate of this programme are wide ranging and include:

• information security analyst
• cyber security consultant
• network or system administrator
• software or web developer
• data analyst
• data recovery
• data mining
• police force intelligence officer
• guiding cyber security initiatives
• computer forensic analyst
• network security management
• education provision
• IT project manager

Alternatively, many of our graduates continue their studies with a masters or research programme.

Career prospects

Security is often cited among the top five IT skills demanded by employers.

The need to improve knowledge and education in computer security has long been acknowledged.

This means that potential careers open to you as a graduate of this programme are wide ranging and include:

• information security analyst
• computer security consultant
• guiding cyber security initiatives
• network or system administrator
• network security management
• software or web developer
• data analyst, data recovery, data mining

Alternatively, many of our graduates continue their studies with a masters or research programme.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.