Cyber Security

Year 1

You will take part in a multidisciplinary Foundation Year to understand the breath of subjects offered by the School, to form a community of practice beyond your course, and to be equipped with the right technical knowledge for the more advanced years of your course. In your first year, you will get to grips with the fundamentals of programming devices, as well as the basics of problem solving and modelling. On this course, you get to kickstart your creative, practical and professional development with practical IP networks. You can shape your Foundation Year with the subjects you want to study - so you will also get a choice between learning more advanced software development practices, or an introduction to creative digital graphics techniques.

Year2

Cyber Security requires a deep knowledge of many aspects of computer science ranging from network management and security, to software development. In Year 2, you will develop these skills and your professional skills through problem-based learning.

Year 3

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option which usually takes place between Years 3 and 4.

Year 4

You will focus on protecting wired and wireless networks and how to securely store and protect data from threats and breaches. You will learn about security models and practical elements of cryptography, database and web security.

Year 5

In your final year, you will develop advanced skills in the management and security of networks and study the threats posed by malicious software. You will gain expertise in advanced security topics such as Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing.

Graduate Story

Read an interview with one of our graduatesto find out more about the course:

Learning Methods

You will be taught using a combination of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, tutorials, computing laboratories, workshops, seminars, practical work, industrial placement (where appropriate), integrative real-world project work, student-centred learning and private study.

You will study four modules each termand each module involves around three hours of class teaching per week. Most modules will consist of one hour of lectures delivered to the whole class, plus a further two-hour laboratory taught to a small group of about 20-24 students.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 students per group, 30 minutes per week
• Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 8 hours per week

How long is a BSc(Hons) Cyber Security course?

A Cyber Security can be completed over:

• 4 years
• 4 years + 1 year placement

Independent Study

Self-directed learning skills is a key aim of the course. A 15-credit module represents 150 hours of study over the course of a term. Of this, roughly two-thirds will be self-study and completion of assessments, clearly indicating the importance of self-directed learning for this course.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is taught by a team of staff who have academic and/or industrial experience in designing and managing complex network systems to meet demanding business environments. The practical nature of the course enables you to benefit from staff experience and to work with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to develop robust network systems for these demanding business environments.

Many staff on the course have a grade of fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). In a addition to academic members of staff, some teaching may be undertaken by industry experts, postgraduate research students, library staff, study skills and careers service staff.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each term:

• Two Written Exams. Average time of exam three hours
• Two Project Outputs
• Two Reports
• Dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Job Prospects

The course prepares you for a career in as a Cyber Security Specialist. There is a large and growing demand for graduates who have the ability to secure computing networks and protect the critical information systems of businesses and government organisations.

Is Cyber Security a good career choice?

As a graduate of the course you could find employment in a variety of areas from the financial sector, commercial or industrial companies to the national security services.

BSc Cyber Security graduates of Robert Gordon University can go on to pursue the following careers:

• IT Security Engineer
• Information and Data Security Analyst
• Network Manager
• IT Security Developer
• IT Risk and Fraud Specialist
• E-business Security Analyst
• Digital Forensics Expert