Information and Cyber Security BSc (Hons)

You study a variety of algorithmic techniques and learn about the use and importance of data structures. Consider their properties to understand which representations are appropriate under different circumstances. You are introduced to the basic mathematical skills required in algorithmic design and its interaction with data structure.

Computer networks and cyber security are essential aspects of every business, and key knowledge areas for computing professionals. You are introduced to computing technologies and associated operating systems, along with underpinning concepts. Study network design principles, techniques and technologies to gain an insight into common business configurations.

You also explore cybercrime and cyber security issues, assessing and managing security risks and considering key legal, ethical and professional issues.

You are introduced to the fundamental concepts of software development using a modern programming language. Consider key aspects of the process such as designing solutions, writing application code, developing documentation and formal approaches to testing. Gain the essential skills needed for software application, including best practices used by industry and the wider programming community.

Producing a successful, robust, user-friendly system or application begins with analysing stakeholder requirements and a detailed design. Learn about the concepts and techniques of systems analysis and design. In industry, you use visual models to communicate designs to developers and stakeholders before implementation. Using data modelling techniques, you can define how the system will store and interact with data.

We place a strong emphasis on professional practice and transferrable practical skills, such as communicating design, structuring workflows with process models and gathering requirements. This provides you with the essential skills you need in industry.

You develop a product or service as part of an enterprise project for a real client – they set the brief based on their organisation’s strategic needs. Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You then pitch your project to the client.

Ethical hackers are skilled in finding technical vulnerabilities in networked devices. They act lawfully to help organisations identify and resolve security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their networks.

Understand how to perform and document ethical hacks using industry standard tools. Explore key concepts including penetration testing, attack vectors and models, and vulnerability analysis.

Develop a detailed understanding of information and network security concepts, as well as the tools and configurations available to defend your network technologies.

You learn the underlying theoretical concepts such as cryptography and security models, as well as practical issues in system administration and information security techniques. Identify and discuss secure infrastructure needs for business requirements.

Analyse and compare cryptographic techniques and systems, studying the professional, ethical and legal compliance considerations required of a computer security professional.

Learn about key aspects of network and systems administration. You study current network filing systems, user account issues including bulk and individual account set up, generating IDs and passwords, password policies, account administration, suspending accounts, changing quotas and passwords, and issues with wireless networks.

Consider the importance of secure storage and backing up user data, along with other maintenance issues, network management issues and network performance monitoring.

Investigate the significance of licenses and the legality of user software, policies on network and account security, viruses, and attacks by hackers and spammers. And some of the ethical and moral concerns surrounding account privacy.

Develop an understanding of the challenges faced by organisations in a complex and dynamic environment. Explore the controversies and dilemmas of current management thinking and practice.

You examine three key interrelated issues facing businesses – internationalisation, technological innovation and sustainability. We use a variety of teaching approaches to develop your diagnostic, analytical and communication skills so that you can interact effectively and make robust decisions

Design, research and complete your own project to develop the current practice, products or service of a client or your own organisation.

Carry out research to validate your hypotheses, test solutions, build prototypes, and make conclusions. Your area of research and practice is defined by the client or organisation. You must ensure that what you’re doing adds value and delivers against the brief. You work independently with support from a supervisor.

Cognitive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly being used to solve business problems. AI could transform businesses and industries, so they can develop new ways to interact with customers, offer smarter products and experiences, automate processes and boost business success. As a subfield of AI, machine learning enables us to make predictions on unseen data, business forecasts, or decisions by analysing existing data rather than explicitly programming the calculations.