BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Cyber-attacks are among the main security issues facing organisations in the information age. Today, all organisations operate with a potential information security risk and will need to implement strategies to protect their IT systems and data.

Although society has become increasingly reliant on information technology and internet-based services, cyber security skills and capability are not currently increasing at a comparable rate.

As the sector is growing, so will the demand for cyber security professionals who have achieved the requisite standards and certification.

What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in the best facilities for your next step into a computing career. The primary delivery of all modules within the course will take place within our specialist computing labs in our Gateway building at our High Wycombe Campus or in our specialist Cyber Resilience facility at our Aylesbury Campus. This will also include use of our networking lab for those modules involving any aspect of network or cloud-based development and/or security.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

You can also benefit from BucksAnywhere, a web service which provides access to many of the software applications we use for teaching and studying. BucksAnywhere can be used from your own Windows or Mac device or from a University owned PC or laptop, from any location.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

You will be taught by a team of expert academics and specialist professionals. Together, they use their collective experience of academia, industry and commerce to give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you’ll need for your career.

The high level of industry experience on our teaching team means we can give you a real flavour of what it’s like to work in a professional environment. We encourage problem-based learning via case studies and classroom exercises throughout the modules. You’ll also benefit from small class sizes that give you a chance to develop close working relationships with other students and tutors.

Course assignments reflect real-life problems because we believe that’s the best way to learn – and it’s more fun!

A variety of assessment methods will be used as appropriate to the module, including assignments carried out in the student’s own time, in-class assignment, workshops and presentations.

The wider Computing Department and our Careers service also offer development opportunities that may involve placements, internships or employment in local companies.

Placement Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.