BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year

Overview

The Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year program is designed to help students build a strong foundation in computer systems and programming, preparing them for the full BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security degree course.

Attendance

• Full-time
• With placement
• Course duration: Four years (five years with placement)

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

The program is designed for students who want to study the full honors degree but don't meet the direct entry requirements. On successful completion of the foundation year, students will progress to the full BSc Computer Science with Cyber Security degree course, which is accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

You Will:

• Build technical skills and confidence ready to progress to the computer science with cyber security undergraduate degree
• Learn forensics to diagnose attacks and determine the extent of damage
• Develop an understanding of cryptography to address security concerns
• Learn about evidence preservation to work within an ethical framework
• Learn risk management to actively manage threats rather than just solve problems

Placement Options

• Available

Foundation Year

Modules

• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems
• Computing Mathematics FY
• Web Programming
• Inside Computer Systems

Year One

Modules

• Database Systems
• Computer System Internals and Linux
• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Professional Development and Practices
• Web Development and Human Computer Interfaces

Year Two

Modules

• Client Server Systems
• Data Structures
• Career Development
• Networking and Security
• AI and Data Mining
• Software Projects with Agile Techniques

Year Three

Modules

• Cyber Investigation
• Malware and Exploit Analysis
• Information Security Management
• Project
• Optional modules:
  • Mobile Development
  • Business Management
  • Virtual Reality and 3D Games
  • Deep Learning
  • Advanced Web Development

Teaching

• Practical laboratories
• Case studies
• Group work
• Project work

Assessment

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Practical tests
• Projects
• Software development tasks

Facilities

• Specialist computing suites and laboratories
• Networking laboratory
• Dedicated final year project laboratory
• Cisco-enabled facilities with the option to gain Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status

Industry Collaboration and Research

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in local and global computing and informatics issues and challenges

Employment and Stats

• 76% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course
• 80% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 66% say staff value students' views and opinions about the course

Requirements

• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
• UCAS tariff points: 64 (with Mathematics or Computing) or 72 (without Mathematics or Computing)
• A-Level: 64 UCAS points (with Mathematics or Computing) or 72 UCAS points (without Mathematics or Computing)
• BTEC National Diploma: MPP (with Computing or a numerate subject) or MMP (with other subjects)
• Access to HE: Pass from a QAA-approved computer-related subject
• Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points (with Mathematics or Computing) or 72 UCAS points (without Mathematics or Computing)
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points (with Mathematics or Computing) or 72 UCAS points (without Mathematics or Computing)
• European Baccalaureate: Please contact Admissions for further information
• International Baccalaureate: Please contact Admissions for further information

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £8,505 (Foundation Year) and £9,535 (subsequent years)

Additional Costs

• Books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits

Enrolment Dates

• September 2025

Student Information

• Terms and conditions

UCAS Information

• Course ID: G4G5
• Institution: S03

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year
• BSc (Hons) Software Engineering with Foundation Year

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the technical skills and confidence to progress to the computer science with cyber security undergraduate degree program.
• Develop students' knowledge of forensics to enable them to diagnose attacks and assess damage.
• Provide students with a strong understanding of cryptography to address security concerns.
• Teach students about evidence preservation to enable them to work in an ethical framework.
• Help students understand risk management to actively manage threats.

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Description:

This foundation year pathway is designed for students who want to study the full honours degree but don't meet the direct entry requirements. By successfully completing the foundation year, students will progress to the full BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security degree course. The program provides students with a solid foundation in computer systems, programming, and relevant skills to excel in the computer science field. Students will gain hands-on experience through project work, developing the ability to think conceptually and cultivate independent technical judgment.

• During the final year, students will specialize in cyber security, taking modules on cyber investigation and malware and exploit analysis.
• Students will complete individual projects to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

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Structure:

• Full-time program with the option for a placement year between years two and three.
• Students will be assigned a placement tutor to monitor their progress and assess their final report.

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Modules:

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Foundation Year

• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems
• Computing Mathematics FY
• Web Programming
• Inside Computer Systems

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Year One

• Database Systems
• Computer System Internals and Linux
• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Professional Development and Practices
• Web Development and Human Computer Interfaces

---

Year Two

• Client Server Systems
• Data Structures
• Career Development
• Networking and Security
• AI and Data Mining
• Software Projects with Agile Techniques

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Year Three

• Cyber Investigation
• Malware and Exploit Analysis
• Information Security Management
• Project

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Optional Modules (Year Three):

• Mobile Development
• Business Management
• Virtual Reality and 3D Games
• Deep Learning
• Advanced Web Development

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Assessment

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Assessment formats:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Practical tests
• Projects
• Software development tasks

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• Practical laboratories
• Case studies
• Group work
• Project work

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Faculty:

• Experienced and supportive lecturers and university staff.

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Unique approaches:

• Industry challenge: "Hackcamp" project in the second year, where students work in teams to develop solutions for real-life briefs set by industry partners.
• Individual projects in the final year allow students to focus on an area of software engineering of their choice.

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Careers

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Potential career paths:

• Security analyst
• Risk consultant
• Security auditor
• Cyber security specialist

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Opportunities:

• Leading national companies across a range of industries, including Sainsbury's, Cisco, Microsoft, HMRC, and local firms.

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Other

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School of Science, Engineering and Environment:

• Provides an opportunity to become part of a community making a difference in industry.

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Facilities:

• Specialist computing suites and laboratories, including a networking laboratory and dedicated final year project laboratory.

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Industry Collaboration and Research:

• Students are part of a community engaged in research and collaboration on industry-related challenges.
• Opportunities to gain practical experience and contribute to cutting-edge research.