Cyber Security

Program Overview

Cyber Security

BSc (Hons)

Overview

Learn to protect critical IT systems and become a highly employable expert with our Cyber Security degree.

What you'll learn

• Develop essential skills in cyber security and computer forensics in order to detect, defend and counteract cybersecurity threats.
• Design security measures and policies that can help protect businesses, individuals and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
• Build the knowledge, analytical mindset and problem-solving skills you need to launch a career in cyber security.

Course structure

Year one

• Develop core skills in programming and learn about key topics in cyber security.
• Gain knowledge of the computer industry to better understand the sector.
• Explore programming and web development so that you can better defend digital platforms.
• Learn cyber security fundamentals, with modules covering topics such as intrusion detection and prevention.
• Use cybercrime analysis tools and techniques as part of an exploration of Computer Forensics.

Year two

• Extend your practical understanding of programming and investigate ways to enhance the resilience of computing tools.
• Learn ethical hacking techniques: such as how to use penetration testing to probe for vulnerabilities so that you can make systems more secure and resilient.
• Analyze and mitigate cyber threats, where you’ll learn how to detect and react decisively to intrusions.

Year three

• Explore the wider context of cyber security.
• Take an in-depth look at cyber law, cybercrime and the judicial system.
• Interrogate methods of protecting national-level critical services such as water, transport and power.
• Cover the techniques and policies needed to defend business IT systems from increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

Assessment

• Reports
• Presentations
• Set exercises
• Tabletop exercises
• Technical challenges
• Other practical tasks

Teaching methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Discussion forums
• Practical activities such as scenario simulations and technical tasks

Facilities and resources

• Knowledgeable staff and industry speakers
• Commons building
• High-spec computing labs
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Extensive libraries
• Software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit

Opportunities

• Study abroad
• Professional placement year
• Careers in cyber security, such as:
  • Penetration tester
  • Cyber security engineer
  • Cyber security consultant
  • Systems administrator
  • Cyber threat intelligence analyst
  • Cyber security forensics analyst

Fees

• 2025 entry:
  • UK full time: £9,535
  • UK part time: £4,768
  • International full time: £17,670
• Professional Placement Year:
  • UK: £1,905
  • International: £3,534

Entry requirements

• A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject
• T Levels – grade Merit preferred
• International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required
• Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher)

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

• IELTS 6.0 – for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element

Related courses

• BSc Creative Computing
• MSc Cyber Security
• BSc Computing
• BSc Creative Computing (Web Technologies)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Bath Spa University's Cyber Security degree offers a holistic approach to cybersecurity, equipping students with the knowledge, technical competencies, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in the information age. The program aims to:

• Develop essential skills in cyber security and computer forensics: Students will learn to detect, defend, and counteract cybersecurity threats, designing security measures and policies to protect businesses, individuals, and critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.
• Build knowledge, analytical mindset, and problem-solving skills: The program emphasizes a strong understanding of computing principles, enabling students to launch successful careers in cyber security.
• Enhance cyber resilience and prevent cybercrime: The program addresses the growing need for cyber security professionals to mitigate the economic impact of cybercrime both in the UK and worldwide.
• Teach students to think like their adversaries: By exploring ethical hacking techniques and penetration testing, students gain a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities and develop strategies for making systems more secure and resilient.

Outline:

Year One (Level 4):

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security: Introduces core concepts and principles of cyber security.
• CodeLab I: Develops foundational programming skills.
• Digital Forensics: Explores cybercrime analysis tools and techniques.
• Databases: Covers database management and security.
• Web Dev I: Introduces web development principles and security considerations.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Network Administration: Focuses on network management and security.
• CodeLab II: Extends programming skills and explores ways to enhance the resilience of computing tools.
• Intrusion Analysis and Response: Teaches students how to detect and react to cyber intrusions.
• Cyber Resilience: Covers strategies for building resilient systems and networks.
• Web Dev II: Advances web development skills and security practices.
• Software Engineering: Explores software development methodologies and security considerations.
• Data Visualisation: Introduces data visualization techniques and their application in cyber security.
• Physical Computing: Explores the intersection of physical systems and cyber security.
• Artificial Intelligence: Introduces AI concepts and their implications for cyber security.
• Professional Placement Year (Optional): Provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Cyber Crime, Law, and Ethics: Examines the legal and ethical aspects of cyber security.
• Research Project: Allows students to conduct independent research on a cyber security topic.
• Securing the Internet of Things: Explores the security challenges and solutions for IoT devices.
• Cyber Offence: Covers offensive cyber security techniques and strategies.
• Cyber Defence: Focuses on defensive cyber security measures and policies.
• Critical Infrastructure: Examines the protection of critical national infrastructure from cyber threats.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of:

• Reports: Written assignments that demonstrate understanding of concepts and theories.
• Presentations: Oral presentations that showcase research and analysis skills.
• Set Exercises: Practical tasks that assess technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Tabletop Exercises: Simulated scenarios that test students' ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
• Technical Challenges: Practical challenges that assess students' technical proficiency.

Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Provide foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars: Facilitate interactive discussions and critical thinking.
• Discussion Forums: Encourage online engagement and peer learning.
• Practical Activities: Include scenario simulations, technical tasks, and hands-on exercises.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in cyber security, including:

• Penetration Tester: Identifies and exploits vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
• Cyber Security Engineer: Designs, implements, and maintains security systems.
• Systems Administrator: Manages and maintains computer systems and networks.
• Cyber Security Forensics Analyst: Investigates cyber incidents and gathers evidence for legal proceedings.
Graduates of the program are also well-prepared for further postgraduate study in cyber security.

Other:

• Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.
• Global Citizenship: Full-time undergraduate students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which enhances their global awareness and international experience.
• Adobe Creative Campus: Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• Professional Placement Year: Students can choose to complete an optional professional placement year, gaining valuable work experience and enhancing their employability.
• Facilities and Resources: Students have access to high-spec computing labs, virtual learning environments, extensive libraries, software and skills courses via LinkedIn Learning, the Writing and Learning Centre, and the English Language Unit.
• Location: Bath is a thriving hub for the cyber security industry, with local cyber clusters and organizations of all sizes.
The program cultivates links with these organizations to provide students with relevant insights, content, and career contacts.

|| Description || Tuition and Fees Data ||

| ----- | ----- | ----- | | International Full Time | International full time: £16,905 |