BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Course validated by the University of Plymouth
Cyber security concept image
Cyber security is an ever-increasing demand within every organisation across the world. This course explores the biggest threats to our data from hackers, malicious coders and social engineers to crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. Develop the knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage secure systems.
Put theory into practice in our Security and Forensics Laboratory alongside world-leading academics on the way to gaining opportunities for careers with intelligence services, large consulting firms and defence contractors like L3, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.

Key features

  • Become an industry-recognised professional
    Pursue certifications such as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), forensics ACE (AccessData Certified Examiner) and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). Make use of our links to professional and industry bodies, including academic partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. 

  • Benefit from our strong industry connections
    Secure a high-quality placement and jobs at large companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, GlaxoSmithKline and many more. From year one, we support you to find and prepare for a placement year at a leading company.
  • Learn to solve real problems
    Even without completing an optional placement year, there may be opportunities to make a difference to real businesses by creating useful applications or by providing consultancy for clients. 
  • Join our community
    Get the chance to join the active student-led Computer and Information Security Society (CISS), which organises additional seminars and other activities in order to further enhance your experience at Plymouth. Previous activities have included a trip to the historic WWII code-breaking centre at Bletchley Park.

Course details

Year 1

We introduce you to the world of information security: hackers, crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. You underpin your computing knowledge in programming, computer systems, networks, and systems analysis and design.

Core modules:

  • Stage 1 Computing Placement Preparation (BPIE111)
  • Software Engineering 1 (COMP1000)
  • Computer Systems (COMP1001)
  • Cyber Security & Networks (COMP1002)
  • Computing Practice (COMP1004)

Year 2

Explore topics in the development of secure systems: access control, authentication, biometrics, trusted computing, secure coding, cryptography, vulnerability management and malware analysis. The security project draws on your studies so far and enables you to design, develop and evaluate security software and prepare you for placement.

Core modules:

  • Stage 2 Computing Placement Preparation (BPIE211)
  • Software Engineering 2 (COMP2000)
  • Information Management & Retrieval (COMP2001)
  • Artificial Intelligence (COMP2002)
  • Computing Group Project (COMP2003)
  • Security Architectures & Cryptography (COMP2006)

Optional placement year

We strongly recommend that you take a placement year to develop your professional experience and significantly enhance your CV.

Final year

Deepen your understanding of key network security concepts and develop the skills required to undertake penetration testing, intrusion analysis and digital forensics. Master all the varying elements of security by studying information security management, and gain an appreciation of the human, legal and regulatory aspects involved in the design and implementation of information security. A substantial project also helps you to develop specialised skills and expertise, resulting in a showcase of your skills that will help you to stand out when applying for jobs.

Core modules:

  • Computing Project (COMP3000)
  • Information Security Management & Governance (COMP3009)#
  • Security Operations & Incident Management (COMP3010)
  • Ethical Hacking (COMP3011)
  • Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis (COMP3012)

Entry requirements

Applicants exceeding our entry requirements may be eligible for an offer under our Computing Excellence Scheme.

GCSE: English C/4 and mathematics grade B/5. If you have a grade C/4 in mathematics please contact the admissions team.

A levels: A typical offer is 112-120 points from a minimum of 2 A levels in any subject. Excluding general studies.

International Baccalaureate: 27-30 overall – English and mathematics must be included.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM – science related subjects: IT, Humanities, Engineering, Software Development, IT Practitioners, Business, Computing, Science (GCSE English C/4 and Mathematics grade B/5. If you have a grade C/4 in mathematics please contact admissions team).

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses: 33 credits at merit and/or distinction and to include at least 12 level 3 credits in mathematics with merit. Including a minimum of GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4. If mathematics not included please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

T level: Merit to Distinction depending on the Mathematics units studying within the T level pathways.

Other qualifications will be considered individually; please contact us for information.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

How to apply

Applications should be made through our partner institution:

Peninsula College Malaysia