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Every year, there are students who get into big companies. Our cyber security students go into a number of intelligence services, large consulting firms and defence contractors. I’ve supervised students at Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and GlaxoSmithKline.
Nathan Clarke, Professor of Cyber Security & Digital Forensics
Stage 1 Computing Placement Preparation (BPIE111)
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Software Engineering 1 (COMP1000)
This module exposes students to the principles of software design and construction. The basics of constructing source code to solve a problem will be introduced, exposing students to common control structures alongside concepts such as types and generics. Major programming paradigms such as object orientation and functional programming are introduced. Additionally, key software development tools and methods are explored.
Computer Systems (COMP1001)
This module provides students with an underpinning knowledge of how computers work. Topics include low-level systems and representation of data, operating systems, and an introduction to subjects such as virtualisation, parallelism, state and communications. Students will learn how operating systems manage processes and scheduling, and how memory management works.
Cyber Security & Networks (COMP1002)
Modern computing relies upon networking and robust cyber security. This module provides an appreciation of their core enabling technologies, discussing how they can be applied. Key networking topics include routing and switching, as well as wireless networks. Key areas of security include underlying concepts and threats, and exploring security technologies that can be applied to enable defence in depth.
Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics (COMP1003)
Data structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for an efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic Mathematics for Computer Science.
Computing Practice (COMP1004)
This module applies problem-based learning to provide students with the ability to identify problems and derive appropriate and considered solutions. A focus will be given to the early stages of the software development lifecycle to develop the skills of eliciting requirements whilst considering operational and technical trade-offs. The module will culminate in the creation of a simple yet complete software solution.
Stage 2 Computing Placement Preparation (BPIE211)
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Software Engineering 2 (COMP2000)
Students’ understanding of software engineering is expanded by introducing a range of topics that instil best practice. Students will learn how to implement faster software using parallelism and consider aspects of human-computer interaction. Object-orientation and functional programming are revisited, while event-driven programming is introduced. Common design patterns used in the construction of software are introduced.
Information Management & Retrieval (COMP2001)
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts for graphical representation, information management, database systems and data modelling. The capture, digitisation, representation, organisation, transformation and presentation of information is explored using conceptual and physical data models.
Artificial Intelligence (COMP2002)
This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of artificial intelligence and the methods used in that field. Topics covered include search and optimisation, knowledge representation and reasoning, and machine learning. Students will gain experience of modelling and simulation, and will apply analytical tools to evaluating results, and will consider the ethical implications of the introduction of AI.
Computing Group Project (COMP2003)
Knowledge gained in earlier stages of the computing programmes is consolidated and integrated into a substantial project. Students work in teams, champion professional roles, design and develop a software solution for a given scenario. The project integrates and expands upon software development stages covered on the course (project management, analysis, design, construction, communication, security and/or networking).
Security Architectures & Cryptography (COMP2006)
The ability to design secure systems is critical to the successful operation of any system. This module will develop the knowledge and understanding of security architectures, design principles (such as least privilege, default deny) and elicitation of security requirements to enable the design of secure systems. Core to this knowledge is the role cryptography can have in addressing these requirements.
Computing Related Placement (Generic) (BPIE330)
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich course, undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for you to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two years of study and to prepare for the final year and employment after graduation. Please note this placement is optional but strongly recommended.
Computing Project (COMP3000)
The Computing Project provides an opportunity to tackle a major computing related problem in an approved topic area relevant to the programme of study.
Information Security Management & Governance (COMP3009)
This module looks at the issues surrounding the management and governance of information security within an organisational context. Consideration is given to the need for related policy, analysis of risk, and the management of organisational assets. Coverage also includes legal and personnel aspects of security, giving an overview of the wide range of laws and regulations governing systems & information security.
Ethical Hacking (COMP3011)
Understanding the security and vulnerabilities of IT systems is critical in their protection. This module seeks to develop the knowledge and skills to undertake penetration testing of systems. A range of passive and active offensive techniques will be taught, alongside an in-depth understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding such activity.
Machine Learning (COMP3003)
This module introduces machine learning, covering unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning from a Bayesian perspective. This includes theory behind a range of learning techniques and how to apply these representations of data in systems that make decisions and predictions.
Big Data Analytics (COMP3008)
The key objective of this module is to familiarise the students with the most important information technologies used in manipulating, storing and analysing big data. Students will work with semi-structured datasets and choose appropriate storage structures for them. A representative of recent non-relational trends is presented—namely, graph-oriented databases.
Security Operations & Incident Management (COMP3010)
This module will examine the incident management and the role it plays within modern information security systems. It will introduce key concepts in the analysis of network traffic for signs of intrusions, as well as the process of responding to computer incidents including the identification and analysis of malicious code.
Digital Forensics & Malware Analysis (COMP3012)
This module examines the procedures, tools and techniques utilised within the field of digital forensics. It will introduce an understanding of the methodology deployed in the handling of digital evidence, the volatility of data and maintaining the integrity of data. Knowledge and skills will be developed of tools and techniques to examine and analyse forensic data across differing computing platforms.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
UCAS tariff
120 - 128
Student | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,250 |
International | £16,300 | £18,100 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £770 |
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
@We ranked 26/106 for student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey
@Our computing courses have all been re-accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
@In the latest REF (Research Excellence Framework) almost 90% of our research was rated internationally recognised or world leading
Industry participation and endorsement
Students have the opportunity to meet and interact with industry speakers and attendees at the Secure South West event series.
Specialist learning environment
As well as having access to standard computing laboratories, our purpose-built security and digital forensics laboratory, and cyber range, provides cutting-edge facilities to practice your skills.
"The NCSC certification provides a strong basis for both applicants and employers to recognise the quality and focus of the learning provided. We are delighted that our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security) course has been recognised as one of these."
What I enjoy most about my programme is the freedom that is given to us by our lecturers... This has meant that I have been able to explore passions not only in cyber security, but also in web development and other areas of computing that are really going to help me moving forward in my career.
This programme offers excellent career prospects and gives you the opportunity to help reduce the current shortage of cyber security skills in the marketplace.