As companies increasingly look to defend themselves against cyber attacks, the number of job openings is growing rapidly. If you have an interest in latest technologies, a flair for problem-solving and a capacity for quick thinking, the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Foundation Year is a vital first step towards a fulfilling career.
- Make the ideal start to your studies with a foundation year on which you can build your confidence, skills and knowledge
- Prepare for high-level roles in the drive to combat cyber crime
- Gain all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required by today’s cyber security professionals
- Learn in the impressive setting of our new Network and Security suite
- Take an optional industrial placement year which will stand you in good stead for securing a rewarding job on graduation
- Get involved in exciting projects such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are collaborating with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research
- Become a highly employable graduate – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016)
You can also take the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security without a foundation year. Find out more.
Security is a vital requirement of computer-based systems. As the number of security-related incidents continues to grow, so does the demand for expertise in cyber security.
Progress to success with a foundation year
A foundation year is a great stepping stone if you have the potential and ambition to study this BSc (Hons) programme but lack the formal entry requirements or feel you are not quite ready to embark on a full honours degree right now.
It is also a smart move if you have changed your mind about your career direction since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.
The foundation year will cover general concepts in areas such as computational mathematics and programming fundamentals, together with essential scholarship skills for technologists to help you make a smooth transition to honours degree level studies.
High-level technical skills
Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security prepares you to become a successful security specialist. You will study security policies, legal and regulatory requirements, risk and vulnerability assessment, security architecture and development, information assurance methodologies, ethical hacking and incident management.
We will equip you with the know-how to critically analyse and evaluate responses to security-related incidents. You will also develop the technical skills needed to specify, build and develop the physical infrastructure and software to ensure solutions are robust and secure.
An ideal learning environment
We have a new Network and Security Suite featuring a full range of wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers such as CISCO, D-Link, Linksys and Netgear®. Our teaching entails a compelling mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work.
Boost your employability
Employability skills are integrated into many of the taught modules on the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security. You can even choose to spend a year on a relevant placement working alongside industry professionals – an experience which will give you the edge in the graduate job market.
In addition to assisting with internships and placements, we offer wide-ranging support to help you enhance your future prospects during your studies and to secure graduate roles when you have completed your course. This includes employability workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as CV writing and interview preparation. For more information, please contact our Careers and Employment Service.
The BSc (Hons) Cyber Security entails a mixture of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. You will learn in our Network Development Suite which has a full range of wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers like CISCO, D-Link, Lynksys and Netgear.
You can also choose to spend a year in industry on a placement, working alongside professionals. This will enhance your career prospects and give you a distinct advantage in the job market.
How you are assessed
Modules are typically assessed via one or more coursework assignments and/or one or more examinations. Some modules are only assessed via coursework, others are only assessed via examination, while others use a mix of both.
Depending on the nature of a given coursework assignment, you may receive the assignment specification at the beginning of the module for hand-in at the end of the module. Alternatively, you may be given it later in the module to complete before a set deadline.
September 2018 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 64 |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 72 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at L2 as part of your course of study. |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - MPP
- Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
There is significant demand for skills in developing, maintaining and securing computer systems, as well as on the engineering side of security protocol development and research.
This degree delivers comprehensive training and equips you with the personal attributes you need for a variety of careers within the cyber security field.
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
