Cyber Security with Foundation Year
BSc (Hons)

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.

• This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec). The course is classed as industry standard and will give you several opportunities to enhance your experience as a cyber security student
• 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.

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.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

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.

Accreditation

We are a member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Academic Partner Programme. Our course has been accredited as industry standard and provides a link between our course and the University with the information security industry. As a student, it will enable you to create contacts and develop your network within the cyber security community. You’ll also be able to take up individual CIISec membership.

Facilities

You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:

• Cyber Security Labs: Our Cyber Security labs contain a set-up used for investigating digital crime alongside a range of software including Azure, Matlab, Encase, Wireshark, Nmap and Kali Linux

• Computer Networks Labs: Primarily used for our modules in Networking Fundamentals, Server Infrastructure, Wide Area Networks and Network Routing and Switching, the labs contain specialist software access including Cisco Packet Tracer, VM VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Wireshark and MS Vision

• CAVE Lab: This impressive lab provides data visualisation hardware. The pod contains a 270-degree 3D projection set up allowing multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment. Workstations with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects are also available

• Makerspace: Get ready to turn your ideas into prototypes! The space includes a whole host of equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser cutter to bring your product to life. It's also a great space to collaborate with students from across the University

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 that 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.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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. 

2022 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2022 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2022/23 Fees (August 2022 - July 2023)

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• specialist computing labs, 
• access to software and equipment,

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Printer consumables  approx. £100 per year
• Portable hard drive/memory card approx. £120
• Portfolio case approx. £40
• Core text books approx. £250

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Not required but useful: personal computer or tablet computer approx. £400

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.

Other courses you might like

• Cyber Security BSc (Hons)
• Information Technology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science (with pathways) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)