BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year provides students with the knowledge and confidence in the use of formula, data manipulation and representation. You will gain an understanding of the core hardware and software associated with the use of computer systems, as well as keeping up to date with current developments in technology. There will be numerous opportunities to work on practical activities, such as robots and CAD design, which will be further developed at degree level.

MODULES

• Design & Technology
• Computer Hardware & Software
• The Skills You Need
• Computing Mathematics
• Development in Technology
• Contextual Studies

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

Level 4 contains essential fundamental material which is relevant in all of our computing programmes. You will learn both subject-specific skills along with transferable skills which will increase your employability prospects. 

With the support of your tutors, you will learn about some of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computing and computer applications. You will be able to demonstrate skills that underpin good practice in the field of computers and computational methods, e.g. laboratory tasks involving the creation of simple programs and the use of operating systems.  

This will help develop your understanding of hardware issues, including interfacing and data communications, and their impact on the overall design and performance of computer-based systems.

MODULES

• Computer Systems
• Managing Data
• Problem Solving with Programming
• Information and Systems Engineering
• Discrete Computational Methods
• Fundamentals of Networks and Security

• Cyber Security Specialist*
• Networking Fundamentals* 
• Information Security and Governance*
• Quantitated Methods*
• Programming Fundamentals*
• Computer Systems and Architecture*

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Level 5 continues teaching you the fundamentals of the discipline, and more specialist modules start to be introduced. You will also undertake a group project where you will gain important skills in project management techniques and the professional and ethical issues of project management. 

You will also deepen your knowledge and understanding of computing concepts and approaches for complex problems through the application of several existing artificial intelligence techniques for learning and optimisation targeting real-world problems.

MODULES

• Server Technology
• Networking: Scaling Networks
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Responsible Computing
• Cybersecurity and Forensics
• Group Project

• Cyber Operations and Cyber Physical Systems*
• Ethical Hacking*
• Secure Software Development*
• Systems Engineering and Project Management*
• Cloud, Distributed Architecture and Security*
• Group Project*

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

Once you reach your final year, you will further develop your skills through taught modules and research, with a focus on the latest developments in your chosen discipline.

You will also undertake an individual final year project, which will help prepare you for the kind of tasks and situations you may encounter in the workplace.  The final year practical and project work will further develop your analytical skills through the analysis and appraisal of current and emerging technologies, taking into account their impact on society.

MODULES

• IT Project Management
• Network Security
• Ethical Hacking
• Future Technologies
• Project

• Cryptographic Techniques* 
• Digital Forensics and Analytics* 
• Defensive Security*
• Network Security and System Monitoring* 
• Project*

Part-time students will cover the same modules, but their diet will vary depending upon their availability to attend the scheduled classes.

*from September 2024

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Our general requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points, but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria above will be assessed on an individual basis by interview.

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching

The computing programme suite utilises a variety of industry standard tools and software in combination with a number of teaching methods designed to deliver industry relevant skills and empower students to take their work further where applicable. All Staff members have embraced the active learning framework (ALF) and there have been a number of enhancements to teaching and learning.

Assessment

The programme team take a balanced approach to assessment strategy with respect to group work and individual development opportunities. Extensive use of the JIRA project management cloud platform is used to track student progress towards goals and milestones. This has proven to be a beneficial tool with respect to personal development and critical time management skills. 

Where applicable, assessments are linked to real-world projects or based on current industry trends and issues. In addition, project modules serve as a platform for enterprise activities. 

Personalised Support

    
The Computing department at the university employs a long-standing open-door policy, and activate engage with students, alumni and industry using our online Discord community. Additional tools such as Teams and Moodle provide core information and methods of contact. All students are also allocated a personal tutor who are encouraged to meet on a regular basis and extra personalised support is provided for all part time students on VLE.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

On successful completion of the degree, graduates can gain employment in jobs such as, but not limited to:  

• Cyber Security Engineer
• Penetration Tester
• Security Analyst
• Security Engineer

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Cyber security is a great career to enter right now, as there is a high demand for professionals with these skills.  Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow more than 30 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.  Most recruitment managers emphasize graduate skills for entry-level candidates where the more technical skills are typically learned on the job.   

Is programming required for cyber security? While a lot of entry-level cyber security positions do not require programming skills, it is considered an important skill for some mid-level and upper-level cybersecurity jobs. 

Along with the technical skills you will also develop your transferable and employability skills including: 

• Adaptability - cyber security trends are constantly evolving, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the unknown; 
• Interpersonal and communication skills - It's important to remember that cyber security does not exist in isolation.  Your team working and project management skills will develop through your taught programme and also through extra curriculum engagement. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs.

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.