BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security
01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Richard Ward |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Laura Ferguson, Emma Derbi, Rachael Medhurst, Tom Harris, Peter Eden, Sharan Johnstone, Beth Jenkins, Arun Kumar, Madhu Khurana, Joshua Richards, Andrew Bellamy, Nisha Rawindaran, Richard Harding |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time |
Document Version
| Version | 7 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2024 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
To develop a systematic knowledge of the tools and techniques required for a career in Cyber Security;
To develop an ability to critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques to achieve a solution to a problem;
To develop conceptual understanding that enables the student to devise and sustain arguments, solve problems, and describe and comment upon aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship;
To develop an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry;
To develop an ability to critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), and to make judgements and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution to a problem;
To provide opportunity for originality and autonomy in the application of specification, analysis, design, development, evaluation, management and documentation methods and techniques to produce justified, self-reflective, solutions to significant problems that are fit for purpose and informed by a critical review of research and the application of established techniques of analysis and enquiry, and facilitate the development of a self-directed, life-long learner;
To develop the ability to deal with complex issues systematically, apply understanding, develop ideas, solve problems and make sound judgements, sometimes in the absence of complete data;
To develop an ability to recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices;
To develop qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional nature and the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, apply enquiry and analysis appropriately and effectively, utilise IT, work with others, solve problems and employ critical self-reflection. To be able to set policies, standards and guidelines for how an organisation conducts IT strategy development and planning;
To develop an ability to perform a computer forensics investigation including the technical and procedural knowledge for evidence collection and analysis;
To develop an ability to perform a penetration test including following the appropriate technical and legal procedures;
To understand the key concepts and techniques associated with the collection and analysis of digital evidence and apply computer forensic principles to a range of problems;
To apply practical and analytical skills specific to the course; to demonstrate innovation and/or creativity; to synthesise information, ideas and practices to provide a quality solution together with an evaluation of that solution; to self-manage a significant piece of work; and to create a critical self-evaluation of the process.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Knowledge and Understanding of essential concepts, principles, theories and recurring themes within Cyber Security. |
| A2 | Knowledge and Understanding of the methods and issues involved in deploying secure systems to meet business goals, founded on appropriate technological disciplines. |
| A3 | Knowledge and Understanding of management techniques utilised to achieve objectives within a Cyber Security and computing context. |
| A4 | Knowledge and Understanding of information security issues in relation to the design, development and use of computer-based systems. |
| B1 | Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to constrained problems, and plan strategies for their solution. |
| B2 | Recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. |
| B3 | Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgements and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution to a problem |
| B4 | Synthesise and critically analyse information from a range of credible and reliable sources. |
| C1 | Ability to deal with complex issues systematically, apply understanding, develop ideas, solve problems and make sound judgements, sometimes in the absence of complete data. |
| C2 | Ability to follow the processes, procedures and generate the pertinent documentation associated with digital forensics, governance and systems security-related tasks. |
| C3 | Ability to apply the principles, methods and tools to apply security solutions that meet business needs. |
| C4 | Ability to undertake manage and document the specification, analysis, design, development and evaluation of solutions to constrained problems relating to cyber security. |
Course Structure
Level 3 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IY0D301 | MOD013452 | Cyber Project | Running | 40 | specified |
| IY0S302 | MOD013453 | Foundation of Mathematics for Cyber | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY0S303 | MOD013454 | Fundamentals of Computer Systems | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY0S304 | MOD013455 | Introduction to Digital Forensics and Computer Security | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY0S305 | MOD013456 | Fundamentals of Secure Programming | Running | 20 | specified |
| 3B004E | MOD013893 | The Impact Challenge | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B001E | MOD013892 | Starting your University Journey | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B022E | MOD013887 | Programming Fundamentals: First Steps into Software Development | Running | 30 | specified |
| 3B023E | MOD013883 | Data Solutions That Drive Change | Running | 30 | specified |
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IY1S401 | MOD012534 | Professional Practice and Employability | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY1S402 | MOD012535 | Cyber Security Tools and Practices | Running | 20 | core |
| IY1S403 | MOD012536 | Computer Systems & Security | Running | 20 | core |
| IY1S408 | MOD012538 | Programming | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY1S409 | MOD012539 | Information Security and Governance | Running | 20 | core |
| IY1S407 | MOD013725 | Network Configuration | Running | 20 | specified |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IY2H511 | MOD012544 | Cyber Crime Research Project | Running | 10 | specified |
| IY2S507 | MOD012540 | Web Applications & Cloud Security | Running | 20 | core |
| IY2S510 | MOD012543 | Compliance and Risk Management | Running | 20 | specified |
| IY2S512 | MOD012545 | Critical Systems Infrastructure | Running | 20 | core |
| IY2T509 | MOD012542 | Secure Systems | Running | 30 | core |
| IY2S555 | MOD013478 | Post Incident Analysis | Running | 20 | specified |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IY3D607 | MOD012546 | Security Operations & Penetration Testing | Running | 40 | specified |
| IY3D610 | MOD012550 | Cyber Dissertation Project | Running | 40 | core |
| IY3H001 | MOD013172 | The Cyber Professional in Practice | Running | 10 | specified |
| IY3U001 | MOD013216 | Secure Operations and Incident Management | Running | 30 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Visiting Speakers
On a fortnightly basis throughout the academic year, students benefit from a lunch and learn session with an industry guest speaker.
Volunteering
Students will be encouraged to participate in the Student Ambassador, Course Representative, Student Voice Representative Schemes and Cyber Volunteer schemes.
Work Placements
Placements and internships are advertised directly through employers and the USW Careers team. Students are actively encouraged to undertake the opportunities provided to broaden their learning experiences.
Other
Projects – the proposed degree places a significant emphasis on industry-led projects, where students will be immersed in a work-based culture preparing them for the workplace prior to graduation. Industry has stated during the pilot, students who engage with industry as part of their studies are far more likely to be work-ready than those studying a more traditional degree.
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
Induction
The School plans and runs a programme of induction activities during the first week of attendance. The University’s ICIS system provides access to course information and module definitions. Learning support is located on the Blackboard VLE system. Inductions give students an opportunity to meet staff and familiarise themselves with the learning environment, whilst taking part in icebreaker activities with their peers.
Personal Academic Coach
Personal academic coaches act as a Personal Tutor and meet with their allocated students three times a year. Outside of this, Year Leaders are a focal contact point for students and are able to meet students on a regular basis. Engagement and attendance is monitored continually through registers and burst reports and students who experience difficulties are quickly identified and offered the appropriate support.
Learner Analytics
The course utilises the Datax JISC system to monitor engagement.
Office hours
Staff are available between 9-5 Monday to Friday outside of teaching commitments. Drop-in sessions are available with staff on Wednesday afternoons and Year Lead drop ins are available at published times.
Tutorials
Each module has allocated tutorial time for one-to-one/small group support.
Seminars
Lecture and Industry-supported seminars allow flexible learning-space time for students to learn by doing, to practice, to discuss and to demonstrate their work.
Formative Assessment
Lectures, tutorials, seminars (AKA ‘Lunch & Learn Sessions') contain formative exercises to encourage students to experiment and gain practical experience. Module led formative assessment is also used regularly to undertake knowledge checks and ascertain baseline assessment levels.
Progress meetings
Each student meets with his/her course and module leaders at least once a week and with their PAC three times a year.
Research Supervision
Between September and April, each student meets with his/her dissertation supervisor at least once a week.
Online Resources
Teaching and coursework assessment materials are made available on-line through the University’s virtual learning environment (UniLearn).
Modern computing laboratories provide access to specialist resources. The University also has centrally-managed open-access laboratories for more general work. Each student has an academic e-mail account that is particularly useful when requesting support from teaching and tutorial staff.
Advice Zone
The University operates an Advice Centre located in the Library. Course staff work closely with the Advice Zone team to encourage students to obtain support when needed.
Disability
The University runs a DS Service that can agree an Individual Support Plan. The Plan summarises the support that has been agreed.
IT/Library
The University has a modern Library that provides access to textbooks, journals, on-line materials and equipment. There are open-access computer laboratories in the Library.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Intermediate |
| Diploma of Higher Education | 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. | Intermediate |
Progression Route
Students progressing from the BSc are able to undertake the following Masters awards at UWS’s Newport Campus:MSc Applied Cyber Security - NewportMSc Digital Forensics - Newport
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Entry criteria detail typical offers but USW considers all applications on an individual basis which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.
Typical A-Level Offer
BCC - (this is equivalent to 104 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical IB Offer
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level
Typical Access to HE Offer
Pass the Access to HE Diploma and obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points
Additional Requirements
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English/Welsh at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Foundation Year - DD (48 points)
English Requirements
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
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Methods Of Quality Standards
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Quality Of Standards Indicators
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