Computer Science (Cyber Security), BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Cyber security is an ever-increasing demand within every organisation across the world. This course explores the biggest threats to our data from hackers, malicious coders and social engineers to crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. Develop the knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage secure systems.Put theory into practice in our Security and Forensics Laboratory alongside world-leading academics on the way to gaining opportunities for careers with intelligence services, large consulting firms and defence contractors like L3, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.

• Become an industry-recognised professional Pursue certifications such as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), forensics ACE (AccessData Certified Examiner) and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). Make use of our links to professional and industry bodies, including academic partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

• Benefit from our strong industry connections Secure a high-quality placement and jobs at large companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, GlaxoSmithKline and many more. From year one, we support you to find and prepare for a placement year at a leading company.

• Learn to solve real problems Even without completing an optional placement year, there may be opportunities to make a difference to real businesses by creating useful applications or by providing consultancy for clients.

• Join our community Get the chance to join the active student-led Computer and Information Security Society (CISS), which organises additional seminars and other activities in order to further enhance your experience at Plymouth. Previous activities have included a trip to the historic WWII code-breaking centre at Bletchley Park.

• Hone your research skills We work closely with our Centre for Cyber Security, Communications and Network Research.

In the first year we introduce you to the world of information security: hackers, crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. You underpin your computing knowledge in programming, computer systems, networks, and systems analysis and design. In the second year we explore topics in the development of secure systems: access control, authentication, biometrics, trusted computing, secure coding, cryptography, vulnerability management and malware analysis. The security project draws on your studies so far and enables you to design, develop and evaluate security software and prepare you for placement. We strongly recommend that you take a placement year during your third year, to develop your professional experience and significantly enhance your CV. In your final year you will deepen your understanding of key network security concepts and develop the skills required to undertake penetration testing, intrusion analysis and digital forensics. Master all the varying elements of security by studying information security management, and gain an appreciation of the human, legal and regulatory aspects involved in the design and implementation of information security. A substantial project also helps you to develop specialised skills and expertise, resulting in a showcase of your skills that will help you to stand out when applying for jobs.