Gain a degree in cyber security – with an initial foundation year to prepare for the course.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
Learn about aspects of cyber security including penetration testing, systems and network vulnerability assessment and mitigation, ethical hacking, network intrusion detection analysis and prevention.
Develop your knowledge in web security, mobile device security and management of security policies.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

Upon completing the foundation year, you progress to a degree that is accredited by the British Computer Society and accordingly includes a number of topics fundamental to all computing studies, including principles of security, computing, architecture and networking, databases and programming.

Work placements

In your fourth year, you can take a one-year paid work placement. Work placements offer you valuable experience, and an enjoyable opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills.

Organisations need experienced staff, and a placement will give you the experience you need to add to your CV to secure a desirable security-related position in a competitive job market. We help you to gain a placement and support you through the application process.

During the placement, you will be mentored by a member of academic staff, who will visit you at your place of work. Previous students have worked at organisations including

• Cisco
• Citrix
• 3Squared
• Next
• Servelec Group
• Hewlett-Packard Ltd
• IBM Ltd

Networking opportunities

You will have the opportunity to talk with a number of exciting companies, both those that specialise in the area of cyber security, and others that understand that keeping their system secure is vital to a thriving industry.

In the past we have invited Citrix, Cisco, PwC, Sec-1 and other individual consultants in the cyber security industry to talk.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Cyber Security course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

You will develop a range of skills through problem solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.

Assessments are varied, including reports, presentations, demonstrations, discussions and online activities.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars
• practical tutorial sessions

In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

Employers regularly visit us to recruit our graduates and contribute to our teaching.

Companies that have recruited BSc (Honours) Cyber Security graduates include

• Cisco
• Citrix
• 3Squared
• Next
• Servelec Group
• Hewlett-Packard
• IBM
• Sec-1
• Info-Assure

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade C or 4

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Foundations In Computing 1	40	Coursework
Foundations In Computing 2	40	Coursework
Maths For Foundation Computing	20	Practical
Study Skills For Computing Students	20	Coursework

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Computer Systems And Networks	40	Coursework
Introduction To Cyber Security, Maths And Cryptography	40	Coursework Exam
Professionalism And Employability	20	Coursework
Software Development	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Database Administration And Security	20	Coursework
Ethical Hacking And Intrusion Detection	40	Coursework
Project Based Learning	20	Coursework
Secure Network Services And Administration	40	Coursework Practical

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Penetration Testing And Information Security Management	40	Coursework Practical
Enterprise Applications Management	20	Coursework
Project (Cyber Security And Networks)	40	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Blockchain And Iot Security	20	Coursework
Data Storage	20	Coursework
Offensive Forensics	20	Coursework