Develop a deep understanding of the theories and practical applications of cyber security on this specialist course.
Learn how to provide in-depth cyber defences.
Develop your knowledge of network and application cyber security.
Understand the principles behind the tools and techniques used to secure data.
Create complex technical solutions to real-world security problems.

On this course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of practical cyber security – including key concepts of networks, applications and systems. You’ll become a cyber security practitioner who understands and can build upon the fundamental principles – providing complex cyber defences to solve real-world problems.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement between your second and third years. This gives you real-world experience – preparing you for your future career by immersing yourself in the industry you’ve been learning about.

Students from this course have been on placement with companies such as IBM, various police forces, Microsoft, the NHS, the civil service and BAE Systems. Students have the opportunity to practise cyber security skills while on placement – as well as benefiting from the network of practitioners they’re working alongside.

Live projects

During each year of your course, you’ll be applying your learning using industry projects. These will challenge you to solve real-world cyber security problems while developing team and project management skills. This is great preparation for the world of work – all in a supportive learning environment.

We work in partnership with the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) – a non-profit organisation aiming to support and help to protect regional businesses from cybercrime. NEBRC employs our students to deliver specialist services during their studies. The NEBRC was established in 2019 – funded by a variety of private and public partners including the Police – to provide specialist services to a range of businesses and members across England.

Networking opportunities

We’re a member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Academic Partner Programme. The CIISec is the only information and cyber security institution to have been granted Royal Charter status. This means you’ll be able to develop contacts within the cyber security community. You’ll also have access to world-class speakers and the opportunity to network with prospective employers.

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.

 

You’ll start by developing strong practical skills in cyber security through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. Here you’ll build the knowledge, experience, understanding and critical thinking you need to solve cyber security problems. You’ll develop these further on real-world projects – collaborating in small teams to produce deliverables inspired by industry. 

You learn through

• lectures

• hands-on lab sessions and tutorials

• regular feedback

• teamwork and group-based learning

• applied learning discussions

• self-study

During your final year, you’ll create a significant cyber security deliverable – guided by a dedicated project supervisor. As part of this individual project, you’ll undertake research and develop new skills, while creating a solution to a complex cyber security problem.

The course encourages you to take an active approach to learning and self-development to develop highly sought-after cyber security skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation and teamwork.

This course prepares you for a career in

• information security

• incident response analysis

• information security analysis

• penetration testing

• security architecture

• IT security engineering

• security systems administration

• IT security consultancy

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as

• Cisco

• Citrix

• 3Squared

• F-Secure

• NextGen Security

• Servelec Group

• Hewlett-Packard

• IBM

• Sec-1

• Info-Assure

• Sky

• G-Research

• Exponential-e

 

UCAS points

• 112

This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• BBC at A Level.
• DMM 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 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.

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.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

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
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 2 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 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Penetration Testing And Information Security Management	60	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