Foundation Degree Cyber Security

Fight the climb in cyber crime and help reduce the threat of online crime on individuals, organisations and governments. This course will provide you with the technical and analytical skills in cyber security needed to combat and catch cyber criminals and succeed in this exciting and ever-evolving industry.

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About the course

This course emphasises the essential hands-on knowledge and skills demanded by employers. You will develop practical skills in computer forensics and implementing secure networks. Additionally, you will explore networks and learn about scripting, ethical hacking, attacking and defending infrastructures and operating systems such as Linux.

As you progress through this course you will learn how to identify and fix system vulnerabilities as well as gaining knowledge of data security and cryptography. Additionally, you will learn how to draw on your theoretical knowledge and apply practical cyber security skills to fight cyber crime.

Work across a wide range of cyber security software platforms as you learn to secure networks and operating systems. Learn how to detect, deter and defend and be at the frontline of the fight against international cyber criminals.

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

Fee

£7,950 Full Time or £3,975 Part Time (per academic year)

Location

University Centre

Start Date

September 2023

Duration

2 years full-time | 4 years part-time (on an infill basis)

Course Code

UCAS Course Code: G420 Institution code: L21

Study Mode

Full-time | Part-time

What you learn

Modules may include

Year 1 (Level 4)

Principles of Programming (20 credits) – You will learn the underpinning knowledge and skills of programming and software development that is essential in a variety of computing related careers from app and website development to server administration.

Web and Apps (20 credits) – You will develop & demonstrate the technical and creative skills required in the design, construction and management of an effective website interface and a mobile application.

Principles of Database (20 credits) – You will demonstrate the practical aspects of designing and building a relational database and you will acquire skills and knowledge in the practical structure design of a given scenario and then apply this to implementing a prototype.

Networks (20 credits) – You will understand the basic concepts of networks such as network types, architecture, services, protocols, topologies and standards to design, implement and how to secure a network given a business scenario. You will develop practical skills to design, implement, and test and troubleshoot a network.

Principles of Cyber Security (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the cyber security threats landscape and the technologies that can be used to countermeasure those threats, learning how to protect network infrastructure, components and data.

Professional Development (20 credits) – You will acquire and develop a range of skills including transferable, personal, interpersonal, academic and subject specific skills that will enable you to succeed in the industry.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Linux and Scripting (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the theoretical conceptions of open and free source software and their differences to proprietary software. You will also explore Linux based operating systems’ architecture and components in addition to Linux commands and scripting.

Ethics and Ethical Hacking (20 credits) – You will be introduced to the theories of ethics and ethical hacking, and to the tools and techniques that can be used in ethical hacking.

Computer Forensics (20 credits) – You will study the principles of digital forensics investigation process from the technical and legal frameworks, and will be equipped with the appropriate open source and commercial tools where applicable to investigate unauthorised access to digital electronic devices and digital networks.

Securing Networks (20 credits) – You will develop a detailed understanding of network security principles as well as the technologies of design, implementation and testing of secure networks.

Employability Skills – You will develop the wider skills today’s employers are expecting from their employees, including so-called “soft skills” such as time management, communication skills, project management and a good work ethic.

Project (20 credits) – You will identify a problem and set about planning and delivering a solution to that problem within a given timeframe. You may choose to develop an online solution or develop a mobile app, or provide a business solution. The scope for the nature of your practical output for this module is vast.

Benefits/ skills you will develop

You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of cyber security software platforms, learning to secure networks and operating systems. You will learn vital skills in detecting and preventing cyber attacks, ethical hacking and computer forensics, equipping you with all the knowledge you will need to be at the frontline of the fight against international cyber crime, ensuing systems and data is protected and safe from attack.

Today’s employers do not just expect their employees to have technical skills but also possess broader skills such as managing budgets, written and verbal communication, team working and problem solving skills . You will also develop as an individual, learning to appreciate the cyber security industry from an employer’s perspective, developing the skills employers are looking for, that will complement your technical skills. The aim of the course is to prepare you for employment and a long career in cyber security.

Finally, you will develop a broad range of skills that can be used across the digital technology sector that will provide you with the opportunity to work in a broad range of roles, such as Cyber Security Analyst, Security Consultant, Computer Network Administrator, Cyber Security Officer or a Cryptographer.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A typical offer is likely to consist of:

A Levels: 2xD grades

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade

Access to HE Diploma:Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade

T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.

GCSE English (Desirable): English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

GCSE Maths : Maths Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

IELTS:IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications:International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria

Mature applicants:Leeds City College welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPLclaims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Part Time: Students applying for part time study are required to hold a full level 3 qualification or the equivalent experience in a relevant subject and will be working in the sector

What’s next

What’s next?

On completion of this foundation degree course you can progress on to our Top-up degree at Leeds City College. To gain a full BSc (Hons) degree from our foundation degree you would need to study for a further year. You could also choose to study for a BSc (Hons) at other institutions.

You could find employment in a broad range of roles, such as Cyber Security Analyst, security consultant, Computer Network administrator, Cyber Security Officer or a Cryptographer.

Programme Specification

Course Handbook

Leeds City College Regulations

Staff Profiles