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Cyber Security

BSc (Hons) (Top-up)

Study Cyber Security at University Centre Leeds

Cyber security is a fast growing industry. Cyber security professionals are highly sought after and in hot demand globally and this demand will keep growing due to the continual rise of cyber incidents, high profile cyber attacks and security breaches and the billions of pounds lost as consequences of these security breaches. By coming for our top-up degree in cyber security, you are investing in your future. 

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 1 year, full-time or 2 Years, part-time
  • Venue: University Centre
  • Fee: £8,745 Full Time or £4,372 Part Time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Code: 77367-10
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 8H24
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time / Part Time
  • Validated By: The Open University

Entry Requirements

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

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: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

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

Cyber Security

Recent research shows that there are more than a million cyber security jobs and the number keeps growing. One report stated that 37% of cyber security jobs in the UK remain unfilled. Cyber security professionals are one of the most highly paid professionals worldwide. By choosing our course, you will be preparing yourself for a fulfilling and satisfying career in cyber security.

There is a broad range of careers in cyber security including:

  • Cyber Security Operations Manager
  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • Cyber Security Architect
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Network Security Engineer
  • IT Security Specialist
  • Security Auditor
  • Penetration Tester

Our top-up degree focuses on providing you with the core and specialist skills in cyber security and developing you for the job market. We focus on employability skills in both technical and soft skills to make you ready for the ever growing Cyber Security job market. The world needs elite cyber security professionals to engage in cyber warfare against cyber criminals. Could it be you?

Join the fast growing digital market of cyber security and gain your BSc honours through our top-up course. You will combine your theoretical knowledge and technical skills whilst furthering your learning through research and development in the field of cyber security. With the range of expertise that you will develop, your specialist skills will be in high demand throughout the digital world. Become a cyber superhero and fly closer to your future career. This course will enable you to become one of the most sought after professionals in the IT industry. You will be able to recommend and implement protection measures against cyber security threats and respond to cyber incidents confidently and effectively.

Do you have what it takes to confront and find solutions to the ever expanding cyber threat landscape? The course is opened for students with any of the following qualifications at level 5:

  • Foundation Degrees
  • HNDs
  • Diplomas of Higher Education in relevant subjects
  • International qualifications will also be considered
  • Mature students with relevant industry experience will also be considered

There will be an interview during the admission process to assess your goals and future professional aspirations for us to know how to support you to achieve your goals and aspirations.

 

This course is validated by The Open University 

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How to Apply

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Apply via UCAS

How to Apply:

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

Apply Now: Direct Application Form

Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk 

Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.

If you're interested in applying to study part-time, these applications must be submitted directly through our website via the following link:

Part Time - Direct Application Form

If you are:

  • a current student with University Centre Leeds,
  • due to complete your Foundation Degree and
  • don't already have an application in UCAS for this cycle,

you can make an application directly to us for this course.

To make your application, use the below link and register for an application account via the Create a New User facility. You will then be sent an email to the email address you provided when registering for an account, on which you will need to click the link to verify your email address.

Once you have created an account, you will then be able to start and save your application, should you not be able to complete it all in one go. Please note that your username is the email address you provided when registering for an account.

To access your account again should you need to complete and submit your application form, simply use the second link provided in your verification email.

To register for an application account please use the following link and use the Create a New User facility:

Internal Students - Direct Application Form

For further information in regards to this please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk

Course Information

Modules may include:

 

Level 6

 

Penetration Testing (20 credits).  

Before you can confront cyber criminals successfully, you have to think like them even though you are not like them. This module will enable you to be the cyber defender you will be trained to be. The module will further your understanding of penetration testing whilst simulating attacks against networks, devices and applications to identify the vulnerability of specific technologies and learn how you would prevent such attacks. 

Module topics may include:

  • Advanced Penetration Testing concepts, techniques and tools
  • Identifying vulnerabilities
  • Privilege escalation/elevation in a Windows environment 
  • Advanced exploitation using tools such as Metasploit and post-exploitation techniques
  • Modelling and analysing Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) 
  • The Cyber Kill-Chain framework – reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, etc. 
  • Ethics and ethical considerations in Penetration Testing

Cyber Security Incident Management  (20 credits).  

Within this module, your knowledge and skills of cyber security incident management will be developed. You will learn how to plan and respond to incidents, investigating, analysing, interpreting and preserving evidence. Module topics may include:

  • Cyber Security and Incident Management Concepts 
  • Incident response and management requirements – regulatory and legal requirement
  • Incident response frameworks and processes
  • Risk assessment and implementation of risk control strategies 
  • Planning for cyber incidents 
  • Investigating security incidents – types and methods of investigations 
  • Intrusion monitoring, detection, analysis, logging, response, and management 
  • Tools for incident response 
  • Ethics and ethical considerations in cyber security incident management 

Research Methods (20 Credits) 

You will acquire the skills required to complete an independent study project, including critical reading, critical thinking, analysis of data using statistical methods and reflective practice.

Module topics may include:

  • Research projects – research approaches, research tools, academic writing styles and formats, report writing skills
  • Nature of data – qualitative, quantitative, objective, subjective, accuracy, precision, errors, significance, reliability
  • Data collection – probability sampling: random, systematic, stratified, and clustered
  • Data analysis and types of statistics
  • Principles of Ethical Practice

Digital Entrepreneurship (20 Credits)

Explore entrepreneurial ventures and develop your digital skills, tools, practises and processes looking at marketing strategies and how to generate income.

Module topics may include:

  • Business Ideas – Blog, Vlog, podcast, e-book, technologies etc.
  • The similarities and differences, including positives and negatives, of all the major digital and social media platforms
  • Business feasibility 
  • Strategies for monetising digital ideas 
  • Digital Skills for business 
  • Digital etiquette 

Major Project  (40 credits).  

In this practical module You will identify a cyber problem and deliver a solution to rectify the problem using a range of development methodologies.

Module topics may include:

  • Key concepts, tools, techniques and approaches to project management – time management, resource management, stakeholders, frameworks, and methodologies
  • Project management essentials: planning; scheduling; estimating; risk management; resource allocation; monitoring and control, etc.
  • Methods of research, instruments of research, analysing the data
  • Evaluating the solution, evaluating the project. critical discussion of results, conclusions and recommendations
  • Ethics in research, authorisation/approval process, informed consent, securing data, specific ethical issues in computing disciplines

Our main aim for you whilst you complete this qualification is to help you to develop your personal and professional skills for your career within cyber security. You will have the opportunity to work across a range of subject specific projects and develop the necessary practical skills in cyber security. You will develop advanced understanding, critically evaluate the planning and execution of computer/network security testing procedures.

 

You will develop the skills and knowledge to:

 

  • Model and analyse Advanced Persistent Threat (APT)
  • Implement and investigate privilege escalation 
  • Plan, detect, and respond to cyber incidents
  • Monitor, identify and prevent cyber intrusion activities
  • Investigate cyber incidents using recognised frameworks and approaches
  • Understand the ethical and legal considerations required for the industry  

Other benefits include:

 

  • Develop relevant skills for a career in the cyber security industry
  • Have the ability to choose from a range of cyber security roles upon completion of the course
  • Smaller cohorts allowing more personalised teaching, learning and support
  • Self-discipline and independence as learners and as a self-motivated cyber security professional
  • Critical thinking, time management and effective communication skills 
  • Learn from exceptional and highly qualified teaching staff

Assessment methods may include:

  • Practical demonstrations
  • Portfolios
  • Essays/Report 
  • Case studies
  • Presentations

This range of activities provide opportunities for students to demonstrate the knowledge and the skills they have acquired and developed throughout their studies.

Whilst studying at the University Centre Leeds, you will have access to our extensive range of support services, including the computer labs equipped with the latest industry software and high spec computers, the HE library, Library+ and student services such as support for additional needs, counselling, finance and careers advice.

TYPICAL OFFER

Foundation Degree: Pass on the second year of a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

HND: Pass grade in a relevant subject.

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: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

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

On completion of this top-up course, you will be awarded a full BSc (Hons) in cyber security meaning that you will be ready to enter the exciting and ever evolving digital world.

 

You could find employment in a broad range of roles, including:

 

  • Cyber Security Operations Manager
  • Cyber Security Engineer
  • Cyber Security Architect
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Network Security Engineer
  • IT Security Specialist 
  • Security Auditor
  • Penetration Tester

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.


Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.


 

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