Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year

With data breaches on the rise, the protection of our personal and financial information, and the systems that hold them, has never been more important. Our industry-designed BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year degree, provides specialist cyber security knowledge, and a hands-on ethos, so you're ready to fight cyber crime.

Cyber criminals are using more sophisticated techniques to infiltrate I.T systems. Many organisations throughout the world urgently need talented people to reduce their risk and help to keep their systems secure. This industry-designed four-year course will provide you with essential computer science knowledge and specialist cyber security skills, delivered to professional standards and ready to prepare you for a rewarding and exciting career.

Develop in-demand knowledge and skills
The Foundation Year pathway aims to provide understanding of the key subjects in communication and study skills, basic programming, and essential mathematics. On successful completion, you will progress on to our BCS, Chartered Institute for I.T-accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security degree.

For three further years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, our course will help you to learn about the inner workings of programmes, operating systems and networks, so you can understand the mechanisms of cyber-attacks. During your studies, you’ll explore network security, data structures and network penetration testing. You’ll examine cyber investigation and malware and exploit analysis. You will cultivate independent technical judgement to establish security.

Get closer to industry
With our envious campus location, minutes from central Manchester, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in the region’s thriving tech community. There will also be opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities through our computing society.

We are a fast-growing centre for computer and data science. Our research and industry partnerships have influenced the development of commercial software products, and we work across multiple industries to unlock the potential of data and AI. We are also a co-founding member of both the Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry and the Greater Manchester AI Foundry. Through these initiatives, we support the city region’s ambitions to be a digital leader - and help it continue to be a great place for our computing graduates to build successful careers.

Our new home for computing
In Autumn 2022, we open our new £65 million hub for science, engineering and the environment - and our new home for computing. Sustainability-designed and 100% electric powered, the building offers unrivalled teaching, learning and research facilities and provides exciting new spaces for industry collaboration.

Features
• Initially study a foundation year to develop computing, maths and study skills to progress to study our BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security degree
• Explore the inner workings of programmes, operating systems and networks to understand cyber attacks
• Study forensics so you can diagnose attacks and determine the extent of damage
• Develop an understanding of cryptography to address security concerns
• Learn about evidence preservation so you can work within an ethical framework
• Understand risk management so you to actively manage threats rather than just solve problems

This course is not open to international students.

Foundation Year:

• Computer Programming
• Computer Systems
• Computing Mathematics FY
• Web Programming
• Inside Computer Systems

Year One:

• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Database Systems
• Professional Development and Practices
• Web Development and Human Computer Interfaces
• Computer System Internals and Linux

Year Two:

• Software Project with Agile Techniques (Salford HackCamp)
• AI and Data Mining
• Data Structures
• Networking and Security
• Career Development
• Client Server Systems

Year Three:

• Cyber Investigation
• Malware and Exploit Analysis
• Information Security Management
• Project

Choose one option from the following:

• Virtual Reality and 3D Games
• Business Management
• Mobile Development
• Deep Learning
• Advanced Web Development

You'll be assessed using a combination of formats. These include:

• Examinations to assess your immediate response to a set of unseen problems
• Assignments to assess your response to a larger problem
• Practical tests to assess your ability to apply appropriate skills to a problem
• Projects to assess your ability to create a plan, identify possibilities, make decisions, carry out the plan, and reflect on the choices and outcome
• Software development tasks to demonstrate your work