Cyber Security

Year 1

You will take part in a multidisciplinary Foundation Year to understand the breath of subjects offered by the School, to form a community of practice beyond your course, and to be equipped with the right technical knowledge for the more advanced years of your course. In your first year, you will get to grips with the fundamentals of programming devices, as well as the basics of problem solving and modelling. On this course, you get to kickstart your creative, practical and professional development with practical IP networks. You can shape your Foundation Year with the subjects you want to study - so you will also get a choice between learning more advanced software development practices, or an introduction to creative digital graphics techniques.

Year 2

Cyber Security requires a deep knowledge of many aspects of computer science ranging from network management and security, to software development. In Year 2, you will develop these skills and your professional skills through problem-based learning.

Year 3

A key feature of this course is its year-long, paid industrial placement option which usually takes place between Years 3 and 4.

Year 4

You will focus on protecting wired and wireless networks and how to securely store and protect data from threats and breaches. You will learn about security models and practical elements of cryptography, database and web security.

Year 5

In your final year, you will develop advanced skills in the management and security of networks and study the threats posed by malicious software. You will gain expertise in advanced security topics such as Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics and Penetration Testing.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Learning Methods

You will be taught using a combination of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, tutorials, computing laboratories, workshops, seminars, practical work, industrial placement (where appropriate), integrative real-world project work, student-centred learning and private study.

You will study four modules each term and each module involves around three hours of class teaching per week. Most modules will consist of one hour of lectures delivered to the whole class, plus a further two-hour laboratory taught to a small group of about 20-24 students.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 students per group, 30 minutes per week
• Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 8 hours per week

How long is a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course?

A Cyber Security can be completed over:

• 4 years
• 4 years + 1 year placement

Independent Study

Self-directed learning skills is a key aim of the course. A 15-credit module represents 150 hours of study over the course of a term. Of this, roughly two-thirds will be self-study and completion of assessments, clearly indicating the importance of self-directed learning for this course.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is taught by a team of staff who have academic and/or industrial experience in designing and managing complex network systems to meet demanding business environments. The practical nature of the course enables you to benefit from staff experience and to work with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to develop robust network systems for these demanding business environments.

Many staff on the course have a grade of fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). In a addition to academic members of staff, some teaching may be undertaken by industry experts, postgraduate research students, library staff, study skills and careers service staff.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each term:

• Two Written Exams. Average time of exam three hours
• Two Project Outputs
• Two Reports
• Dissertation

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Job Prospects

The course prepares you for a career in as a Cyber Security Specialist. There is a large and growing demand for graduates who have the ability to secure computing networks and protect the critical information systems of businesses and government organisations.

Is Cyber Security a good career choice?

As a graduate of the course you could find employment in a variety of areas from the financial sector, commercial or industrial companies to the national security services.

BSc Cyber Security graduates of Robert Gordon University can go on to pursue the following careers:

• IT Security Engineer 
• Information and Data Security Analyst 
• Network Manager 
• IT Security Developer 
• IT Risk and Fraud Specialist 
• E-business Security Analyst 
• Digital Forensics Expert

What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• SQA Higher: BBCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level Year 1 entry: CCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at GCSE grade 5/C if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 and two further passes to include English and Maths at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 26 to include a pass in Standard Level English and Maths at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level. 

Year 2 entry

• SQA Advanced Higher Year 2 entry: BBCC to include Computing and another numerate subject and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level Year 2 entry: BBB to include Math and another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5/C is required if not held at A Level.
• IB Diploma Year 2 entry: 30 to include Math and another numerate subject at higher level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £50 for materials
• Approximately £500 for laptop