Cyber Security with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Sheffield Hallam University

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
• Learn about aspects of cyber security including penetration testing, systems and network vulnerability assessment and mitigation, ethical hacking, network intrusion detection analysis and prevention.
• Develop your knowledge in web security, mobile device security and management of security policies.
• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

Upon completing the foundation year, you progress to a degree that is accredited by the British Computer Society and accordingly includes a number of topics fundamental to all computing studies, including principles of security, computing, architecture and networking, databases and programming.

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.

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 will develop a range of skills through problem solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.

Assessments are varied, including reports, presentations, demonstrations, discussions and online activities.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminars
• practical tutorial sessions

In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

Applied learning

Work placements

In your fourth year, you can take a one-year paid work placement. Work placements offer you valuable experience, and an enjoyable opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills.

Organisations need experienced staff, and a placement will give you the experience you need to add to your CV to secure a desirable security-related position in a competitive job market. We help you to gain a placement and support you through the application process.

During the placement, you will be mentored by a member of academic staff, who will visit you at your place of work. Previous students have worked at organisations including

• Cisco
• Citrix
• 3Squared
• Next
• Servelec Group
• Hewlett-Packard Ltd
• IBM Ltd

Networking opportunities

You will have the opportunity to talk with a number of exciting companies, both those that specialise in the area of cyber security, and others that understand that keeping their system secure is vital to a thriving industry.

In the past we have invited Citrix, Cisco, PwC, Sec-1 and other individual consultants in the cyber security industry to talk.