MSci Computer Science (Cyber Security)

Core Units

• Academic Study Skills for Engineering and Technology: You will gain the fundamental academic and research skills required for degree level study. The unit will introduce you to a broad grounding in literature searching, literature review, data collection, methodological approach, data analysis and interpretation and ethical practice. It will also support you to begin to develop a critical and analytical approach to your work and identify areas for personal development.
• Introduction to Computers: This unit will enable you to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of computer technology and its role in the modern world. It will also cover a range of practical computing skills and techniques you will need to be prepared for studying at degree level.
• Mathematics for Engineering and Technology: Mathematics develops analytical and problem-solving skills and provides the knowledge to solve engineering and coding problems. This unit will provide you with confidence in mathematics and enable you to perform calculations on a range of scientific data from engineering, creative technologies and computing disciplines.
• Introduction to Information Systems Analytics: Most computer applications are part of a greater system focused on the needs of an organisation. It is therefore important to understand an organisation’s processes, needs and objectives allowing appropriate systems to be designed and implemented. This unit covers the approaches and methods by which such factors can be investigated, modelled and understood, within the context of computing technology.
• Introduction to Programming: In this unit you will develop a basic knowledge and understanding of computing programming and demonstrate basic coding and problem solving skills through the design, build and testing of a small application.
• Foundation Year Engineering and Technology Project: You will design, carry out and report on an engineering or technological investigation, based on an agreed topic chosen by the unit leader. You will carry out a research task for further investigation. With a focus on global context and sustainability, the student will also produce a literature review.

Core units

• Computer Fundamentals – understand the concepts and terminology of computing, networking, communications, security, and virtualisation. 
• Mathematics for Computing – this unit will equip you with the mathematical knowledge for modelling and solving real-world computing problems. 
• Programming – develop the skills and understanding to implement software solution to different problems whilst gaining hands-on experience in programming and testing. 
• Network Essentials – learn about common network hardware, as well as the terminology and basic concepts of networking.  
• Introduction to Cyber Security – find out about fundamental cybersecurity concepts, tools and techniques in a team approach. 

Elective unit

• Computing and Society – learn about mapping computer techniques, concepts and principles in line with sustainability.  

Core units

• Ethical Hacking – develop skills in ethical hacking, and associated security techniques and practices.
• Software Engineering – learn about the theory and practice of software engineering such as the software development process. 
• Security Operations (SecOps) – gain the skills to detect security breaches and effectively respond via an understanding real-time security monitoring and data feeds providing security intelligence. 
• Network and Cyber Management – acquire the principles and practices of network configuration and management needed for state-of-the-art computer network infrastructure. 
• Technological Innovations in Cyber Security – building on previous programming knowledge, you will learn about uses of emerging technologies and how to develop cyber security solutions in a team approach. 

Elective unit

• Software Business – gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of software business, the various business models and innovations. Suited to those interesting in setting up a software company. 

Although you will be enrolled onto the four-year degree, you can opt out of the placement year. However, the placement year offers you a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future. You’ll complete a minimum 30-week industrial work placement which can be carried out anywhere in the world.

Core units

• Digital Forensics – this unit provides you with the skills, techniques and technologies necessary to conduct a digital forensic investigation, building on previous knowledge. 
• Human Computer Interaction – gain an understanding of the role of Human Factors (HF) and integration of its elements into the development of complex socio-technical systems. 
• Individual Project – the Individual Project is an opportunity to pursue a topic of your choice. You’ll identify a problem and then select and implement a solution to solving that problem.  

Optional units

• Digital Innovation and Transformation – learn the skills, techniques and technologies that are necessary to develop a digital portfolio based on digital transformation in business innovation efforts. 
• Systems Development – gain a critical understanding of the design, development and deployment of enterprise grade applications to allow organisations to scale their IT provisioning in an agile way. 
• Data Visualisation and Storytelling – develop the skills of data/information visualisation and visual analytics so that you can design efficient and effective data visualisations.  
• ​Software Quality Assurance.- learn about software quality assurance (SQA) and the techniques for appraising software quality so that you can construct software to the required quality. 

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Elective units

• Digital Futures – drawing from technical, legal and social disciplines, learn about the role of digital technology in society and how it affects the individual.  

Core Units

• Cyber Threat Intelligence
• Computational Modeling  
• Quantum Computing 
• Network Science 
• Integrated Masters Teamwork     

With practical learning being integral to your degree, we provide industry standard specialist facilities. 
 
We continue to invest in our campuses so all our students can maximise their talents today and into the future. 
 
Visit our virtual tour to find out more and get a feel for where you’ll be studying while you’re based on our Talbot Campus. 

The experience that you will gain during your placement is invaluable in helping to make informed decisions about your future career path, as well as enhancing employment prospects upon graduation.

What’s more, you can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market. Many of our students find that they are offered permanent jobs after graduation by their placement companies.

Many new graduate positions are taken by people who have already had work experience as part of a course. Employers increasingly expect would-be recruits to have some kind of work experience, without which they are unlikely to be considered, regardless of their qualifications.

You will begin your placement after completion of your second year of study and you must complete a minimum of 30 weeks although most students decide to work a full year. Placements take place within a relevant industry.

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.  

Through timetabled sessions and one-to-one appointments, they’ll help support you in your placement search including advice on finding a placement, information and advice on all aspects of job searching and job applications, as well as ensuring your proposed placement meets the requirements of your course.  

Our CareersBU service is also available throughout your time at BU, offering services like CV checking and careers fairs to meet employers.  

Placement Development Advisors will support you once you have started your sandwich placement – so you will be able to maintain contact with the university throughout.

• Aston Martin
• Dyson Appliances Ltd
• IBM
• Barclays Bank
• British Aerospace.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website. 

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

This is a predominantly technical framework, especially in the first year, which is common to all the degree titles in the framework, and in the second year core units. Therefore you will need to have a deep and abiding interest in computing and IT, and in the use of computer technologies to create effective and efficient solutions that meet the needs of the end users.

You will need to be hard-working and committed to your studies, be a good team player, and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application; there are usually no interviews or selection activities needed. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. You can find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply webpages.

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, we may be able to make you an offer through AccessBU if you meet certain criteria e.g. you have been in care or live in an area where fewer people typically progress to Higher Education. If you don't meet our published tariff, we will accept you at least 8 points below if your personal circumstances match our AccessBU criteria. 

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

There are a number of career paths open to you, but those specialist to forensic computing and security include:

• Police Forensics Investigator
• Forensics Consultant
• Security Adviser for Business Continuity
• Information Security Analyst
• Security Systems Analyst.

• Cyber security
• Technology
• ICT
• Forensic computing.

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

• Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
• Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
• The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
• Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
• IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
• Free software download to your personal device of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus while you are studying, as well as access to applications provided on AppsAnywhere, subject to licensing and compatibility restrictions
• Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
• Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
• The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
• Loan of lab coats and safety glasses.

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds.
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
• Accommodation and living costs. Please visit our website for more information.
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
• Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Information about funding your placement year can be found on our website.
• You will need to meet the cost of any Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if required by your placement setting, including any Post Office verification changes. 
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study
• SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

If you need to repeat one or more units during your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro rata of the full-time fee.

Prof Nan Jiang is the Head of Computing and Informatics and Professor in Human Computer Interaction. He joined BU as a Lecturer in 2010. Prior to this, Nan was an Open Distance Learning (ODL) tutor at Queen Mary, University of London, where he also received his PhD in Web Usability and MSc in Advanced Methods.