BSc (Honours) Computer and Information Security
UCAS code
GG4NAttendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to combat the growth in computer-based crime on this career focused course. You have the chance to spend a year developing your professional skills and knowledge at major firms such as BT, Citrix and Fujitsu.
Key points
• Prepare for graduate roles in the growing cyber security sector.
• Gain security and general IT skills to give you flexibility in your career.
• Get experience with a one year placement with major firms including BT and HSBC.
• Optional modules allow you to focus on areas that reflect your interests.
What is computer and information security?
A growth in computer-based crime, along with industrial and political espionage and its consequent data loss and unauthorised information disclosure has led to the increased demand for cyber security skills in the IT sector.
About this course
Gain the knowledge and expertise you need to provide information security services for modern organisations.
During the course, you study all major aspects of security such as cryptography, but you also study more general computing subjects such as computer architecture and database systems to give you a broad range of skills to enhance your employability.
Lectures are only one way that you learn on the course. Laboratory sessions allow you to develop your practical problem solving skills for each module and are vital to a successful career in this technical area. You combine this with case studies, group work and online learning to promote the best understanding of computer and information security.
We have new, well-equipped IT labs furnished with switches, routers, security appliances and virtualized desktops. These dedicated labs enable almost unlimited design, implementation, testing and research into the security of networks and operating systems.
To give you additional insight into industry, we invite various security companies to talk to you about their products and employment opportunities. Previous speakers from major companies such as PwC and Citrix have spoken on subjects as diverse as penetration testing and cloud computing.
In year three, you can enhance your employability and earning potential by completing a one-year work placement in industry. Placements offer you valuable experience and let you apply your knowledge and skills to the industry. Our placement providers include • BT • Citrix • HSBC • Fujitsu • Sun Microsystems.
In the second and final year, you can select optional modules, letting you focus on your personal and professional interests. Current options in the second year include • fundamentals of wireless local area networks • e-business • Cisco routers and routing • Unix • Linux • X.
We tailor course content in the final year according to current technological developments and departmental strengths, to ensure you’re well prepared for your first role in your career. Options currently available include • network management • forensic intelligence • advanced web applications.
Key areas of study
You study aspects of security such as • cryptography • secure networking technologies • information security management • incident response • risk management • security assessment • secure programming • web-security.
You also study more general computing subjects such as • computer architecture • software engineering • database systems • networking • project management.
Associated careers
As a graduate of this course, you become a sought after IT security specialist. Employment is available in a range of organisations from small to multinational companies and local and national government.
Roles such as IT security consultant and in-house security officer have salaries ranging from £18,000 to £30,000 plus.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.
Course content
Year one modules
• introduction to computer and information security • computer and systems architecture • networking fundamentals • programming fundamentals • mathematics for networks • professionalism and communication skills
Year two core modules
• secure programming • secure networking technologies • database administration and security • network services and administration • project-based learning
Year two options
• fundamentals of wireless local area networks • Cisco routers and routing • e-business • Unix, Linux and X
Year three
Final year core modules
• information security management • web security • enterprise applications management • professionalism and employability • dissertation project
Final year options
• management of IT project • network management • advanced web applications • forensic intelligence • exploiting technology enhanced learning
Assessment
• coursework • group work • examinations • final year project
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 260 points with at least 160 from two GCE/VCE A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. General studies and AS levels may count towards these points.
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
2013 entry requirements
GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels in relevant subjects, or BTEC National qualifications including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. General studies and AS levels may count towards these points.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk