Course summary

• Learn how to provide in-depth cyber defences.  
• Develop your knowledge of network and application cyber security. 
• Understand the principles behind the tools and techniques used to secure data. 
• Create complex technical solutions to real-world security problems. 

On this course, you’ll develop a deep understanding of practical cyber security – including key concepts of networks, applications and systems. You’ll become a cyber security practitioner who understands and can build upon the fundamental principles – providing complex cyber defences to solve real-world problems. 

How you learn

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’ll start by developing practical skills in cyber security through lectures and hands-on tutorial sessions. Here you’ll build the knowledge, experience, understanding and critical thinking you need to solve cyber security problems. These sessions will build your insight of how and when to use appropriate processes, tools, technologies and management practices in areas including network fundamentals, cryptography, and information security.   

You’ll develop these skills further on real-world projects – collaborating in small teams to produce deliverables inspired by industry. Previous students have worked with the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit to develop security demos. Tackling real projects like these will help prepare you for a career in cyber security, all within a supportive learning environment. 

During your final year, you’ll create a significant cyber security deliverable, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. As part of this individual project, you’ll undertake research and apply new skills while you create a solution to a complex cyber security problem. The course team offers guidance and support throughout this process.   

The course encourages you to take an active approach to learning and self-development to develop highly sought-after cyber security skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementation and teamwork.  

You learn through 

• lectures 
• hands-on lab sessions and tutorials 
• regular feedback 
• teamwork and group-based learning 
• practice-based applied learning  
• discussions 
• self-study   

You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through several key areas. These include:
 

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development 
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments 
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities 

Course leaders and tutors

John Haggerty

Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security

Senior Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University

Applied learning

Work placements 

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your second and third year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience. 

You will be encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it will benefit your long-term career prospects and salary level, as well as your academic achievements and degree classification. Your course will prepare you to succeed in your placement and you will be supported throughout it. 

Your placement will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained on your course, in areas such as information security, network intrusion, and cyber analysis. 

Students from this course have worked with companies such as   

• Microsoft 
• IBM 
• BAE Systems 
• the Civil Service 
• the NHS 
• Police forces 

Your placement year will allow you to gain an Applied Professional Diploma in addition to your degree which will enhance your graduate profile and give you the edge with future employers.  

You’ll also be supported to take advantage of work experience opportunities throughout your course, through access to a range of support activities, resources, and employer events from your Employability Team. This will further enhance your employability skillset, confidence, and opportunity-awareness to help you succeed in your career after graduating. 

Live projects 

During each year of your course, you’ll be applying your learning using industry projects. These will challenge you to solve real-world cyber security problems while developing team and project management skills. This is great preparation for the world of work – all in a supportive learning environment. 

We work in partnership with the North East Business Resilience Centre (NEBRC) – a non-profit organisation aiming to support and help to protect regional businesses from cybercrime. NEBRC employs our students to deliver specialist services during their studies. The NEBRC was established in 2019 – funded by a variety of private and public partners including the Police – to provide specialist services to a range of businesses and members across England. 

Networking opportunities 

We’re a member of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) Academic Partner Programme. The CIISec is the only information and cyber security institution to have been granted Royal Charter status. This means you’ll be able to develop contacts within the cyber security community. You’ll also have access to world-class speakers and the opportunity to network with prospective employers. 

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in 

• information security 
• incident response analysis 
• information security analysis 
• penetration testing 
• security architecture 
• IT security engineering 
• security systems administration 
• IT security consultancy 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as 

• 3Squared 
• Cisco 
• Citrix 
• Exponential-e 
• F-Secure 
• G-Research 
• Hewlett-Packard 
• IBM 
• Info-Assure 
• NextGen Security 
• Sec-1 
• Servelec Group 
• Sky 

Accreditation

This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour | Keeping safe on Campus

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

Get directions

Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Fees and funding

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.