About the course
The security of computer systems is vital, with more and more of our details collected and held by companies and government. As attempts to breach these security systems become more sophisticated, preventing unauthorised access is an important role in society.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Security degree has a practical emphasis to prepare you for a career in computer security. You’ll understand how computer systems are designed and secured, and learn how to protect them against all kinds of attacks.
You will also cover effective computer systems management and how to complete an effective IT health check. Plus, there's an opportunity to undertake CompTIA Security+ certification - further recognition for your superior technical skills and expertise in computer security.
What you will study
Year One: Computer Security Degree
- Computer Systems and Network Technologies
- Computer Programming
- Information Engineering
- Cyber Tools and Processes
- Professionalism and Governance in Cyber Security
- Mathematical Tools for Computer Forensics and Security
Year Two: Computer Security Degree
- Operating System Theory and Implementation
- Project Management and Professional Practice
- Supervised Work Experience (Computing) - optional
- Study Overseas (Computing) - optional
- Team Project Pen Testing
- Data Communication and Computer Networks
- Secure Web Programming
- Cryptography
Year Three: Computer Security Degree
- Individual Project
- Ethical Hacking
- System Security and System Administration
- Security and Threat Management
- The Computing Professional in Practice
Teaching
Your study involves 16 hours of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions each week. You also need to spend an extra four hours per week, per module, doing coursework, general reading and other preparation.
Assessment
Types of assessment include examinations, coursework and problem-based exercises based on real-life scenarios.
Course details
Accreditations
This Computer Security degree gives full exemption from the examination requirements of the British Computer Society and is BCS accredited to Chartered Information Technology Practitioner (CITP) level.
Placements
As part of your Computer Security course, we strongly recommend you spend up to a year working in industry in the UK or abroad. As well as an opportunity to use your knowledge in the real world, work experience will boost your CV and can even lead directly to employment.
You can also take part in live projects and taster weeks, or choose a shorter three-month placement. Recent placements include E-Finity, IBM, Fujitsu, GCHQ, and the Welsh Government.
Facilities
Our cyber security facilities include a suite of computer labs, a seminar room, a dedicated server room equipped with the latest high-powered kit, and a brand new forensic investigation lab where you can run a diagnostic of a computer hard disk under digital microscopes.
You’ll also find dedicated spaces on campus for computing students, including Windows, Apple Mac, Linux and Networking suites, all with the latest software.
Entry requirements
The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. Most offers we make are at the top of the range, but we take all aspects of an application into consideration and applicants receive a personalised offer. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.
Typical A-Level Offer
BCC - CDD (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical IB Offer
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level
Typical Access to HE Offer
Pass the Access to HE Diploma and obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points
Additional Requirements
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Careers
USW's Computer Security degree will prepare you for a career in computer system security, where you may plan, co-ordinate and implement a company’s information security. You may have to educate users about computer security, install security software, monitor the network for security breaches, respond to cyber attack and, in some cases, gather data and evidence to be used in prosecuting cyber crime. The responsibilities of computer security specialists have increased in recent years, as there has been a large growth in the number of cyber attacks on data and networks.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.