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Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

26Apr
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate
18Jun
University of Plymouth - Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Cyber security is an ever-increasing demand within every organisation across the world. This course explores the biggest threats to our data from hackers, malicious coders and social engineers to crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. Develop the knowledge and skills to design, develop and manage secure systems.

  • Become an industry-recognised professional Pursue certifications such as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), forensics ACE (AccessData Certified Examiner) and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). Make use of our links to professional and industry bodies, including academic partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
  • Put theory into practice in our Security and Forensics Laboratory alongside world-leading academics on the way to gaining opportunities for careers with intelligence services, large consulting firms and defence contractors like L3, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.
  • Benefit from our strong industry connections Secure a high-quality placement and jobs at large companies such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, GlaxoSmithKline and many more. From year one, we support you to find and prepare for a placement year at a leading company.
  • Learn to solve real problems Even without completing an optional placement year, there may be opportunities to make a difference to real businesses by creating useful applications or by providing consultancy for clients.
  • Join our community Get the chance to join the active student-led Computer and Information Security Society (CISS), which organises additional seminars and other activities in order to further enhance your experience at Plymouth. Previous activities have included a trip to the historic WWII code-breaking centre at Bletchley Park.
  • Hone your research skills We work closely with our Centre for Cyber Security, Communications and Network Research.
  • Make use of cutting-edge facilities Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility. You'll also have access to specialist laboratories equipped with various hardware and software configurations.

Modules

In the first year we introduce you to the world of information security: hackers, crackers, viruses, trojans, worms, botnets, zombies, phishing and pharming. You underpin your computing knowledge in programming, computer systems, networks, and systems analysis and design. In the second year we explore topics in the development of secure systems: access control, authentication, biometrics, trusted computing, secure coding, cryptography, vulnerability management and malware analysis. The security project draws on your studies so far and enables you to design, develop and evaluate security software and prepare you for placement. We strongly recommend that you take a placement year during your third year, to develop your professional experience and significantly enhance your CV. In your final year you will deepen your understanding of key network security concepts and develop the skills required to undertake penetration testing, intrusion analysis and digital forensics. Master all the varying elements of security by studying information security management, and gain an appreciation of the human, legal and regulatory aspects involved in the design and implementation of information security. A substantial project also helps you to develop specialised skills and expertise, resulting in a showcase of your skills that will help you to stand out when applying for jobs. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

All applicants are required to have GCSE C/4 at English and B/5 at Mathematics. If you hold a Grade C/4 in GCSE Maths, please contact the institution

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Full details of English Language requirements can be found on our website.

English Language Requirements

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Computer Science (Cyber Security) at University of Plymouth - UCAS