Course summary
The BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (Top-Up) is validated by The Open University. Why study this course? The BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics is aimed at meeting the local demand of Cyber Security experts in Northern Ireland. It will cover a range of computing specialisms allowing successful students to follow different career paths. As the matrix of the digital world continues to unravel, the demand for skilled IT professionals is skyrocketing. From the mundane to the extraordinary, computer systems permeate every aspect of our lives, shaping our reality. This course will serve as your digital passport, granting you access to a vast array of IT topics and industries. Explore the depths of the digital abyss, uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and become a master of the machine. Computing is a global language, spoken by innovators and visionaries around the world. About the course The BSc (Hons) consists of 80 credits of module material, 40 in each semester. You will also complete a 40-credit dissertation module in a project of your choice across the 2 semesters. You must attain 120 credits to achieve the qualification. How will it make me more employable? SERC is committed to delivering learning that is rooted in the real world and to develop work-ready graduates with the professional skills and behaviours that employers need. The course will help learners develop a wide range of skills including, but not limited to: Technical Skills: • Programming • Ethical Hacking • Forensics Employability Skills: • Critical Thinking • Emotional Intelligence • Entrepreneurship • Leadership • Reflective Practice • Decision Making • Team Working Where will it take me? Students that successfully complete the Degree traditionally progress to one of the following areas: Related Masters Programmes- Students that wish to further their studies may undertake a related Level 7 qualification at a university. Employment- This Degree programme has been designed to equip students with the knowledge required to thrive in the changing world of work. Roles may include, but are not limited to: • Penetration Tester: Simulate attacks on systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and assess their security posture. • Computer forensic investigator: Analyse digital evidence to recover, preserve, and present data in legal proceedings. • Security engineer: Design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect information systems and data from threats.
Modules
Level 6 Modules: Ethical Hacking: Develop understanding, knowledge and skills associated with the various malicious hacking attacks targeting endpoints and networks. Host Based Forensics: Learn the methodologies in conducting investigations, producing evidence and associated documentation for host-based devices. Secure Systems Design: Understand the core techniques of secure systems design. Project Management: Develop the skills and knowledge to plan, execute, monitor, control and analyse an IT Project. Computing Project: Apply advanced principles and techniques to produce a solution to a problem which they have chosen and defined. Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Assessment method
Assessment is scheduled throughout the course using a combination of assignments and practical work/observations. Each module is graded individually with an overall single final grade (First class, Upper Second class, Lower Second class, Third class) awarded at the end of the course. Students are assessed using a range of methods. These may include: Class tests: Work will be completed exam conditions, typically during your timetabled session. Coursework: You will be asked to complete research and/or report on your development activities in a formal report. Presentations: Students will present their findings to peers with some external entities involved where appropriate. Practical: You may be asked to demonstrate your skills by completing assigned tasks/activities. This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. Oral, written or online feedback will be provided during the course to help improve and monitor performance.
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
29Jan
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
We offer a diverse range of world class courses and study options, and we’re delighted to offer our international students a warm welcome to study at SERC. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/international/students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - Not accepted
HND (BTEC) - M
All applicants must hold an appropriate level 5 qualification, for example: Foundation Degree in a Computing related discipline with a pass mark of 55% or above; or Pearson Higher National Diploma in a Computing related discipline grade merit or above; or Candidates presenting with Foundation Degrees or Higher Nationals or other Level 5 qualification from other awarding bodies will be considered under APEL procedures. And applicants must hold a Level 4 Maths module or higher from a related discipline. Other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis Students who have not studied the FD in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at SERC must undertake the Cisco CyberOps Associate course materials provided by the college as background knowledge for entry prior to the course start date. There is no requirement for students to complete assessment of the learning Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Further details on APL can be found in the HE admissions process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
All applicants must hold GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills- Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification AND passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above) and 2 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Minimum of 5.5 in all skills |
| PTE Academic | 51 | Minimum of 46 in each part |
All applicants must hold a GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills-Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test For further information please contact our International Department at [email protected]
Click here to find out more about becoming an international student at SERC.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| England | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2940 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2940 | Year 1 |
| International | £7500 | Year 1 |
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
There are a number of sources of financial support available to students. These vary depending upon your course of study. Apply as soon as possible as closing dates vary between funds. The main types of student finance are tuition fee and maintenance loans, which have to be paid back, and grants and bursaries, which do not have to be paid back. For more information visit: https://www.serc.ac.uk/support/student-finance/full-time
Provider information
South Eastern Regional College
Castle Park Road
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4TD