Often called Cyber Security, our degree in Computer Security explores the technologies and practices designed to protect networks, computers and data from attack or unauthorised access. Cyber security is a growing field in virtually every industry sector, and organisations of all kinds and sizes need to defend themselves from hacking, attacks and data breaches. You can expect industry led course content to prepare you for this which covers the key principles that underpin Computer Security; offensive security, defensive security and information security governance.
Through lectures, tutorials, technical labs and real-world case studies, you will learn how attacks work, the likely threats and vulnerabilities, and the approaches used by attackers. Our new, fully equipped Cisco cyber security lab will help you put theory into practice with industry standard toolkits. You’ll learn how to conduct penetration testing and vulnerability analysis in business organisations to develop secure systems.
You will have the opportunity to join student led societies such Capture the Flag (CTF) and Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) where competitions, support and the sharing of relevant opportunities are championed. Our industry and professional partnerships with organisations such as
NCSC Cyber First scheme,
Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales,
Thales (NDEC),
Airbus, and
Charmwood Risk Management strengthen the programme and offer you valuable networking opportunities.
Course modules are integrated with professional certification contents such as Cisco Networking (CCNA) and Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) as well as integrated with training for ISO27001 Internal Audit to provide you with cutting-edge knowledge. Therefore, it’s no surprise that our graduates have gone on to secure roles and placements within well-established organisations such as
Admiral,
South Wales Police, and
Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales.
This course was the first bachelor’s degree in Wales to be awarded
provisional certification by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Cardiff Met is also an Academic Partner of the
Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) and a
CREST approved academy.
Foundation Year
This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.
The foundation year will be relevant to:
- Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
- Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.
Find out more about the
foundation year.
Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.
Course Content
Degree
The degree programme is comprised of a number of compulsory modules, with a range of options in the final year to develop your specific interests and expertise.
Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.
All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.
Year 1:
- Architectures & Operating Systems
- Principles of Programming
- Threats and Attacks
- Information, Risk and Law
- Web Design and Databases
- Explore
Year 2:
- Physical Computing
- Secure Systems and Products
- Cyber Security Architecture and Operations
- Software Security
- Expand
- Networks and Security
Year 3:
- Cyber Security Management
- Cyber Security and Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking
- Development Project (40 credits)
Optional modules (select one):
- Industrial Work Experience
- Low-level Tools and Techniques for Cyber Security
- Emerging Technologies in Cyber Security
- Forensics
Note: Optional modules are subject to availability and demand; as such, not all optional modules may run in one Academic Year.
Learning & Teaching
A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.
Due to the nature of the programme, online and campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery - so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.
Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.
Assessment
The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.
Employability & Careers
Hardly a week goes by without news of the latest “cyber attack”, and yet there is an acute shortage of people with appropriate skills to deal with the problem. This is directly affecting the ability of organisations to prevent or deal with attacks. A quick search for “cyber security skills shortage” shows how serious the problem is, with the Independent reporting that only 31.6% of the required cyber security jobs are filled.
With a growing demand for skilled graduates, the Cardiff Met Computer Security course will prepare you for a challenging and lucrative career in the forefront of the defence of business and national UK infrastructure. Real world experience can be obtained as part of your study completing an optional sandwich year placement / industrial internship. Over the past few years, our students have been successful in obtaining placements in nationally competitive schemes with Microsoft, HP, General Electric and the Met Office.
On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across computing and information systems here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Typical Offers
The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a
Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.
-
Tariff points: 104-112
-
Contextual offer: See our
contextual offers page.
-
GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
-
English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
-
A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
-
BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
-
T Level: Merit. No specific subjects required.
-
Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
-
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
-
Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
-
Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.
Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact
Admissions or refer to the
UCAS Course Search.
Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found
here.
If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or
RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.
How to Apply
Further information on how to apply can be found
here.
Contact Us