MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (With Sandwich Year)
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Cyber Security program with an integrated sandwich year, designed to equip students with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime. This program emphasizes a proactive approach to security, focusing on preventing cyberattacks before they occur. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience, students are prepared for a successful career in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. The inclusion of a sandwich year provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain real-world industry experience, significantly enhancing their employability upon graduation.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (With Sandwich Year) is structured to provide a fundamental understanding of protecting organizations, networks, IT systems, and individuals from a wide array of cyber threats. It covers all the main topic areas recommended by the British Computing Society for an accredited Cyber Security degree. Core modules delve into crucial areas such as network design, operating systems security (including Windows, macOS, and Linux), and information security, emphasizing the importance of securing digital information within a business context. A significant focus is placed on practical tasks, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques, including penetration testing, malware identification, and ethical hacking. The program also examines contemporary cybercrime topics, including the security implications of big data and cloud computing, and offers optional modules in areas like data analytics and digital crime scene investigation, allowing students to specialize based on their career aspirations.
Research Focus: The School of Computing & Engineering at the University of Gloucestershire has a strong applied research focus, with a particular interest in research that addresses the concerns of users, the needs of businesses, and the rapid technological advancements within the IT and engineering sectors, including cybersecurity. While the information primarily details postgraduate research, it indicates a research-active environment that likely influences the undergraduate curriculum. The university is involved in research and knowledge transfer activities, often collaborating on industrial projects. This focus on applied research ensures that the program's content remains relevant and up-to-date with current industry challenges and innovations in the field of cybersecurity.
Industry Engagement: A key strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Cyber Security program is its strong links with the cyber security industry, particularly in Gloucestershire, which is increasingly recognized as a significant hub for the cyber sector in the UK. The program benefits from connections with major employers in the field, including government security departments like GCHQ, as well as multinational corporations such as Intel, IBM Security, Raytheon, and BAE Systems. These industry connections provide students with a wealth of opportunities, including exciting placement options during their sandwich year, guest lectures from industry experts, and valuable networking events. The curriculum development itself is informed by these industry partnerships, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that employers are actively seeking. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated cyber security lab with an isolated network for safe practice and a Cyber Control Centre, further enhance the industry-relevant learning experience.
Global Perspective: While the primary focus of the program is on the UK's cyber security landscape, the nature of cybercrime is inherently global. The curriculum's emphasis on understanding diverse cyber environments, from e-commerce platforms to high-security digital infrastructures, inherently provides a broader perspective on the challenges and solutions in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the University of Gloucestershire welcomes international students, contributing to a diverse and globally aware learning environment. Although explicit details on specific 'global perspective' modules in the undergraduate program were not found in the provided information, the foundational knowledge and practical skills gained are highly transferable and relevant to the cybersecurity industry worldwide. The strong industry links, including with multinational corporations, would also expose students to the global operations and challenges faced by these organizations in the realm of cybersecurity. The option of a sandwich year could potentially offer opportunities for international placements, further broadening a student's global perspective.
Location
Park, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates holding a BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security with a Sandwich Year from the University of Gloucestershire are highly employable, equipped with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained during their studies and the valuable placement year. Their expertise in understanding and mitigating cyber threats opens up a diverse range of career pathways within the burgeoning cybersecurity sector.
Cyber Security Analyst: A core role for graduates, involving the monitoring of networks and systems for security breaches, analyzing security incidents, and implementing defensive measures. The practical skills in intrusion detection and security tools gained from the program are directly applicable here.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Leveraging the ethical hacking and penetration testing skills honed during the course, graduates can work as 'ethical hackers' who legally test the security of systems by attempting to breach them to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.
Information Security Officer/Analyst: This role focuses on developing and implementing security policies and procedures within an organization to protect its information assets. The program's emphasis on information security and the business context of cyber risks prepares graduates for this.
Security Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms or as independent consultants, advising organizations on their cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and compliance with relevant regulations. The broad understanding of the cyber threat landscape gained would be beneficial.
Network Security Engineer: Specializing in securing network infrastructure, this role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network architectures. The program's modules on network design and security provide a strong foundation for this career.
Forensic Computer Analyst: Utilizing the principles of cyber forensics learned, graduates can investigate cybercrimes, recover compromised data, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. The optional module in digital crime scene investigation would be particularly relevant.
Cloud Security Specialist: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, there is a growing demand for professionals who can secure cloud environments. The program's examination of cloud systems and their security risks provides an entry point into this specialized area.
Security Architect: A more senior role typically requiring further experience, a Security Architect designs the overall security framework for an organization's IT systems and networks. The foundational knowledge from the degree, combined with practical experience from the sandwich year, can be a stepping stone.
Security Software Developer: Graduates with strong programming skills can specialize in developing secure software applications and tools to protect against cyber threats. While the program provides programming fundamentals, further specialization in secure coding practices would be advantageous.
Cyber Security Sales/Account Manager: For graduates with strong communication and interpersonal skills, a career in cybersecurity sales or account management involves promoting and selling cybersecurity products and services to businesses. Their technical understanding of the field would be a significant advantage in explaining the value of these solutions.
