Computing

Cyber Security (Defensive Threat Detection)

Foundation Degree (FdSc)
Leaflet Code: HA0071


Overview

The United Kingdom has one of the most vibrant digital economies in the world. However, globally there is not currently the cyber security skills base to match, with both the Governments and private sector affected by the shortage in skills. The aim of the programme is to address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, train and support information security (InfoSec) specialist. The course is fast-paced and heavily practical, encouraging students to explore their individual interests in order to develop as InfoSec practitioners/engineers. The course is ideal for those with a passion for networking security and a desire for a career in the InfoSec sector.

Responding to the changes happening in the modern networking domains this course will offer educational opportunities that are forward thinking and progressive. InfoSec is underpinned by accepted best practice security theories and industry standards.

The programme explores a number of modules that engage students in the technical and practical aspects of working as a security engineer as well as stretching the individual’s horizons across programming, networking and professional topics. The modules are designed to challenge the practices and concepts of the students through critical and theoretical discussion, practice and reflection.

Each year of the programme has a unique focus in providing students with the techniques, knowledge, and methods in order to become an InfoSec engineer/specialist. The first year is the ‘skill’ year where a foundation of skills, techniques, knowledge and methods will be introduced. The second year is the ‘practice’ year where the skills, techniques, knowledge, and methods will be utilised in network security forensics, firewalls and penetration testing which includes a final project.

  • City Campus Manchester
  • Full Time
  • 2 years
  • September 2024

Awarding Partner:

Manchester Metropolitan University

All our staff have significant experience, teaching in higher education and related directly to the industry. Our teaching staff have relevant academic and industry recognised qualifications and are committed to yearly continuous professional development.


• We strongly recommend that all applicants have GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or level 9-4.

• 64 UCAS Tariff Points

Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
An interview is required for those applying who do not meet the entry requirement.
You will be asked to write a 500 word academic report and/or a practical assessment to gain an understanding of your writing and technical skills prior to the course.

UCEN Manchester is unable to consider international applications due to UKVI regulations.


Cyber Security Concepts (15 credits)
This unit will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills to begin the journey within network security. Students who complete this unit will be able to identify security threats, vulnerabilities, and help respond to and recover from security incidents. In addition, students will gain knowledge in designing and building secure networks necessary to plan and implement small secure networks across a range of applications using routers switching technology.

Employment and Academic Development in Technology (30 credits)
This unit will support student transition to graduate level study and professional careers. It will focus on developing and re-enforcing critical, analytical, academic and linguistic skills and preparing Students vocationally by enhancing their knowledge and skills to inform existing or potential professional careers. The unit will support students in developing employability skills and aid them in developing their professionalism in relation to their subject area.

Introduction to Operating Systems (30 credits)
Students will be able to competently operate any given Operating System and undertake routine maintenance tasks, whilst developing analytical and critical thinking skills to aid in their employment.

Introduction to Programming (15 credits)
This unit introduces fundamental concepts of computer programming. The unit includes the principles and practice of programming design, the implementation, and testing of programming solutions, and the concepts and principles of problem solving by computer.

Introduction to Web Scripting (15 credits)
This unit will enable students to produce scripts that interact with mark-up languages such as HTML, to produce standards-based machine-produced mark-up. Students taking the Introduction to Web Development unit will be able to add dynamic content to the material produced in that unit. Other students will find this unit a necessary introduction to scripting, necessary for many computational roles in industry.

Network Essentials (15 credits)
This unit will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills to begin the journey within networking. Students who complete this unit will gain knowledge in designing and building networks necessary to plan and implement small networks across a range of applications using routers switching technology.

A range of assessment methods are used in Level 4 and Level 5 and could be in the form of the following:

· Written reports
· Hands on skills assessment
· Proposal presentation
· Literature review

50% seminar/lecture 50% self-directed learning

All the books required for the course are available from the library. However, you may choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop which is highly recommended. Estimated costs for a laptop/desktop are £300. A portable hard drive is also highly recommended with a minimum of 1TB storage. Estimated costs of a hard drive is £40.

Materials are provided online and assignments are submitted electronically. However, you might also wish to print other documents.

Campus printing costs start from 5p per page.

All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here, full details of which can be found here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.