BSc (Honours) in Cyber Security Open University

Our cyber security degree combines three sought after streams of computing: networking, cyber security and digital forensics. It gives you a thorough understanding of socio-technical systems and skills to prevent or respond to cyber security incidents. And develops your ability to critically analyse and apply digital solutions to security examination and digital forensic investigations. This includes an appreciation of tools, techniques and legal requirements. The degree programme, with its well-balanced theory and practice, has a strong technical focus. You’ll develop your understanding of how networked cyber systems function and how they might be abused. The course centres around the relationship between technology, people, processes, the physical environment and cyber security. You’ll be able to pursue a wide array of career pathways within the public, private and charity sectors.

Key features of the course

• Curriculum aligned with The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) and with the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) framework.
• The cyber security skills gap and shortage of cyber security professionals globally will increase your employability.
• Develop your understanding of how cyber security fits into business and commerce through applied learning.
• Demonstrate your knowledge and skills through a substantial cybersecurity-related independent project.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying online OR studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• working in a group with other students
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• undertaking practical work OR using an online laboratory
• using specialist software (e.g. online Cisco networking labs in module TM257)
• finding external/third party material online.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll start Stage 1 with three 30-credit computing and IT modules and a 30-credit mathematics module.
• At Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• At Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules, choose a further 30-credit module and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.